A simple, creamy potato side dish that is easy to make and tastes great.
introduction
Potatoes Au Gratin is a warm, creamy bake of thin potato slices and cheese. It makes a good side for meat or a main for a light meal. If you want another potato idea that cooks faster, try an air-fry breakfast potatoes guide.
why make this recipe
- It is simple and uses few ingredients.
- It is creamy, cheesy, and filling.
- You can make it ahead and warm it later.
- It pairs well with many main dishes.
how to make Potatoes Au Gratin
Follow these steps to make the dish. Work in order and keep things simple.
Ingredients :
- 2 pounds potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated cheese (such as Gruyère or Cheddar)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the dish)
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter.
- In a bowl, combine the heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish. Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with half of the grated cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes, cream mixture, and cheese.
- Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and crispy.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
how to serve Potatoes Au Gratin
- Serve hot, right from the oven.
- Spoon portions onto plates next to roasted meat, chicken, or a simple salad.
- For a lighter meal, serve with a green salad and steamed vegetables.
- Let it sit 5 minutes before serving so the cream sets a little.
how to store Potatoes Au Gratin
- Cool to room temperature first.
- Cover and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 15-20 minutes.
- You can freeze portions in a sealed container for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Potatoes Au Gratin
- Slice potatoes thin and even so they cook at the same rate.
- Use a mandoline or a sharp knife for even slices.
- Taste the cream mix before you pour it over the potatoes to check salt and pepper.
- Cover while baking first, then remove the foil so the top browns.
- Let the dish rest a few minutes before cutting to keep it from falling apart.
variation (if any)
- Add thin slices of onion between potato layers for more flavor.
- Mix in cooked bacon bits for a smoky touch.
- Use a mix of Gruyère and Cheddar for a richer taste.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream for a warm note.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream (texture will be less rich).
FAQs
Q: Can I use russet or Yukon potatoes?
A: Yes. Both work. Yukon gold is creamier and needs the same cook time.
Q: Do I need to peel the potatoes?
A: Peeling is usual, but you can leave the skins on if you like a more rustic dish. Clean well first.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the dish, cover, and keep in the fridge for up to a day. Bake when ready.
Q: How do I know when it is done?
A: Potatoes are done when a knife slides easily through the slices and the top is golden.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Yes. Thin slices of zucchini or thin cooked spinach can work, but they may change the bake time.
Potatoes Au Gratin
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple, creamy potato side dish that is easy to make and tastes great.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated cheese (such as Gruyère or Cheddar)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the dish)
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter.
- Combine the heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish. Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with half of the grated cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes, cream mixture, and cheese.
- Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and crispy.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Slice potatoes thin and even for consistent cooking. Cover while baking first, then remove the foil for browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg