Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes – Add a touch of sophistication to your dinner table with our recipe, for Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes inspired by the flavors of French cuisine. Thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes and tender onions are delicately layered and smothered in a cheese sauce creating a side dish that strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. Whether you’re hosting an occasion or simply craving an accompaniment these au gratin potatoes will tantalize your taste buds and have your guests coming back for more.
My initial encounter with this timeless delicacy left an impression on my culinary journey. The velvety texture intertwined with the essence of cheese instantly won me over. Now I am thrilled to share our recipe that allows you to recreate these mouthwatering au gratin potatoes in the comfort of your kitchen. The layers of cooked potatoes the decadent sauce and the golden cheesy topping harmonize flawlessly to create a medley of flavors and textures that will captivate everyone’s palate.
What makes this Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes stand out?
Elevate your dining experience with our revamped version of Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes—a twist on a French dish crafted specifically for home cooking enthusiasts, like yourself. Immerse yourself in sliced Yukon Gold potatoes and tender onions meticulously arranged in layers bathed in a cheese sauce infused with sharp cheddar, garlic notes and carefully selected seasonings. What makes these au gratin potatoes stand out is the combination of elements guaranteeing that every bite is a delightful mix of textures ranging from smooth and tender to irresistibly crispy. Whether you’re enjoying them at a gathering or a cozy family meal these potatoes bring together a blend of flavors and add a touch of French culinary elegance, to your table. Indulge in the comforting creaminess and decadent cheesiness, with each forkful.
What You Need To Make This Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe?
Yukon Gold Potatoes: The spotlight of this dish belongs to the Yukon Gold potatoes, which are renowned, for their velvety texture and buttery taste. Slicing them thinly ensures that they cook evenly and create a sensation with every bite.
Onion: Adding onions brings a combination of sweetness and savory depth to the dish. They blend seamlessly with the potatoes imparting flavor as they cook.
Butter: Salted butter not only contributes a buttery flavor but also helps in creating a flavorful base for the cheese sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: The flour acts as a thickening agent in the sauce ensuring it has the consistency for coating the potatoes and onions.
Almond Milk (Milk of Choice): Although the recipe suggests using almond milk you have the freedom to choose your milk variety—be it regular skim, whole or even lactose-free—to suit your dietary preferences. The milk serves as the foundation of the cheese sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese takes the stage in this cheese sauce by infusing its flavor and smooth texture. Feel free to experiment with types of cheese, for flavor profiles.
Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic powder elevates the taste by adding a subtle aromatic note to the creamy cheese sauce.
Salt and Pepper: Salt and cracked black pepper play a role in enhancing the flavor of all the elements involved – potatoes, sauce and cheese.
Gruyere Cheese and Parmesan: Gruyere cheese and finely grated Parmesan, which are sprinkled on top create a combination of textures and flavors. The gruyere adds richness while the parmesan brings a salty and savory touch, to the golden brown crust.
Steps To Make Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes:
Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 2 square baking dish or an 8×12 inch dish, with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
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Step 2: To layer the potatoes arrange the sliced Yukon Gold potatoes in three rows, tilted and place onion slices between and on top of the rows.
Step 3: Next in a saucepan over medium heat melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour. Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to prevent any lumps. Let the mixture simmer until it reaches a gravy consistency.
Step 4: For the cheese sauce reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Step 5: Evenly pour the cheese sauce over the layered potatoes and onions. As it bakes you’ll notice that the sauce thickens beautifully.
Step 6: Cover the baking dish with foil. Bake for 45 minutes.
Step 7: After this time has passed, remove the foil. Sprinkle half a cup of shredded gruyere (or cheddar) as well as a quarter cup of grated parmesan, on top of the potatoes. Put it back in the oven for another 30 to 45 minutes. Until you achieve tender potatoes with a brown top.
Step 8: Once the potatoes are cooked, take them out of the oven. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a finishing touch.
Step 9: Savor the cheesy au gratin potatoes as an accompaniment, to your meal!
Tip:
To enhance the taste further you may want to think about incorporating an amount of freshly picked thyme leaves or rosemary in between the layers of potatoes. These fragrant herbs will imbue the dish with an essence taking the overall flavor of your Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes to new heights.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe, or is Yukon Gold essential?
While Yukon Gold potatoes are known for their creamy texture you can certainly opt for other types of waxy potatoes such as red potatoes or fingerlings as substitutes. Just bear in mind that the texture might differ slightly but the dish will still turn out delicious.
Can I prepare this dish in advance and reheat it later?
Absolutely! You can make Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes in advance. Simply assemble the dish up until the point before baking, cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve follow the baking instructions. You might need to add a few minutes to ensure that the potatoes are heated through.
Can I make this recipe lactose-free or dairy-free?
Certainly! To create a dairy-free version of this dish you can substitute lactose milk and choose from various dairy-free cheese options available on the market. Many plant-based cheeses have a melting capability. Taste similar to cheese. Just ensure that the dairy-free cheese you select is suitable for melting since some varieties work better than others.
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<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
Ingredients
For the au gratin:
- 6-7 medium Yukon Gold potatoes thinly sliced into 1/8th inch rounds (about 3 pounds)
- 1/2 white or yellow onion thinly sliced
For the sauce:
- 2 tbsp. salted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour whole wheat, all-purpose, or gluten-free 1:1 flour can be used
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk or your choice of milk
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese approximately 2 heaping cups shredded
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp salt plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
For topping:
- 1/2 cup gruyere cheese or more sharp cheddar
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
To garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure to grease a 2 baking dish.
- Arrange the sliced potatoes and onions, in layers within the dish.
- In a saucepan melt some butter over medium heat. Then whisk in flour, gradually adding milk while whisking to prevent any lumps from forming. Let it simmer until it thickens nicely.
- Now add cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt and pepper to the sauce. Taste it. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Next, pour this cheese sauce over the layered potatoes and onions in the baking dish.
- Cover the dish with foil. Bake it for 45 minutes.
- After that time has passed, remove the foil from the dish. Sprinkle some gruyere and parmesan on top of everything and continue baking for 30 to 45 minutes until you achieve a golden brown color.
- Finally, once you take it out of the oven garnish with parsley, for an added touch of freshness. Now you can sit back. Enjoy this dish!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
