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Easy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe

Easy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe

5.2 from 14 reviews

This Easy Au Gratin Potatoes recipe offers a creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish perfect for family dinners and holiday meals. Thinly sliced potatoes are coated in a rich cheese sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and sharp cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection with a tender onion flavor throughout.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Potatoes

  • 6 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced thin

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Melt Butter: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter gently, ensuring it does not brown.
  3. Create Roux: Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper into the melted butter, mixing thoroughly to form a smooth paste that will thicken the sauce.
  4. Add Milk Gradually: Slowly add the milk a little at a time while stirring to combine, then increase the heat to medium and continue stirring to avoid lumps.
  5. Bring to Boil: Stir frequently until the mixture starts to boil, which will activate the thickening action of the roux.
  6. Thicken Sauce: Continue boiling for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce is thick and creamy.
  7. Finish Cheese Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the diced onion and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
  8. Coat Potatoes: Add the thinly sliced potatoes to the cheese sauce, stirring well to ensure every slice is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
  9. Assemble and Bake: Pour the potato and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish; cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes.
  10. Brown the Top: Remove the foil and discard it, then return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20–30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Notes

  • For best results, slice potatoes evenly to ensure even cooking.
  • You can add garlic powder or nutmeg to the sauce for extra flavor.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a richer taste; mild cheddar will yield a creamier but less robust flavor.
  • Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to thicken and set before serving.
  • To make ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate covered overnight, then bake just before serving, adding extra baking time if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Au Gratin Potatoes, easy potato casserole, cheesy potatoes, baked potato dish, side dish recipe