creamy au gratin potatoes recipe

Here’s a creamy and cheesy recipe for classic Au Gratin Potatoes that’s perfect for any occasion:

Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes

Ingredients

• For the Potatoes:
  • 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 4-5 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes)
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• For the Sauce:
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Gruyère)
• For Topping:
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
   • Peel (if desired) and thinly slice the potatoes. You can use a mandoline for even slices.
   • Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl of cold water to prevent them from turning brown.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Stir in the flour and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is lightly golden.
   • Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and comes to a simmer.
   • Stir in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme. Remove from heat and mix in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   • Drain the potatoes and layer half of them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the onion slices and minced garlic.
   • Pour half of the creamy cheese sauce over the first layer of potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, onions, garlic, and sauce.
5. Add the Topping:
   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs evenly over the top. This will give a lovely crusty finish.
6. Bake:
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Serve:
   • Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the creamy sauce set a bit, making it easier to serve.

Enjoy your rich and cheesy Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes! They’re perfect as a side dish for any meal.