Description
Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes is a comforting baked casserole featuring tender sliced Yukon gold potatoes layered with onions and smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce made with sharp cheddar, garlic, and a blend of cheeses. This classic side dish is baked until golden and bubbly, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Vegetables
- 6-7 medium Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced
- ½ white or yellow onion, sliced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk)
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- ½ cup gruyere cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 2-quart square baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer Potatoes and Onions: Arrange the thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes and sliced onions evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating layers for even cooking.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a roux, then gradually add the milk while whisking continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and thickened.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Pour Sauce Over Potatoes: Evenly pour the cheese sauce over the layered potatoes and onions in the baking dish, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow potatoes to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Add Toppings and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the optional gruyere cheese and grated parmesan on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a richer dish, use regular whole milk instead of almond milk.
- Gruyere cheese is optional but adds a fantastic depth of flavor and a beautiful golden crust.
- Make sure to slice the potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Covering with foil during the first part of baking helps the potatoes cook through without drying out.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
