Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

If you’re looking for a side dish that brings a cozy, comforting vibe to your table, then look no further! Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes has been a family favorite for years. It’s one of those recipes that not only fills the belly but also warms the heart. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a holiday gathering, or just a casual dinner with loved ones, this dish is sure to impress.

What makes this recipe truly special is the creamy cheese sauce that envelops each layer of tender potatoes. With three types of cheese, it delivers a rich flavor that everyone will love. Trust me; once you serve this up, it’ll quickly become a cherished part of your family’s meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps and basic ingredients, you can whip this up in no time!
• Family Favorite: The combination of creamy cheese and tender potatoes is always a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Prep it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Perfect for busy days!
• Versatile Side Dish: Ideal for holidays or any meal—you can pair it with just about anything.
• Comfort Food Delight: There’s something incredibly satisfying about digging into layers of cheesy goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to bring this delicious dish to life. You probably have most of these on hand already!

For the Potatoes

• 6-7 medium yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced into 1/8th inch rounds (about 3 pounds)
• ½ white or yellow onion, cut into slices

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• ¼ cup all purpose flour (feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free 1:1 flour)
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk if you prefer)
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 heaping cups)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper

For Topping

• ½ cup gruyere cheese (or more sharp cheddar if you like)
• ¼ cup grated parmesan

To Garnish

• Fresh chopped parsley

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with different flavors and ingredients.

• Add Some Veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little kick.
• Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
• Cheese Lovers Unite: Swap out the cheeses for your favorites—Monterey Jack or mozzarella work beautifully too!

How to Make Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. This step ensures that your au gratin potatoes bake evenly and get that lovely golden crust on top. Spray a 2-quart square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or grease it with butter or oil. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Arrange the Potatoes and Onions

Layer the sliced potatoes in three tight slanted rows in your prepared baking dish. Be careful not to overcrowd them—leaving space allows those beautiful layers to cook evenly. Add onion slices throughout; you’ll be amazed at how they enhance the flavor when baked!

Step 3: Make Your Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in some flour slowly while adding almond milk bit by bit. Stir continuously to avoid lumps until you achieve a creamy gravy-like consistency. This sauce is key for achieving that delightful creaminess we all love.

Step 4: Cheese It Up!

Turn down the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste as you go; feel free to add more seasoning if needed! This is where all that cheesy goodness comes together.

Step 5: Pour Over Potatoes

Evenly pour your luscious sauce over the arranged potatoes and onions, ensuring everything gets coated nicely. Don’t worry if it looks like too much sauce—it will thicken as it bakes!

Step 6: Bake Covered

Cover the pan tightly with foil and pop it in the oven for about 45 minutes. This initial baking period helps soften those potato layers while they soak up all that cheesy flavor.

Step 7: Add Toppings and Finish Baking

After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle on gruyere cheese (or more cheddar) along with parmesan for added richness. Bake uncovered for another 30-45 minutes until everything is bubbly and golden brown on top. You can check doneness by piercing with a fork—if it goes through easily, it’s ready!

Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness. Now dig into this mouthwatering dish—you deserve every cheesy bite! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Creating the perfect au gratin potatoes is all about attention to detail and a few helpful tips that can make a good dish truly exceptional!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh potatoes and high-quality cheese will greatly enhance the flavor and texture of your dish. Avoiding pre-packaged products can lead to a creamier, more flavorful result.

• Layer wisely: When layering your potatoes and onions, aim for even distribution. This ensures that every bite has that delicious cheesy goodness and prevents some areas from being overcooked while others remain undercooked.

• Adjust the seasoning: Before pouring the sauce over your layers, taste it! The right balance of salt and pepper is crucial for bringing out the flavors in your dish. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later if needed.

• Don’t rush the baking process: Slow baking allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives the potatoes time to soften. If you find they’re not fully cooked after the recommended time, give them an additional 10-15 minutes—patience is key!

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing your au gratin potatoes to sit for about 10-15 minutes after removing them from the oven helps them set up nicely, making serving easier and enhancing the creamy texture.

How to Serve Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Presentation can elevate an already delicious dish, making it even more appealing at your dining table. Here are some ideas to showcase Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes beautifully!

Garnishes

• Fresh chopped herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top adds a pop of color and freshness, complementing the rich flavors of the dish.
• Additional cheese: For a touch of indulgence, add a bit more shredded cheese on top right before serving for a melty finish that enhances its cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

• Steamed broccoli: The bright green color and slight crunch of steamed broccoli provide a lovely contrast to the creamy potatoes while adding nutritional value.
• Roasted carrots: Sweet roasted carrots with their caramelized edges pair beautifully with au gratin potatoes, balancing richness with natural sweetness.
• Garden salad: A refreshing garden salad made with mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes offers a light counterpart to this hearty side dish.
• Grilled asparagus: Tender grilled asparagus spears lend a vibrant touch while their slight char complements the creaminess of the au gratin potatoes perfectly.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re well on your way to impressing friends and family alike with Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy the comforting flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the au gratin potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
• You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to maintain moisture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes!

Can I use different types of cheese in Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and gruyere provide a delicious flavor, feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses like mozzarella or gouda.

How do I make Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes gluten-free?

You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. The rest of the ingredients remain unchanged!

What can I serve with Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes?

These potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or a fresh salad. They make a great side dish for any occasion!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes! This recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s not just about the delicious cheesy goodness but also the memories it brings back. Enjoy creating this comforting dish that will surely bring smiles at your table. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to give it a try!