Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Loaded Au Gratin Potatoes! This irresistible dish combines tender, thinly sliced russet potatoes with rich layers of creamy goodness, all topped with gooey cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. With just a little prep time and a heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen, you won’t be able to resist diving into this cheesy delight. Ready to elevate your potato game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Wash and carefully slice the russet potatoes into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/8 inch thick. Use a mandoline slicer for consistent thickness if possible.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, milk, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture until well blended and smooth.
- Layer the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice. Pour the cream mixture evenly over the potato layers, ensuring all potatoes are partially submerged.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the potato layers, distributing it evenly across the dish.
- Add the bacon bits across the cheese layer, providing a savory and crispy element to the dish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment for even cooking and moisture retention.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil, add the remaining cheddar cheese on top, and return to the oven uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 10 minutes to allow the sauce to set and potatoes to absorb the creamy mixture.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. The potatoes should be tender, creamy, and have a golden, crispy cheese top.
Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for large russet potatoes for their starchy texture, which helps achieve that perfect creamy consistency in au gratin dishes.
- Uniform Slicing: For even cooking, slice your potatoes to about 1/8 inch thick. A mandoline slicer is a great tool to ensure uniformity and save time.
- Layering is Key: When layering the potatoes, slightly overlap each slice to create a beautiful presentation and ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
- Baking with Foil: Covering the dish with aluminum foil during the first part of baking helps trap steam, making the potatoes tender and allowing them to cook evenly.
- Golden Cheese Finish: For that irresistible golden and bubbly cheese topping, remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking and keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
- Let it Rest: After baking, allow the dish to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the creamy sauce set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the green onions! They add a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich flavors of the dish, making each bite even more delightful.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 75mg
