Craving the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic au gratin potatoes without the heavy calories? Get ready to revolutionize your comfort food game with this mouthwatering, lighter version that proves healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing flavor! Our Decadent Au Gratin Potatoes recipe transforms a traditional indulgence into a nutritious dish that will have your taste buds dancing and your body thanking you.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or additional butter.
- Wash and thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline or sharp knife, aiming for uniform 1/8-inch thick slices to ensure even cooking.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add whole wheat flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a light roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Gradually pour in the low-fat milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce begins to thicken and becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing until the cheese is melted and incorporated.
- Layer the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes, ensuring all slices are covered.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the potatoes for an additional layer of flavor and golden-brown crust.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow potatoes to become tender.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and potatoes are completely cooked through.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and potatoes to absorb flavors.
Tips
- Slice Uniformly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure even 1/8-inch potato slices. This guarantees consistent cooking and a beautiful layered presentation.
- Prevent Sauce Lumps: When making the roux, whisk continuously and add milk gradually to create a smooth, creamy sauce without any unwanted clumps.
- Cheese Selection: Choose a flavorful, low-fat cheese like reduced-fat cheddar or a blend to maintain great taste while keeping the dish healthier.
- Foil Technique: Covering the dish initially helps steam the potatoes, ensuring they're tender before achieving that golden-brown top.
- Resting Time Matters: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after baking. This allows the sauce to set and flavors to meld, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious final dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
