Get ready to transport yourself to a world of pure comfort and nostalgia with the most irresistible au gratin potatoes you'll ever taste! This legendary family recipe is more than just a side dish – it's a culinary hug that will have your family begging for seconds. Imagine layers of perfectly sliced potatoes swimming in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're looking to impress your dinner guests or simply craving a hearty, soul-warming dish, these au gratin potatoes are about to become your new favorite recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly and use a sharp mandoline or knife to slice them into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/8 inch thick. Aim for consistent slice thickness to ensure even cooking.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once fully melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice. After each layer, pour a portion of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, ensuring even distribution.
- Continue layering potatoes and cheese sauce until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of cheese sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the surface.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a loose tent to allow steam to escape. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- • Use a mandoline slicer for consistently thin potato slices to ensure even cooking • Choose a good melting cheese like sharp cheddar for maximum flavor • Don't skip the resting time after baking – it helps the sauce set and makes serving easier • For extra richness, you can substitute some milk with heavy cream • Make sure to season your cheese sauce well – a little salt and pepper can elevate the entire dish • For a crispy top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking • This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking – perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 65mg
