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This favorite recipe for The Ultimate Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes pairs thinly sliced potatoes and onions in a self-indulgent, rich creamy Cheddar cheese sauce.
A Symphony of Flavor: Mastering Au Gratin Potatoes
Au Gratin Potatoes, originating from the heart of French cuisine, have woven themselves into culinary traditions worldwide. Centuries ago, this dish began its journey in France, swiftly finding favor across international borders. With their layers of tenderly sliced potatoes drenched in a sumptuous cheese sauce, crowned with a golden, crispy cheddar topping, they exemplify what it means to be comfort food. This delightful concoction has secured its place as a cherished staple at many a dinner table, inviting a slice of classic French gastronomy into homes around the globe.
Essential Ingredients for a Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe
- Potatoes: The backbone of this French classic, they are sliced thinly to ensure a tender experience in every bite.
- Onion: Its sharpness cuts through, offering a balance to the creamy layers.
- Milk: Essential for the smooth sauce, it combines with other elements to drape each potato in creaminess.
- Salt & Pepper: They will have tuned the flavor profile, preparing each mouthful to perfection.
- Dry Mustard: A tangy touch to zest up the creamy concoction is promised.
- Cheddar Cheese: It pledges richness and velvety texture, greeting the palate with boldness.
- Butter and Flour: Together, they promise to thicken the sauce, employing the roux method for a luxurious consistency.
The Journey to Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
Start by layering thinly sliced potatoes and onions in a pan. Butter is then melted, and flour gets whisked in, creating a roux. You will slowly pour milk, stirring until smooth. Salt, pepper, and mustard will season the sauce, with cheddar cheese melted into it. This sauce is then poured over the potatoes. They bake at 180 degrees until tender. For a golden crust, a brief broil is the final touch, presenting the classic French dish. This method ensures each bite is a delightful blend of comfort and tradition, perfect for family meals.
Serve Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes on Your Table
The moment arrives to present your au gratin potatoes, now rich with a golden crust signaling their readiness. This finale transforms the potato side dish into a festivity of French cuisine and comfort food, essential for family meals. Gently garnish the golden top with fresh parsley. This not only injects a burst of color but balances the dish’s creamy richness with freshness. Au gratin potatoes pair effortlessly with various main courses. They bring warmth to the plate alongside the tenderness of roast chicken or the boldness of grilled steak. Every slice served is an invitation to experience homemade au gratin’s magic, elevating the dining experience. The act of sharing these potatoes fosters connections, turning each meal into a memorable gathering. Thus, the essence of creating classic French dishes like au gratin lies in the joy of shared culinary adventures, where every bite speaks of love and tradition.
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The Ultimate Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Depending on portion size
- Category: Side Dishes
- Method: Easy
Description
Discover a comforting side dish that’s as simple as it is delicious. This classic Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes recipe blends thinly sliced potatoes and onions in a rich, silky cheese sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, these oven-baked potatoes promise a golden, crispy finish and a warm, satisfying taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- Potatoes – thinly sliced (use your preferred quantity)
- Onion – thinly sliced
- 2 cups (500 ml) milk
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dry mustard
- 1 cup (250 ml) cheddar cheese – grated
- 3 tablespoons (37.5 ml) butter
- 3 tablespoons (37.5 ml) flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F.
- Grease an oven-proof pan.
- Layer the thinly sliced potatoes and onions alternately in the pan.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook briefly to form a roux.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and silky.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and dry mustard.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined.
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and onions.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the potatoes are tender when poked (approximately 45–60 minutes).
- For an extra golden crust, finish by placing the dish under the grill for a few seconds.
- Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, comforting dish.
Notes
Created, Prepared, tried, and tested by Rochelle from SA Tasty Recipes – Saffas Daily Recipes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 544
- Sugar: 12.2 g
- Sodium: 519.9 mg
- Fat: 16.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 9.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 83.3 g
- Fiber: 11.6 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 46.4 mg
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Why This Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe Works
This recipe’s success lies in its simplicity and balance. The creamy, cheesy sauce complements the natural flavor of the potatoes and onions, while the brief grilling step creates an irresistible crust. It’s a classic comfort food that brings together history, love, and practical benefits—a dish that nourishes both the body and the soul.
Tips for Success
- Use a mandoline or sharp knife for uniformly thin slices.
- Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste; add a pinch of paprika for extra depth.
- Prepare a double batch to enjoy as leftovers or to serve at gatherings.
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These look yummy and fairly simple, too! What’s better than Au Gratin potatoes in Spring!
Hope you will give these a try and enjoy these delicious potato dish. The little one will also love it
That would cheer you up on a chilly night! #HappyNow
They are always a treat at any meal. Thanks for visiting Lydia.
Au Gratin just might be my favorite way to eat potatoes. Besides mashed of course 🙂
Totally agree Kristen, although now that I am on Keto, I do not eat potato, or hardly, but as a treat, I will have to make this again. Enjoy and thanks for visiting.
Great recipe! I grew up enjoying potatoes au gratin and loving it.
Thank you so much, Carol. It’s delicious, hope you will have some soon.
Yum! I love Au Gratin potatoes!
Morning Amy, Glad you love it and hope you will try this one as well. Enjoy.