Recipe for Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes
This creamy au gratin potatoes dish is a classic comfort food, perfect for any family dinner or special occasion.
The layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, cheesy sauce make for an irresistible side dish.
Ingredients:
2 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh thyme, for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Potatoes:
Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly, about 1/8-inch thick. You can use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Dish:
Grease a large baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the dish, overlapping slightly.
Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it evenly.
Arrange the remaining potato slices on top, then pour the rest of the cheese sauce over them.
Bake the Potatoes:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
Let the au gratin potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Tips:
Cheese Variations: You can mix different types of cheese for added flavor, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or Fontina.
Adding Ingredients: For added depth, you can include caramelized onions or cooked bacon between the layers of potatoes.
Preventing Browning: If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil for the remaining baking time.
Enjoy your creamy au gratin potatoes, a dish that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!
