Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

If you’re looking for a side dish that brings smiles and comfort to every table, look no further than Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes. This recipe is a cherished family favorite, filled with layers of tender potatoes, rich cheeses, and a creamy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s not just a dish; it’s a warm hug on a plate! Perfect for holidays, cozy dinners, or just because—it elevates any meal and makes it feel special.

What truly sets my dad’s au gratin potatoes apart is the blend of three types of cheese that meld together beautifully. The creamy goodness pairs so wonderfully with every bite of potato and onion. Honestly, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself making it time and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves cheesy potatoes! This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it ahead of time and bake when you’re ready, making meal prep a breeze.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of cheeses creates an unforgettable taste that will leave your taste buds dancing!
• Versatile Side Dish: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Taco Tuesday, these au gratin potatoes fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these delightful au gratin potatoes, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Each element plays its part in bringing this comforting dish to life!

For the Potatoes

• 6-7 medium yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced into 1/8th inch rounds (about 3 pounds)
• ½ white or yellow onion, cut into slices

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (whole wheat or gluten-free 1:1 flour also works)
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or regular/skim/whole milk)
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 heaping cups)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper

For Topping

• ½ cup gruyere cheese (or substitute with more sharp cheddar)
• ¼ cup grated parmesan

To Garnish

• Fresh chopped parsley

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to switch things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach or broccoli for extra nutrients and color.
• Change Up the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for unique flavors.
• Spice It Up: Add some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick!
• Creamy Alternative: Swap out almond milk for coconut milk for a slightly sweet twist.

How to Make Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. This step ensures that your dish bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown after cooking.

Step 2: Arrange the Potatoes and Onions

Spray your baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or grease it lightly with butter or oil. Layer your sliced potatoes in three tight slanted rows. Don’t crowd them too much; they need room to cook properly. Place onion slices between the rows where you can fit them—this adds even more flavor!

Step 3: Make Your Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in a little flour at first, then slowly add the almond milk while continuing to whisk vigorously. This helps prevent lumps from forming. As it heats up, it should resemble creamy gravy—this is what gives you those dreamy au gratin textures!

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese along with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Give it a taste—if you love cheesy goodness like I do, you might want to add just a pinch more salt!

Step 5: Pour Sauce Over Potatoes

Carefully pour your cheesy sauce over the arranged potatoes and onions until they’re covered. Don’t worry if it looks like there’s too much sauce—it will thicken beautifully as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake Covered

Cover your baking dish with foil and pop it into the oven for about 45 minutes. This helps steam the potatoes so they become tender without burning.

Step 7: Add Toppings and Finish Baking

After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the top with gruyere cheese (or more cheddar) and parmesan. Return it to the oven for another 30-45 minutes until everything is bubbly and golden brown on top. You’ll know they’re done when you can easily pierce through the center with a fork.

Step 8: Garnish and Enjoy!

Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over your creamy masterpiece for color—and enjoy every cheesy bite with family or friends!

Pro Tips for Making Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Making the perfect creamy and cheesy au gratin potatoes is all about attention to detail and a few little tweaks. Here are some handy tips to ensure your dish turns out heavenly!

• Choose the right potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes work best due to their creamy texture and natural sweetness, which enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

• Slice evenly: Aim for thin, uniform slices (about 1/8 inch thick) to ensure even cooking. This prevents some pieces from being undercooked while others become mushy.

• Layer smartly: Lay your potato slices in a slightly slanted manner, allowing for better sauce distribution and a beautiful presentation. This helps each layer soak up that cheesy goodness!

• Taste as you go: Always taste your cheese sauce before pouring it over the potatoes. Adjusting salt and pepper at this stage ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.

• Let it rest: Allow the au gratin potatoes to sit for about 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier while enhancing the flavors.

How to Serve Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

These au gratin potatoes make a stunning centerpiece on any dinner table. Their golden-brown top, luscious cheese sauce, and hearty potatoes promise to impress everyone! Here are some ideas on how to present this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh chopped parsley: A sprinkle of vibrant green parsley adds color and freshness, cutting through the richness of the dish.
• Chopped chives or green onions: These add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color, making your dish look even more appetizing.
• Pine nuts or toasted breadcrumbs: For a bit of crunch, consider sprinkling toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

• Roasted vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted veggies like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts complements the creaminess of the au gratin while adding nutritional balance.

• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the cheesy richness of the potatoes.

• Grilled or baked chicken: Lean protein like herb-marinated grilled chicken pairs beautifully with creamy dishes, making for a well-rounded meal.

• Quinoa or rice pilaf: These nutty grains can soak up flavors well and provide an excellent counterpoint to the richness of your au gratin potatoes.

Now you’re ready to serve Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes like a pro! Enjoy creating delicious memories with this comforting side dish at your next gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

This delicious recipe for Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, store it properly, and enjoy it later without losing any of that creamy goodness.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the au gratin potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• To prevent sogginess, avoid stacking layers of potatoes.

Freezing

• Cool the dish completely and cut into portions for easier thawing.
• Wrap each portion tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the potatoes in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of heating.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this comforting side dish!

Can I use different types of cheese for Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes?

Absolutely! While cheddar and gruyere provide a wonderful flavor, feel free to experiment with gouda, fontina, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist.

How do I make Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and follow the recipe as directed.

Can I add other vegetables to Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach. Just make sure they are pre-cooked slightly before adding them to ensure even cooking.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes as much as my family does! This dish brings warmth and comfort to any table, whether it’s a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe out; I’m sure it will become a favorite in your household too. Happy cooking!