Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

If you’re looking for a cozy side dish that warms the heart and the tummy, let me introduce you to Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes. This delightful recipe is one that my dad has perfected over the years, and it’s become a staple in our family. Every bite is filled with cheesy goodness, making it a surefire hit at any gathering or even on a busy weeknight. Whether it’s a holiday feast or just a comforting dinner at home, these au gratin potatoes make every meal feel special.

What makes this dish truly wonderful is its simplicity. With everyday ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a creamy, cheesy delight that everyone will rave about. Plus, the aroma of baking potatoes mingling with melted cheese? It’s simply irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With only a few simple steps, you’ll have this delicious dish in the oven in no time.
• Family Favorite: The combination of cheeses and tender potatoes means this dish is loved by kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weekday meal or a holiday feast, these potatoes fit right in.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dish ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
• Deliciously Satisfying: The creamy sauce and cheesy topping create a comforting dish that’s sure to please.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes. These are all things you might already have in your kitchen!

For the Potatoes

• 6-7 medium yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced into 1/8th inch rounds (3 pounds gold potatoes — by weight is more accurate)
• 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 will work too)
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (regular, skim or whole milk also works)
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (2 heaping cups shredded cheddar cheese)
• 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! Here are a few ideas to customize your au gratin potatoes:

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli for an extra veggie boost.
• Spice it Up: Sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or paprika for a bit of heat.
• Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for unique flavors.
• Herb Infusion: Mix in herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the flavor profile.

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

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. This step ensures that your dish cooks evenly and achieves that perfect golden brown top.

Step 2: Arrange the Potatoes and Onions

Spray your baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or grease it with butter. Then, layer the sliced potatoes in three tight slanted rows. Don’t pack them too tightly; they need space for even cooking! Sprinkle onion slices between the rows and on top of the potatoes for added flavor.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt your butter. Once melted, whisk in a bit of flour before slowly adding in almond milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Bringing this mixture to a simmer gives you that creamy gravy-like consistency that will coat your potatoes beautifully.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Reduce the heat to low and stir in your shredded cheddar cheese along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste your sauce—this is where you can adjust seasoning as needed to make it just right!

Step 5: Pour Over Potatoes

Carefully pour your creamy sauce over the arranged potatoes and onions. Don’t worry if it seems thin; it will thicken as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake Covered

Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This helps steam the potatoes until they’re tender.

Step 7: Add Toppings and Finish Baking

After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle gruyere cheese (or more cheddar) along with parmesan on top. Return it to the oven for another 30-45 minutes until golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when you can easily pierce through the middle of the potato layers with a fork.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy bite together!

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

Making the perfect au gratin potatoes can be a breeze with just a few helpful tips!

• Choose the right potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes are ideal for this dish because they have a creamy texture and hold their shape well during baking, ensuring your au gratin remains hearty and flavorful.

• Slice evenly: Aim for uniform 1/8-inch slices. This helps ensure that all the potato slices cook evenly, resulting in a creamy consistency throughout the dish.

• Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing the au gratin to rest for at least 10-15 minutes after baking helps the flavors meld together beautifully and makes it easier to serve.

• Experiment with cheeses: While sharp cheddar and gruyere provide great flavor, feel free to mix in other cheeses like fontina or mozzarella for added creaminess and complexity.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different! Before pouring the sauce over your potatoes, taste it and adjust the salt and pepper according to your family’s preference for a perfectly seasoned dish.

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

Serving dad’s creamy & cheesy au gratin potatoes can be as fun as making them! This comforting side dish deserves a beautiful presentation, whether you’re hosting a special dinner or enjoying a casual meal with family.

Garnishes

• Fresh chopped chives: Sprinkle some finely chopped chives on top for a pop of color and an onion-like flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to give your dish an exciting kick.
• Additional grated cheese: A light dusting of extra cheese on top before serving can make it even more irresistible!

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: The slight bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts complements the richness of the au gratin, providing a delightful contrast in flavors.

• Garlic bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover cheesy sauce on your plate—it’s comfort food at its finest!

• Steamed green beans: Bright green beans add color and freshness to your meal, balancing out the heaviness of the potatoes while providing essential nutrients.

With these simple serving suggestions, you’ll create not only a delicious meal but also an inviting table that everyone will love! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a comforting side dish throughout the week. You can prepare it in advance, store it properly, and even freeze portions for later use.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the au gratin potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Ensure the au gratin potatoes are fully cooled before freezing.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw frozen potatoes in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Remove foil during the last 10 minutes to crisp up the top.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes:

Can I make Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes without gluten?

Absolutely! Simply substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version of this classic dish.

What can I serve with Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes?

These cheesy potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

How do I ensure my Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes turn out creamy?

Make sure to whisk the sauce thoroughly as you add the milk and cheese. A gentle simmer will help achieve that creamy texture you’re looking for!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes as much as I do! This recipe holds a special place in my heart, bringing warmth and comfort to any meal. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a cozy weeknight dinner, these cheesy delights are sure to impress everyone at your table. Happy cooking!

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