Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

If you’re looking for a side dish that steals the show at every gathering, look no further than Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes. This recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients; it’s a warm memory from family dinners where everyone comes together to savor each cheesy bite. My dad perfected this dish over the years, and it has become a beloved staple at our holiday feasts and cozy weeknight dinners alike.

These au gratin potatoes are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. They’re the perfect comfort food that brings smiles to faces, making them ideal for any occasion—from casual family meals to festive celebrations!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy goodness: This dish features three types of cheese, ensuring every mouthful is packed with flavor.
• Simple preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, you can have this delightful side ready in no time!
• Family favorite: It’s hard to resist these creamy layers of potatoes, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare this dish in advance, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal with loved ones.
• Comfort food at its best: There’s nothing quite like indulging in rich, cheesy potatoes on a chilly evening.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Each component contributes to the creamy texture and rich flavor of this dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 (or whole wheat, all purpose, or gluten-free 1:1 flour)
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or regular, skim, or whole milk)
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (approximately 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! You can customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some tasty variations:

• Add veggies: Toss in sliced bell peppers or spinach for added color and nutrition.
• Spice it up: Mix in some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick.
• Switch up the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like fontina or mozzarella for unique flavors.
• Herb infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the aromatic profile.

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

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first! Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. This ensures that your au gratin potatoes bake evenly and develop that beautiful golden crust we all love. Grab a 2-quart square baking dish (or an 8×12 works too) and spray it with nonstick cooking spray or grease it with butter.

Step 2: Assemble the Potatoes and Onions

Now it’s time to layer those delicious potatoes! Arrange the sliced yukon gold potatoes in three tight slanted rows. Make sure they aren’t too cramped; a little space allows them to cook perfectly. Tuck onion slices between the potato layers—this adds sweetness and flavor throughout.

Step 3: Make Your Creamy Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s sizzling happily, whisk in a bit of flour before gradually adding the almond milk. This technique helps prevent lumps from forming. Stir until your sauce thickens up nicely—it should have a creamy gravy-like consistency.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Reduce heat to low and stir in that shredded cheddar cheese along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste as you go—feel free to adjust seasoning according to your preference! This step ensures that every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 5: Pour Over Potatoes

Pour that luscious sauce evenly over your arranged potatoes and onions. Don’t fret if it looks like there isn’t enough sauce; trust me—it will get nice and creamy while baking!

Step 6: Bake Covered

Cover your baking dish tightly with foil and pop it into the oven for about 45 minutes. This helps steam the potatoes until they’re tender.

Step 7: Add Toppings and Finish Baking

After those first crucial minutes are up, remove the foil and sprinkle gruyere cheese (or more cheddar if you’re feeling cheesy!) along with parmesan on top. Return it to the oven for another 30-45 minutes until golden brown perfection is achieved.

Once done baking, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color before serving up this comforting classic! Enjoy every cheesy bite of Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes!

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

Making these au gratin potatoes is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly creamy and cheesy every time!

• Use a mandoline for slicing: This tool can help you achieve uniform potato slices, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.

• Layer ingredients carefully: By placing the onions between the potato layers, you enhance the flavor profile, allowing the sweetness of the onions to infuse into every bite.

• Don’t rush the sauce: Allowing your sauce to simmer properly before pouring it over the potatoes helps develop deeper flavors and ensures it becomes thick and creamy.

• Check doneness with a fork: Instead of just relying on time, pierce the center of the potatoes after baking; they should be tender for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing your dish to sit for about 10-15 minutes after baking helps it set up nicely, making serving easier and allowing flavors to meld.

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

When it comes to presenting this delicious side dish, you’ll want to make it as inviting as it is tasty. Serve it hot from the oven in a lovely baking dish or transfer portions into individual ramekins for a fun twist at gatherings!

Garnishes

• Fresh chopped parsley: A sprinkle on top adds a pop of color and freshness that beautifully contrasts with the rich creaminess of the dish.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For those who like a little heat, these flakes can elevate the flavors while adding a delightful kick.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Roasted Green Beans: These tender green beans seasoned with garlic complement the richness of the au gratin potatoes perfectly while adding some vibrant color to your plate.

• Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa: This light and fluffy quinoa dish brings brightness to your meal with its tangy lemon dressing and fresh herbs, balancing out the creamy potatoes.

• Classic Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with crunchy croutons and zesty dressing provides a refreshing contrast that makes each bite more enjoyable.

• Grilled Vegetable Medley: Seasonal grilled vegetables add smoky flavors and colorful appeal, rounding out your meal beautifully while keeping things healthy.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re sure to impress friends and family alike with your dad’s famous creamy and cheesy au gratin potatoes! Enjoy crafting this delightful dish that brings everyone together around the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe for Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it later—making your weeknight dinners even more convenient.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the au gratin potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If you have a large batch, consider dividing it into smaller portions for easier reheating.

Freezing

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Alternatively, transfer portions to freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw frozen au gratin potatoes in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Cover with foil to prevent drying out and heat for about 25-30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes if you’d like a crispy top.

FAQs

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

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

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and gruyere give fantastic flavor, feel free to substitute your favorite cheeses. Just ensure they melt well for that creamy texture.

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

You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!

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

These cheesy potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or a fresh garden salad. They make an excellent side dish for any main course!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re excited to try making Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes! This classic recipe is not only rich in flavor but also evokes warm memories of family gatherings around the dinner table. Enjoy every cheesy bite and don’t hesitate to share this delightful dish with your loved ones. Happy cooking!