Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Cheesy, creamy au gratin potatoes made with three types of cheese create a side dish that everyone will adore. Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes are perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you desire a delicious and comforting side. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish special, ensuring every bite is filled with cheesy goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Prepare: This recipe is easy enough for beginner cooks, making it accessible for everyone.
• Rich Flavor: The blend of sharp cheddar and gruyere cheese delivers an irresistible cheesy flavor that elevates any meal.
• Versatile Side: Perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners, these potatoes can complement a variety of main dishes.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its creamy texture and cheesy topping, this dish is sure to impress family and friends at any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools and ingredients. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 2-quart square baking dish
• Nonstick cooking spray or butter/oil for greasing
• Sharp knife for slicing
• Whisk for mixing the sauce
• Medium saucepan for cooking the sauce

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Dish: A sturdy baking dish ensures even cooking and holds all the delicious layers of potatoes and cheese.
• Whisk: Using a whisk helps eliminate lumps in your creamy sauce, ensuring a smooth texture that coats the potatoes perfectly.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes

• 6-7 medium yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced into 1/8th inch rounds (3 pounds gold potatoes — by weight is a more accurate measure)
• ½ white or yellow onion, cut into slices

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (whole wheat, all-purpose, or gluten-free 1:1 flour will also work)
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (regular, skim or whole milk will also work)
• 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

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 2-quart square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or grease it with butter or oil.

Step 2: Layer the Potatoes and Onions

Place sliced potatoes in three tight slanted rows in the baking dish. Ensure there is space between potato slices so they can cook evenly. Add onion slices in between the rows and on top of the potatoes wherever possible.

Step 3: Make Your Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in a little bit of flour at a time while slowly adding the almond milk. Alternate between adding flour and milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Bring this mixture to a simmer until it reaches a consistency similar to creamy gravy.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning

Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste your sauce to adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Combine Sauce with Potatoes

Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and onions until they are well covered. Don’t worry; it will become creamy during baking.

Step 6: Bake Covered

Cover the pan with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 7: Add Toppings and Finish Baking

After 45 minutes, remove the foil. Sprinkle shredded gruyere (or additional cheddar) and grated parmesan on top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 30-45 minutes or until golden brown on top. The potatoes are done when easily pierced with a fork. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy!

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

Serving Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes is a delightful experience that enhances any meal. This rich and cheesy dish pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses and accompaniments, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or cozy dinners.

With Roasted Chicken

• Juicy roasted chicken complements the creamy texture of the potatoes, creating a satisfying plate that everyone will enjoy.

Alongside Grilled Vegetables

• Grilled vegetables add a nice contrast to the richness of the au gratin potatoes, providing both color and flavor to your meal.

As a Side for Beef Stew

• The hearty nature of beef stew is perfectly balanced by the creamy potatoes, making this combination a classic comfort food pairing.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnishing with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary not only adds flavor but also brightens up the presentation, making it visually appealing.

With a Simple Green Salad

• A crisp green salad offers freshness and crunch, which contrasts nicely with the creamy au gratin potatoes.

Paired with Turkey Meatballs

• Serving turkey meatballs with this dish adds protein while keeping the meal light yet indulgent at the same time.

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

To achieve the ultimate in creaminess and flavor with Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes, consider these helpful tips. They’ll ensure your dish turns out perfect every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and cheese elevate the flavor and texture of the dish significantly. Aim for high-quality ingredients for the best results.

• Thinly Slice Potatoes: Ensuring your potato slices are uniform (1/8 inch thick) helps them cook evenly and absorb more sauce.

• Whisk Vigorously: When preparing your cheese sauce, whisk vigorously to avoid lumps. This technique creates a smooth and creamy texture that envelops each potato slice.

• Layering Matters: Layering potatoes and onions properly helps to distribute flavors evenly throughout the dish, enhancing each bite with deliciousness.

• Let It Rest: After baking, let your au gratin potatoes sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Pairing side dishes with Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options that complement its rich flavors.

1. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus provides a fresh crunch that balances the creaminess of au gratin potatoes.

2. Steamed Broccoli: Tender steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and nutrients, making it a healthy choice alongside rich dishes.

3. Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet honey-glazed carrots bring a touch of sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory flavors in your meal.

4. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers a crunchy texture that pairs well with cheesy dishes; it’s perfect for scooping up extra sauce!

5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slightly bitter flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts enhances the richness of au gratin potatoes while adding depth to your plate.

6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with vegetables can offer a refreshing contrast to rich cheese-laden dishes, adding both nutrition and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using the wrong potato type: Not all potatoes are suitable for au gratin. Stick with Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for the best texture.
• Skipping the onion: Omitting onions can make your dish taste flat. Always include them for added flavor and sweetness.
• Not layering properly: Avoid tightly packing potatoes; they need space to cook evenly. Layer them loosely for better results.
• Ignoring the sauce consistency: A too-thick or too-thin sauce will affect the final dish. Aim for a creamy gravy-like consistency before pouring over the potatoes.
• Overbaking without checking: Baking too long can dry out the dish. Check for doneness with a fork to ensure potatoes are tender and creamy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-5 days for best quality.

Freezing Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

• Cool completely before freezing.
• Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
• Best if used within 2-3 months.

Reheating Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes that may help you while preparing this delicious side dish.

Can I make Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the potato layers and sauce ahead of time. Just assemble and store in the fridge for up to a day before baking.

What types of cheese work best for this recipe?

While sharp cheddar is essential, you can also experiment with Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even plant-based cheeses if desired.

How do I know when my au gratin potatoes are done?

Potatoes are done when they can be easily pierced with a fork and have a golden brown top.

Can I substitute almond milk in Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes?

Absolutely! Regular milk or any dairy-free alternative will work well in this recipe.

Final Thoughts

Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes is a delightful side dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. This versatile recipe allows for customization with different cheeses or added vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!