Cheesy Potato Gratin, or Potatoes Au Gratin, is a classic, comforting side dish that’s a hit at any gathering. With its layers of tender potatoes, rich and creamy cheese sauce, and crispy golden top, this dish is truly a crowd-pleaser. Whether served for a holiday feast or a casual dinner, Cheesy Potato Gratin is sure to be the star of the show.
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Why Cheesy Potato Gratin is the Perfect Side Dish
Cheesy Potato Gratin is a perfect blend of textures: creamy, cheesy, and crispy. The secret lies in the layers of thinly sliced potatoes, bathed in a velvety cream mixture made with garlic, cheddar, and Parmesan. Baked to perfection, it develops a golden crust on top while staying soft and tender inside. This indulgent side dish pairs perfectly with any main course and is ideal for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Ingredients for the Best Cheesy Potato Gratin
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Cheesy Potato Gratin
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 3-quart baking dish with 2 tablespoons of butter.
Step 2: Slice the Potatoes
Thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline slicer to ensure uniform thickness. This will ensure even cooking and create a perfect texture throughout the gratin.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream and Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, shredded cheddar, 4 tablespoons of Parmesan, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the sliced potatoes and toss until each slice is evenly coated with the cream mixture.
Step 4: Layer the Potatoes
Arrange the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, standing them upright in rows. Continue layering until the dish is full. Pour the remaining cream mixture over the potatoes and dot the top with the remaining butter.
Step 5: Bake the Gratin
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. After this, remove the foil, sprinkle the top with the remaining Parmesan cheese, and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 6: Broil for a Golden-Brown Finish
For a crispy top, broil the gratin on high for about 1 minute or until the top turns golden brown. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Potato Gratin
- Even Coating: Ensure that every slice of potato is well-coated in the cream mixture to avoid any dry spots and to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Uniform Slices: Slice the potatoes as uniformly as possible to help them cook evenly. A mandoline slicer makes this process faster and more consistent.
- Use Foil: Covering the gratin with foil during the initial baking stage helps the potatoes cook through without drying out. Uncovering the dish allows the top to crisp and brown beautifully.
Variations for Cheesy Potato Gratin
Cheesy Potato Gratin is versatile and can be easily customized. Here are some delicious variations:
- Different Cheeses: Swap out the cheddar for other cheeses such as Gruyère, Comté, or Fontina for a different flavor profile.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives for an aromatic touch.
- Add-ins: Stir in some crispy bacon, diced ham, or caramelized onions for an extra savory punch.
- Lighter Version: Replace heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter version, although the texture may not be as rich.
Make-Ahead Instructions for Cheesy Potato Gratin
You can prepare this gratin ahead of time. Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, then cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, allow the gratin to come to room temperature and add an extra 5-7 minutes to the baking time.
FAQs
Yes, while russet potatoes are the best for this recipe due to their high starch content, Yukon Gold potatoes also work well. Avoid waxy potatoes like red-skinned potatoes, as they may not soften properly.
Store any leftover gratin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake it at 350°F for about 15 minutes to warm through.
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing, resulting in a less desirable texture.
Related recipes
If you’re looking for more delicious potato recipes, check out these options:
- Crispy Breakfast Potatoes – A simple and delicious potato side dish for any meal.
- Easy Breakfast Pizza – A cheesy breakfast favorite to start your day with!
Cheesy Potato Gratin
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Potato Gratin, also known as Potatoes Au Gratin, is a classic, comforting side dish with layers of tender potatoes, rich creamy cheese sauce, and a crispy golden top.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 3-quart baking dish with 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline slicer for uniform thickness.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, shredded cheddar, 4 tablespoons of Parmesan, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Add the sliced potatoes and toss to coat.
- Arrange the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, standing them upright in rows. Pour the remaining cream mixture over the potatoes and dot with the remaining butter.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining Parmesan, and bake for another 25-30 minutes until fork-tender.
- Broil for 1 minute or until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ensure even coating for every slice of potato to avoid dry spots. Use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Final thoughts
Cheesy Potato Gratin is the ultimate comfort food that adds a rich, creamy element to any meal. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or a casual dinner, it’s sure to impress. The crispy top, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese make it a dish everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to try out the different variations and make it your own!
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