If you are searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe. This dish is a luscious mix of tender Yukon gold potatoes enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce that melds sharp cheddar with melty gruyere and parmesan. Perfectly golden and bubbling right out of the oven, these potatoes are a symphony of creamy textures and savory flavors, making them a standout side or even a main for a cozy meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this recipe brings heartwarming satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish right is all about the quality and simplicity of your ingredients. Each one plays an important role, from the buttery base to the cheeses that create that irresistible golden crust. Here’s what you’ll gather to bring Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe to life:
- Yukon gold potatoes: Thinly sliced, they provide the perfect creamy texture without falling apart.
- White or yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor layered between the potatoes.
- Salted butter: Essential for creating a smooth, flavorful roux that forms the sauce base.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce into a luscious, clingy cheese coating.
- Unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk): Creates the creamy foundation of the sauce with a gentle richness.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: For that classic, tangy cheesiness that makes this dish irresistible.
- Garlic powder: A hint of savory spice to elevate the cheesy sauce.
- Salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and bite to the dish.
- Gruyere cheese (optional): For a nutty, sophisticated flavor that crowns the casserole beautifully.
- Grated parmesan: Contributes a salty, crispy topping when baked to golden perfection.
- Fresh parsley: Garnishes with a pop of color and a fresh, herby finish.
How to Make Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 2-quart square baking dish. The greasing step is crucial to ensure the potatoes don’t stick and bake evenly, setting the stage for a perfectly cooked casserole.
Step 2: Layer the Potatoes and Onions
Next, arrange the thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes and onions in alternating layers inside your prepared dish. This layering helps distribute flavors evenly and ensures every bite has that delightful hint of sweet onion.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce Base
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking just long enough to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in your milk until the mixture thickens into a smooth, creamy sauce that’s ready for cheese.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasonings
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese along with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground pepper. This step melts the cheese into the sauce, infusing it with savory flavor and creating the signature creaminess of Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe.
Step 5: Combine Sauce with Potatoes
Pour the rich cheese sauce over your layered potatoes and onions, making sure everything is coated beautifully. This sauce is the heart of the dish, binding the layers together and infusing them with flavor.
Step 6: Bake Covered, Then Uncover and Top
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and sprinkle the top with the gruyere and parmesan cheeses. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, or until the top is gorgeously golden brown and bubbly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley on top to add a fresh, vibrant note and an inviting pop of color that makes the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch, adding a bright green color and fresh flavor. You can also experiment with chives or thyme to add different herbal notes that complement the rich cheese sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken or pork, or alongside a crisp green salad to balance out its richness. Even serving it with steamed vegetables offers a great contrast in texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, consider serving these potatoes in individual ramekins for a fancy, personal touch. You can also layer in cooked bacon or caramelized onions between the potatoes for added indulgence—just another way to customize Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe to suit your taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling completely, store any leftover au gratin potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making this an excellent make-ahead dish for busy weeknights.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with baking as directed for fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F for about 20–25 minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain the dish’s creamy texture and avoid drying out the potatoes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
You can substitute with russet potatoes, but Yukon golds are preferred for their creamy texture and buttery flavor that complement the cheese sauce perfectly in Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
While the recipe calls for cheese and butter, using unsweetened almond milk is a great dairy-free option for the sauce base, but keep in mind the cheeses still contain dairy unless you use dairy-free alternatives.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce while keeping it just as creamy and delicious.
What cheese combinations work best?
The classic sharp cheddar combined with gruyere and parmesan adds depth and a perfect melty texture. Feel free to explore other melting cheeses like fontina or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
How thick should I slice the potatoes?
Thin slices about 1/8 inch thick work best, as they cook evenly and absorb the cheesy sauce beautifully without becoming mushy.
Final Thoughts
This recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate. Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of comfort food done right. Trust me, once you try it, this cheesy, creamy, golden delight will become a cherished favorite in your home too. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to impress with every delicious bite!
Print
Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes is a comforting and indulgent casserole featuring thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan. This classic side dish boasts layers of tender potatoes and onions, smothered in a luscious homemade cheese sauce and baked to golden perfection with a crispy top. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe delivers cheesy, garlicky, and savory flavors with every bite.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Vegetables
- 6–7 medium Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced
- ½ white or yellow onion, sliced
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk)
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Topping
- ½ cup gruyere cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 2-quart square baking dish to prevent sticking and for easy serving.
- Layer potatoes and onions. Arrange the thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes and sliced onions in layers evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes without browning. Gradually pour in the almond or regular milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
- Add cheese and seasonings. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the sauce. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is creamy and combined.
- Pour sauce over potatoes. Carefully pour the prepared cheese sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and onions in the baking dish, ensuring all slices are coated.
- Bake covered. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This steaming helps the potatoes cook through and absorb the flavors.
- Add topping and finish baking. Remove the foil and sprinkle the optional gruyere cheese and grated parmesan evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and almond milk, and choose dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Yukon gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture when baked; Russets can be used but may be less creamy.
- The optional gruyere cheese adds a nutty, rich flavor and enhances browning but can be omitted or substituted.
- Let the dish sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to set, making it easier to serve.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat thoroughly before serving.
