If you’ve ever found yourself craving a dish that’s comfort in every bite, look no further than this Homemade Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe. It’s the kind of creamy, cheesy, golden-baked potato delight that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re making it for a holiday dinner or just a cozy family meal, these potatoes are guaranteed to wow everyone at the table with layers of tender slices, rich cream, and melty cheddar cheese that forms the perfect bubbly crust.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Homemade Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a key role in delivering that classic balance of flavor, creaminess, and texture you’re after. From the hearty russet potatoes to the velvety cream and sharp cheddar, every component shines through in the final dish.
- 2 pounds russet potatoes: These potatoes hold their shape well and absorb flavors beautifully, providing a perfect tender base.
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create a luscious sauce that clings to every potato slice.
- 1 cup heavy cream, room temperature or lukewarm: The cream is essential for that smooth, indulgent texture that makes this dish irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Brings a subtle, savory depth to the overall flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Adds a hint of warmth and color that elevates the visual appeal and taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the flavor profile with a mild, oniony sweetness.
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese: This cheese melts perfectly, creating the iconic gooey, golden crust that’s the hallmark of au gratin potatoes.
How to Make Homemade Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375º F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures your potatoes won’t stick and encourages that delightful golden crust to form evenly.
Step 2: Slice the Potatoes Thinly
Peel your russet potatoes, then carefully slice them into thin 1/8-inch pieces using either a sharp knife or a mandolin for precision. Thin slices are essential—they cook evenly and soak up the creamy sauce just right.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large measuring cup, whisk together the melted butter, room temperature heavy cream, minced garlic, paprika, and onion powder. This blend will infuse every layer with rich, comforting flavor, tying the whole dish together.
Step 4: Layer the Potatoes, Cheese, and Sauce
This step is where the magic happens. Begin by spreading one-third of the potato slices evenly on the baking dish bottom. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar over the potatoes, then drizzle one-third of your cream sauce on top. Repeat this layering process once more. For the final layer, add the remaining potatoes, cover them with the last portion of sauce, and top everything with the remaining cheese. Make sure to cover the entire dish tightly with tin foil to keep all that moisture and flavor locked in during baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake the covered dish at 375º F for 60 minutes to let the potatoes cook gently and absorb the creamy sauce. Then, remove the foil, increase the oven temperature to 425º F, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes. This step creates the irresistible brown, bubbly cheese crust that makes this Homemade Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe so special. Once out of the oven, allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes—this gives the dish time to set and makes it easier to serve.
How to Serve Homemade Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top of your au gratin potatoes just before serving. The pop of bright green not only adds a beautiful contrast to the golden top but also a fresh hint that complements the richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled meats like chicken, beef, or pork. A crisp green salad or steamed veggies provide a refreshing balance to the creamy potatoes, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the au gratin potatoes in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets. This not only looks charming but also keeps each portion perfectly warm while showcasing that delicious bubbly cheese crust in style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Homemade Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When covered well, the flavors meld even further, making the leftovers just as delightful as the first serving.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. To freeze after baking, cool completely, wrap securely, and freeze similarly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350º F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, until warmed through—usually about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, microwave portions on medium power, stirring midway to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, although russet potatoes are preferred for their texture and starch content, Yukon Golds are a good substitute. They offer a buttery flavor and hold up well to baking, but the texture might be a bit creamier.
What cheese works best for homemade au gratin potatoes?
Cheddar is traditional and melts beautifully, but you can experiment with Gruyère or a combination of cheeses for a deeper, nuttier flavor. Just be sure to use enough cheese to get that signature bubbly crust.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegetarian as it contains dairy but no meat. Just double-check your cheese is vegetarian-friendly if that matters to you.
How thin should I slice the potatoes?
A thickness of around 1/8 inch is ideal. Slices this thin cook evenly and soak up the creamy sauce without becoming too mushy or undercooked.
Can I prepare this ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to step 4, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a little extra baking time if baking cold from the fridge to ensure the potatoes cook through completely.
Final Thoughts
Diving into this Homemade Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe is like inviting comfort food straight to your dinner table. It’s creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying—a recipe that feels special but is so easy to make with a handful of simple ingredients. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how these luscious layers turn any meal into a celebration of classic flavors and cozy happiness.
Print
Homemade Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Homemade Au Gratin Potatoes recipe features thinly sliced russet potatoes layered with a creamy garlic-spiced sauce and rich cheddar cheese, baked to golden bubbly perfection. Perfect as a comforting side dish for any occasion, these au gratin potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and delightfully crispy on top.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes (about 5–6 medium potatoes)
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup heavy cream, room temperature to lukewarm
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Cheese
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Slice Potatoes: Peel and clean the potatoes thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or mandolin, slice the potatoes thinly to about 1/8 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a large measuring cup, combine melted butter, heavy cream, minced garlic, paprika, and onion powder. Whisk well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Assemble Layers: Layer one-third of the potato slices evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes, then drizzle one-third of the sauce on top. Repeat the layering once more: potatoes, cheese, sauce. For the final layer, arrange the remaining potatoes, pour the rest of the sauce evenly, and finish with the remaining cheese on top. Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake Covered: Bake the covered dish in the preheated oven for 60 minutes to cook the potatoes through and allow flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered to Brown: Remove the foil and increase oven temperature to 425ºF. Bake the dish uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly crust.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the au gratin potatoes rest for at least 10 minutes after baking to set the layers and improve serving texture.
Notes
- For more flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese or a blend of cheddar and Gruyère.
- Allowing the dish to rest before serving helps the sauce thicken and the dish slice more cleanly.
- You can prepare the dish a few hours ahead and refrigerate; bake as directed when ready to serve, adding extra baking time if chilled.
- Thinly slicing the potatoes ensures even cooking and creamy texture.
- To reduce cooking time, parboil the sliced potatoes for 5 minutes before layering.
