Au Gratin Potatoes, also known as Potatoes Au Gratin, is a classic French dish that combines the comfort of creamy, cheesy potatoes with the elegance of a beautifully layered casserole.

This dish is perfect for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious and satisfying side dish.

The combination of thinly sliced potatoes, cream, cheese, and aromatic herbs creates a rich and flavorful dish that’s sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover why Au Gratin Potatoes is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic and Elegant: Au Gratin Potatoes is a timeless dish that combines the comfort of potatoes with the elegance of a beautifully layered casserole.
Rich and Flavorful: The combination of cream, cheese, and aromatic herbs creates a rich and flavorful dish perfect for any special occasion.
Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Versatile: You can customize the cheeses and herbs to suit your preferences, making it a versatile dish that’s sure to please.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Potatoes

Potatoes are the star of this recipe, providing a comforting and satisfying base. You can use Yukon Gold or russet potatoes for their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape when cooked.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the dish. You can substitute it with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary.

Cheese

Gruyère cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor to the gratin. You can substitute it with other types of cheese like cheddar, Gouda, or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile. Parmesan cheese provides a salty and nutty flavor that complements the Gruyère.

Fresh Thyme

Fresh thyme adds an aromatic and slightly piney flavor to the dish. You can substitute it with other fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Au Gratin Potatoes (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with butter. This step ensures that the oven is hot and ready for baking the gratin.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. You can use a mandoline or a sharp knife to ensure even slices. This step ensures that the potatoes are ready to be layered in the gratin.

Step 3: Make the Cream Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream, milk, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Mix well until combined. This step creates a rich and flavorful base for the cream mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Gratin

Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes in the greased baking dish, overlapping slightly.
Sprinkle about ¼ cup of grated Gruyère cheese evenly over the potatoes.
Pour about ¼ of the cream mixture over the potatoes, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Repeat the layers of potatoes, cheese, and cream mixture until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.

This step ensures that the gratin is evenly layered and ready to be baked.

Step 5: Top the Gratin

Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer of potatoes. Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves over the cheese. This step adds a rich and flavorful topping to the gratin.

Step 6: Bake the Gratin

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly. This step ensures that the gratin is fully cooked and achieves a perfect golden brown and bubbly texture.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the gratin from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve. This step adds a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making the gratin even more enjoyable.

Au Gratin Potatoes

Spuddy

A classic French dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce, perfect for any special occasion.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1 10

Total Time 1 30

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine French

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 lbs 900g potatoes (Yukon Gold or russet), peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup 240ml heavy cream
1 cup 240ml whole milk
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup 100g grated Gruyère cheese, divided
½ cup 50g grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tbsp unsalted butter for greasing the dish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with butter.
Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. You can use a mandoline or a sharp knife to ensure even slices.
Make the Cream Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream, milk, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Mix well until combined.
Assemble the Gratin:
Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes in the greased baking dish, overlapping slightly.
Sprinkle about ¼ cup of grated Gruyère cheese evenly over the potatoes.
Pour about ¼ of the cream mixture over the potatoes, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Repeat the layers of potatoes, cheese, and cream mixture until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.
Top the Gratin: Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer of potatoes. Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves over the cheese.
Bake the Gratin: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Rest and Serve: Remove the gratin from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve.

Notes

Ensure the potatoes are thinly and evenly sliced for uniform cooking.
You can adjust the amount of cheese and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of cheese.

Keyword Potatoes au Gratin

Nutrition Information

Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g

Expert Tips for Success

Uniform Slicing: Ensure the potatoes are thinly and evenly sliced for uniform cooking. This helps to achieve a consistent texture throughout the gratin.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the cream mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional herbs to suit your preferences.
Even Layering: Arrange the potatoes, cheese, and cream mixture evenly to ensure that the gratin cooks evenly and achieves a consistent texture.
Customize Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and seasonings to customize the flavors to your liking.

Variations and Customizations

Dietary Modifications

Vegan: Use plant-based cream and milk to make this recipe vegan-friendly. Ensure all other ingredients are certified vegan.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your ingredient labels to be sure.
Low-Carb: For a lower-carb version, use thinly sliced zucchini or other low-carb vegetables instead of potatoes.

Flavor Twists

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cream mixture for a spicy twist.
Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the cream mixture for an herbal note.
Cheesy Delight: Mix in additional shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for an extra cheesy flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Au Gratin Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the gratin is completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing

You can freeze the gratin for up to 2 months. Transfer the cooled gratin to a freezer-safe container and freeze until solid. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the gratin in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. You can also use the microwave, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. Add a splash of milk or cream to help retain moisture during reheating.

Serving Suggestions

These au Gratin Potatoes pair beautifully with:

Roasted Chicken: A classic pairing that’s perfect for a hearty and comforting meal.
Grilled Steak: The rich and savory flavors of steak complement the creamy and cheesy notes of the gratin.
Vegetable Side Dishes: Pair the gratin with other vegetable side dishes like sautéed spinach, roasted carrots, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this Au Gratin Potatoes, you might also like:

Classic Scalloped Potatoes: A comforting and flavorful dish made with thinly sliced potatoes, cream, and cheese.
Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole: A hearty and satisfying casserole made with hash browns, cheese, and a creamy sauce.
Loaded Baked Potato Casserole: A rich and indulgent casserole made with baked potatoes, cheese, bacon, and sour cream.

Conclusion

Au Gratin Potatoes is a classic and elegant dish that’s perfect for any special occasion. With its rich, creamy, and cheesy flavors, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress.

Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a holiday gathering, this recipe is a winner. Don’t forget to try out the variations and customizations to make it your own. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious Au Gratin Potatoes!

Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe