Potatoes Au Gratin
Savor the taste of a classic potato gratin with cheddar cheese, bacon, and a creamy white sauce. Elevate your potato gratin by adding Swiss cheese, diced ham, and thinly sliced shallots for extra flavor.
A basic potato gratin is a French dish of thinly sliced potatoes baked with a creamy sauce and cheese. This version is made with a white sauce, cheddar cheese, and a buttery breadcrumb topping.
Thanksgiving Sides
Recipe Variations
- Cheese: Elevate the dish with Gruyère cheese or Swiss in the sauce and topping instead of cheddar.
- Herbs: Add chopped fresh parsley or chives to the sauce for a pop of color.
- Protein: Add some diced cooked bacon or ham to the potato layers for smoky flavor and extra protein.
- Vegetables: Layering thinly sliced shallots, leeks, or onions with the potatoes can add flavor and texture. Or sauté 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chopped shallots in the butter before adding the flour.
Potatoes Au Gratin
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baking potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced, about 1/8-inch thickness
- 6 tablespoons butter, divided use
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups half-and-half, light cream, or milk
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided use
- Ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup soft bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 F.
- Butter a 2-quart baking dish.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk or cream. Add the nutmeg and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and bubbles. Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese; stir until cheese is melted. If the sauce is too thick, add more milk or cream. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Arrange half of the potato slices in the baking dish.
- Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the potato layer, then follow with the remaining potatoes. Spoon the remaining sauce over the top.
- Bake for 1 hour.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and toss with the breadcrumbs and cheese.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with the breadcrumb and cheese mixture.
- Return the potato gratin to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes longer, or until the topping is browned and the potatoes are tender.





