Description

This Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin is the ultimate comfort food side dish—perfectly creamy, loaded with cheddar and Gruyère, and topped with crispy bacon. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or holiday gatherings, this easy recipe offers rich, crowd-pleasing flavor with simple prep. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas, easy side dishes, or indulgent food ideas, this dish delivers every time.

Ingredients

2 1/2 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, for greasing the dish

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup Gruyère cheese or Monterey Jack, shredded

1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

1/2 cup extra shredded cheddar cheese, for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes to 1/8 inch thick.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking constantly.

3. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer 3-5 minutes until thickened. Reduce heat and stir in cheddar and Gruyère until smooth.

4. Layer one-third of the potatoes in the baking dish. Pour one-third of the cheese sauce over. Repeat for two more layers, ending with sauce.

5. Top with extra cheddar. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake 20-25 more minutes until golden and bubbly.

6. Cool 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with bacon and parsley. Optionally broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crisp top.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting consistency and smooth sauce texture.

Make ahead tip: Assemble and refrigerate up to one day in advance, then bake when needed.

For gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose blend.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 410
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 540mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg