If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that’s the ultimate comfort food wrapped in creamy, cheesy goodness, then you’re in for a treat with Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe. This classic casserole brings together layers of tender Yukon gold potatoes and sweet onions, smothered in a luscious cheese sauce that’s both rich and perfectly seasoned. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe promises golden, bubbling perfection that will have everyone coming back for seconds without a hint of guilt.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to achieving that dreamy texture and rich flavor. Each ingredient plays its part, from the creamy butter that creates the roux to the sharp cheddar that melts beautifully, building layers of taste and color.
- 6-7 medium Yukon gold potatoes: These thinly sliced potatoes provide the perfect tender base with a buttery flavor and creamy texture once baked.
- ½ white or yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and slight crunch that balances the creamy cheese sauce.
- 2 tablespoons salted butter: Essential for the roux, it brings richness and a silky smooth sauce texture.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Works with butter to thicken the sauce just right without any lumpiness.
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk): Provides creaminess; almond milk is a lighter alternative that still stays silky.
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Brings sharp, tangy flavor and melts into a velvety smooth cheese sauce.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory depth to the sauce without overpowering the dish.
- ¾ teaspoon salt: Highlights the natural flavors of the potatoes and cheese.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Offers a mild kick that wakes up every bite.
- ½ cup gruyere cheese (optional): Melts into a nutty, gooey topping that browns beautifully.
- ¼ cup grated parmesan: Adds a sharp, salty crust enhancing the golden top layer.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A pop of vibrant green freshness to finish the dish.
How to Make Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and generously greasing a 2-quart square baking dish. This ensures the layers of potatoes and cheese don’t stick and make cleanup a breeze. A properly greased dish also helps achieve that wonderfully crispy edge that everyone loves.
Step 2: Layering the Potatoes and Onions
Next, arrange thin slices of Yukon gold potatoes along with your sliced onions evenly in the greased baking dish. This layering is key to combining textures—soft potatoes and sweet, slightly crunchy onions—that will cook down into an utterly comforting marriage of flavors as the dish bakes.
Step 3: Making the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt your salted butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly so it thickens without lumps into a creamy white sauce. This homemade roux is the heart and soul of your creamy cheese sauce, offering a luscious base for melting your sharp cheddar cheese along with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until the cheddar melts fully and the sauce becomes glossy and rich.
Step 4: Combining Sauce with Potatoes
Pour the luscious cheese sauce over the layered potatoes and onions, making sure every slice gets coated in that creamy goodness. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap the moisture, allowing the potatoes to steam and soften during baking.
Step 5: Baking and Adding the Final Golden Touch
Bake the covered dish for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and sprinkle the top with the optional gruyere and parmesan cheeses. Pop it back in the oven for another 30 to 45 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbling, golden brown, and irresistibly crispy. This final step creates a beautifully caramelized cheese crust that contrasts so nicely with the creamy potatoes underneath.
Step 6: Garnishing and Serving
Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top to add a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the rich flavors. Now, your Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe is ready to impress!
How to Serve Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—its fresh, slightly peppery flavor cuts through the richness, balancing the dish perfectly. If you want to add a little extra flair, a light dusting of smoked paprika or a few crispy fried shallots can add wonderful texture and a smoky depth.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as the star side at any meal but pairs especially well with juicy roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a simple green salad to lighten up the plate. Because of its hearty nature, pairing it with crisp, acidic sides like a tangy coleslaw or fresh tomato salad helps keep the meal balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe in individual ramekins for an elegant touch. You can even layer in cooked bacon bits or thinly sliced leeks for extra flavor twists. Presentation can elevate the experience from homey comfort to a stunning centerpiece worthy of any dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a delicious treat.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, so you can enjoy this comfort food even on the busiest nights.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. For a crispier top, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of reheating. Microwaving works too but might sacrifice some of the charming golden crust.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! While Yukon gold potatoes provide a creamy texture and buttery flavor perfect for this recipe, russets or red potatoes can work too, though they may alter the texture slightly. Yukon gold remains the top pick for its balance of creaminess and sweetness.
Is it necessary to use both cheddar and gruyere cheese?
Using both cheeses adds layers of flavor and texture, but the gruyere is optional. Sharp cheddar forms the creamy base of the sauce, while gruyere adds a nutty richness and helps create that gorgeous golden topping. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap regular milk for unsweetened almond milk as suggested, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this dish dairy-free. Keep in mind the flavor and melting qualities may vary, but it’s still wonderfully creamy and comforting.
How thin should I slice the potatoes?
Slicing the potatoes about ⅛ inch thick helps them cook evenly and absorb the sauce without becoming mushy. A mandoline slicer is a handy tool for achieving consistent thin slices.
What if I don’t have all the cheeses listed?
No worries! The recipe is quite forgiving. Sharp cheddar is your must-have, but if you’re missing gruyere or parmesan, you can replace them with similar melting cheeses like mozzarella or asiago. The key is achieving that cheesy, gooey texture you love.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the steps and the secrets to Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and give it a go. This is the kind of dish that brings warmth to any meal, makes your kitchen smell like pure comfort, and impresses everyone lucky enough to share it with you. Trust me, once you try this crowd-pleaser, it will become a staple in your recipe lineup—so cozy, so cheesy, and simply unforgettable.
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 rich and comforting casserole featuring thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes layered with onions and smothered in a luscious cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and optionally gruyere and parmesan. Baked to golden perfection, this dish is perfect as a hearty side for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Potatoes & 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
Toppings & Garnish
- ½ cup gruyere cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 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 thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Layer Potatoes and Onions: Arrange the thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes and sliced onions evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating layers for even cooking.
- 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 until slightly bubbly but not browned. Gradually add the almond or regular milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps, cooking until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the cheese melts fully and the sauce is smooth and flavorful.
- Combine Sauce and Potatoes: Pour the prepared cheese sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and onions in the baking dish, covering all areas.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to soften and absorb flavors.
- Add Additional Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle the optional gruyere cheese and grated parmesan cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 30-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for the best balance of creaminess and firmness when baked.
- Unsweetened almond milk can be substituted for a dairy-free version; regular milk adds additional richness.
- Gruyere cheese is optional but adds a delicious nutty flavor.
- Covering the dish while initially baking helps cook the potatoes through without drying out the top.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow it to set and make serving easier.
