The Best Homemade Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This dish brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with tender potatoes, making it a family favorite. You’ll appreciate how simple it is to whip up with just a few ingredients. The golden, bubbly topping adds a satisfying crunch, while the layers of potatoes soak up all the delicious flavors. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with almost any main course, from roasted chicken to grilled steak.
Recipe
Au gratin potatoes are a classic comfort food dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This homemade version delivers rich flavor with simple ingredients for a satisfying side dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half the potatoes and onions in the dish. Repeat with remaining potatoes and onions.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in cheese, salt, and pepper until melted. Pour sauce over potatoes.
- Sprinkle with paprika. Cover and bake for 1 hour. Uncover and bake 30 minutes more until golden and bubbly.
Notes:
– For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Equipment:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Saucepan
- Whisk
Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 6–8 servings
Nutrition
This homemade au gratin potatoes recipe is a delicious and comforting side dish. Below is the nutritional information per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade au gratin potatoes with juicy meats like roasted chicken or seared steak, but they’re just as tasty with simple veggie sides like steamed green beans or a crisp salad. The creamy, cheesy potatoes pair perfectly with almost anything, so don’t stress—just pick what sounds good to you. Trust me, your plate will be full of flavor no matter what you choose!
Meat Pairings
When I’m making au gratin potatoes, I love thinking about what meats will pair perfectly with their creamy, cheesy goodness. For beef pairings, I often go with a juicy steak or tender roast—they complement the richness so well. If I’m in the mood for something lighter, pork options like grilled chops or a glazed ham are fantastic. I’ve found that smoked sausages or crispy bacon bits add a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor. It’s all about balancing the hearty potatoes with meats that enhance the dish without overwhelming it. Trust me, these combos never disappoint!
Vegetable Sides
While the creamy, cheesy layers of au gratin potatoes are a star on their own, they’re even better when paired with the right vegetable sides. I love leaning into seasonal variations, like roasted asparagus in spring or caramelized Brussels sprouts in fall. Steaming, roasting, or grilling veggies brings out their natural sweetness and adds texture to balance the rich potatoes. Quick sautéed green beans with garlic or honey-glazed carrots are always a hit, too. Don’t forget a simple salad—it’s invigorating and lightens things up. Pairing veggies with cooking techniques that suit them makes every bite more exciting!
