If you’re looking for a side dish that will steal the spotlight at your next family meal, then you’ve come to the right place! Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes is a recipe that has been passed down through generations, and it holds a special place in my heart. The combination of tender, buttery potatoes with a rich, cheesy sauce is simply irresistible. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish never fails to bring smiles and seconds to the table.

What makes this recipe even more special? It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time! You’ll find that every forkful is filled with creamy goodness, making it the perfect comfort food. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this cheesy delight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Cheesy: Three types of cheese create an incredibly rich flavor that everyone will love.
Family-Friendly: This dish is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults alike.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, you can whip this up without any fuss!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or just a regular Tuesday night, these au gratin potatoes are always welcome.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients for Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes. These items are sure to bring out the deliciousness of this dish!

For the Potatoes

6-7 medium yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced into 1/8th inch rounds (about 3 pounds)
½ white or yellow onion, cut into slices

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons salted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour (whole wheat or gluten-free options work too!)
1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or your choice of regular milk)
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 heaping cups)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper

For Topping

½ cup gruyere cheese (or substitute with more sharp cheddar)
¼ cup grated parmesan

To Garnish

Fresh chopped parsley

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these tasty variations:

Add Some Veggies: Throw in some steamed broccoli or cooked spinach for added nutrition and color.
Make It Spicy: A pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños can give your au gratin potatoes a kick!
Change Up the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for unique flavors.
Herb It Up: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add an aromatic touch that elevates the dish.

How to Make Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. This ensures your au gratin potatoes cook evenly and perfectly golden on top.

Step 2: Arrange Your Potatoes

In a greased 2-quart square baking dish, layer the thinly sliced potatoes in three tight slanted rows. It’s important not to pack them too tightly; keeping them slightly slanted allows for even cooking. Nestle those onion slices among the potato layers; they’ll caramelize beautifully while baking.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt your butter. Once melted, whisk in a little flour at a time while slowly adding almond milk. This technique helps prevent lumps from forming. Keep whisking until you reach a creamy gravy-like consistency. Stir in the cheddar cheese along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Pour Over Potatoes

Pour your luscious cheese sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and onions. Don’t worry if it looks like there’s too much sauce; it will thicken beautifully as it bakes!

Step 5: Bake Covered

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. This helps steam the potatoes until they’re tender.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Continue Baking

After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle gruyere cheese and parmesan on top. Pop it back in the oven for another 30-45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Check doneness by piercing the center with a fork; if it goes through easily, they’re ready!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for color. Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy bite!

This recipe is sure to become one of your favorites! Enjoy making Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes as part of your family meals!

Pro Tips for Making Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Making the perfect au gratin potatoes can be a delightful experience, especially with a few handy tips to guide you!

Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are creamy and buttery, making them ideal for au gratin dishes. Their texture holds up well during baking, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
Layer with Care: When arranging the potato slices, make sure they are slightly slanted. This creates more surface area for the sauce to seep in, resulting in creamier potatoes and better flavor absorption.
Whisk Vigorously: While making your cheese sauce, whisking well will help eliminate any lumps and create a smooth consistency. A smooth sauce ensures every layer of potatoes gets that cheesy goodness!
Don’t Rush the Baking: Allowing the dish to bake covered initially helps the potatoes steam and cook through. Removing the foil later promotes a beautiful golden-brown crust that adds extra texture.
Taste as You Go: Adjusting salt and pepper while making the cheese sauce allows you to tailor the flavor to your liking. Since taste buds vary, this step ensures your dish is perfectly seasoned!

How to Serve Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Serving Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes can be just as enjoyable as making them! Here are some ideas to present this delectable dish beautifully.

Garnishes

Fresh Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of vibrant green parsley not only adds color but also a fresh pop of flavor that balances the richness.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes can elevate your dish with an extra kick!

Side Dishes

Steamed Green Beans: The crispness of steamed green beans complements the creamy potatoes perfectly. Their fresh flavor adds balance to your meal.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These add a nutty crunch and earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with cheesy dishes. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper for simple preparation.
Garlic Bread: A crunchy side like garlic bread is always a hit! It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover cheesy sauce on your plate.
Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of au gratin potatoes. Consider adding cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for added freshness.

With these serving ideas and pro tips, your Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes will shine at any dinner table! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, creamy au gratin potatoes any day of the week. You can make them in advance, store them properly, and reheat them when you’re ready to serve!

Storing Leftovers

Allow the au gratin potatoes to cool completely before storing.
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To avoid freezer burn, use a vacuum-sealed bag if possible.

Reheating

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place the dish covered with foil in the oven for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes.

Can I use different types of cheese for Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and gruyere create a delightful flavor combination, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist.

How do I know when my Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes are done?

Your au gratin potatoes are done when the top is golden brown and bubbly, and you can easily pierce through the middle with a fork. This usually takes about 30-45 minutes after removing the foil.

Can I make Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare these potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just follow the storage tips above for the best results!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes as much as I do! This recipe is special because it brings together creamy goodness and cheesy delight that will surely please everyone at your table. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple family dinner, these potatoes are bound to be a hit. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experiences with me—I can’t wait to hear how they turn out!

Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 75 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Category: Side dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes, a heartwarming side dish that brings comfort and joy to every meal. This family-favorite recipe features layers of tender Yukon gold potatoes enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and gruyere.

Ingredients

Scale

6–7 medium yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced into 1/8th inch rounds (about 3 pounds)
½ white or yellow onion, cut into slices
2 tablespoons salted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 heaping cups)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
½ cup gruyere cheese (or substitute with more sharp cheddar)
¼ cup grated parmesan
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F.
In a greased baking dish, layer the thinly sliced potatoes and onion.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt your butter. Once melted, whisk in a little flour at a time while slowly adding almond milk until you reach a creamy gravy-like consistency.
Stir in the cheddar cheese along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper until melted and smooth.
Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and onions.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes.
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle gruyere cheese and parmesan on top. Bake uncovered for another 30-45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Once out of the oven, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for color. Serve warm.