Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

These Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. With layers of creamy potatoes, roasted garlic, and crispy bacon, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. The golden, crispy top adds a delightful crunch, making it a show-stopping side that pairs beautifully with meats or can stand alone as a hearty vegetarian option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and roasted garlic creates a deep, satisfying taste in every bite.
• Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires straightforward steps and common ingredients, making it accessible for cooks of all levels.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners—these cheesy potatoes complement any meal.
• Crispy Top Layer: The golden crust adds texture and visual appeal, making it irresistible.
• Family Favorite: With creamy layers and savory bacon, it’s a dish that everyone will enjoy.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make preparation smoother. Having the right equipment will help you create the perfect cheesy au gratin potatoes.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Whisk
• Aluminum foil
• Garlic roaster or baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 inch baking dish: This size is ideal for even cooking and ensures all ingredients are well-contained.
• Large skillet: A must-have for cooking bacon and making the cheese sauce without crowding ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for achieving a smooth cheese sauce without lumps.

Ingredients

Here are the delicious ingredients needed to create these cheesy au gratin potatoes:

For the Garlic

• 1 bulb garlic
• Drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil

For the Bacon

• 6 strips bacon (chopped)

For the Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (add an additional 2 tablespoons if skipping the bacon)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (chopped)
• 12 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded + more for topping as needed)

For the Potatoes

• 4-5 medium yukon gold potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)
• 6 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 teaspoon salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Slice off the tops of the bulb of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until soft and golden.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Dish

Once the garlic is finished baking, lower your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or oil.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove from heat, crumble it into pieces, and set aside. Reserve about 2–3 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.

Step 4: Make the Roux

Add butter to the skillet with reserved bacon fat. Once melted, whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Gradually pour in whole milk while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.

Step 6: Add Flavorings

Stir in roasted garlic (about 5–6 cloves), paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 7: Incorporate Cheese

Slowly add sharp cheddar cheese into the sauce while stirring until creamy.

Step 8: Layer Potatoes

Place thinly sliced potatoes in your greased baking dish. Pour cheese sauce evenly over potatoes and sprinkle crumbled bacon on top.

Step 9: Bake

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover, add more sharp cheddar and white cheddar on top. Bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender and top is golden brown.

Enjoy your homemade cheesy au gratin potatoes!

How to Serve Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Cheesy au gratin potatoes are a versatile dish that can elevate any meal. They pair beautifully with a variety of main courses and make for a comforting addition to your dining table. Here are some great serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Grilled Meats

• Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavor of grilled chicken complements the creamy texture of cheesy au gratin potatoes perfectly.
• Steak: A juicy steak paired with these cheesy potatoes creates a hearty and satisfying meal.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Eggs Benedict: Serve alongside eggs benedict for an indulgent brunch that will impress your guests.
• Quiche: Pairing with quiche adds variety and keeps your brunch spread exciting.

With Fresh Salads

• Caesar Salad: The crispness of a Caesar salad contrasts nicely with the richness of the potatoes.
• Mixed Greens: A light mixed green salad offers freshness to balance out the heaviness of the dish.

As a Comfort Food Staple

• Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted vegetables on the side for a colorful and nutritious accompaniment.
• Baked Ham: This classic pairing is always a crowd-pleaser during holiday meals or family gatherings.

How to Perfect Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

To achieve the best results when making cheesy au gratin potatoes, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality cheese and potatoes enhance the flavor significantly.
• Layer Wisely: Alternate layers of cheese sauce and potatoes for even cooking and distribution of flavors.
• Mind the Garlic: Adjust the amount of roasted garlic based on your preference for garlic intensity, keeping in mind that it becomes sweeter when roasted.
• Cover Initially: Covering the baking dish helps steam the potatoes, ensuring they’re tender before browning the top.
• Broil for Extra Crispiness: If you want an extra crispy topping, broil for a few minutes after baking, but watch closely to prevent burning.

Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Cheesy au gratin potatoes can be complemented by various side dishes that add balance and flavor. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover cheese sauce while adding a crunchy texture.
2. Steamed Broccoli: This bright green vegetable adds color and nutrition to your plate, making it visually appealing.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with creamy potatoes.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is a classic side that pairs well with cheesy dishes, especially in summer.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness complements rich flavors wonderfully.
6. Stuffed Peppers: These add a hearty touch while being easy to customize based on personal tastes.
7. Macaroni Salad: This cool dish adds another layer of flavor while keeping things light and fun at gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making cheesy au gratin potatoes, even small errors can impact your dish. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of.

• Skipping the garlic: Roasted garlic adds depth of flavor. Always include it for the best taste.
• Not slicing potatoes evenly: Uneven slices lead to uneven cooking. Use a mandoline for consistent thickness.
• Using low-quality cheese: Cheap cheese may not melt well. Opt for high-quality sharp cheddar for better results.
• Ignoring the seasoning: Under-seasoned dishes can be bland. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Overcooking the potatoes: Cooking them too long can make them mushy. Watch the baking times closely for perfect texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Cheesy au gratin potatoes last 3-5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

• Use a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil. Bake until heated through (about 20-30 minutes).
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about cheesy au gratin potatoes that many home cooks have.

Can I make Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and bake just before serving.

What type of cheese is best for Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes?

Sharp cheddar is ideal, but mixing with Gruyère or mozzarella adds great flavor!

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Definitely! While Yukon gold works well, russet or red potatoes are also good options.

How do I make Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes healthier?

You can substitute cream with low-fat milk and reduce cheese or bacon for fewer calories.

Final Thoughts

These cheesy au gratin potatoes are a delightful side dish that combines creamy textures with crispy toppings. They are perfect for any meal and offer plenty of room for customization, such as adding different vegetables or using various cheeses. Try this recipe to impress your family at the dinner table!