Few dishes bring comfort to the table quite like creamy, cheesy au gratin potatoes. Whether served alongside roasted meats, holiday ham, or enjoyed as a hearty weeknight side dish, au gratin potatoes are a timeless classic loved in households across the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Their golden, bubbling top and rich layers of thinly sliced potatoes make them both elegant and incredibly satisfying.
In this Easy & Delicious Augratin Potatoes Recipe, you’ll learn how to make the perfect version of this beloved dish—even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. This guide walks you through the ingredients, preparation, baking tips, variations, and expert advice to ensure your potatoes come out tender, flavorful, and irresistibly cheesy every time. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or a potluck, this recipe is designed to impress without requiring advanced culinary skills.
What Makes a Great Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe?
Classic Comfort Food with Simple Ingredients
Au gratin potatoes (often spelled “augratin potatoes” or “potatoes au gratin”) combine thinly sliced potatoes with a creamy sauce, cheese, and a lightly browned crust. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: a few humble ingredients transform into something luxurious when baked slowly and thoroughly.
The Easy & Delicious Augratin Potatoes Recipe included in this guide uses accessible ingredients you may already have in your pantry—such as potatoes, cheese, butter, and milk—making it perfect for everyday cooking.
Texture is Key
What sets great au gratin potatoes apart?
Soft, tender potato layers that aren’t mushy
Creamy sauce that coats each slice
Melty cheese throughout the dish
Golden-brown top with a slight crispness
This guide will help you achieve all four, even on your first attempt.
Easy & Delicious Augratin Potatoes Recipe
Below is the complete recipe, followed by step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.
Ingredients
2 lbs (900 g) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small onion, finely diced (optional but adds flavor)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp dried thyme or dried parsley (optional)
Extra cheese for topping
How to Make the Best Au Gratin Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes
Thin, uniform slices are the foundation of any successful au gratin dish.
Tips for Slicing Potatoes
Use a mandoline slicer for the most even cuts.
Slices should be about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick.
Thinner slices cook faster and absorb the creamy sauce better.
No need to peel Yukon Gold potatoes, but russet potatoes should be peeled.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
This creamy béchamel-style sauce is what makes an Easy & Delicious Augratin Potatoes Recipe stand out.
Instructions
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until smooth.
Continue cooking for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add cheddar, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs.
Stir until cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
Pro Tip
Do not let the sauce boil aggressively—gentle heat ensures a silky, smooth texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
Proper layering is crucial.
Assembly Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Butter a 9×13 baking dish or medium casserole dish.
Add a layer of sliced potatoes (slightly overlapping).
Pour a small amount of cheese sauce over the potatoes.
Add another layer and repeat until all potatoes are used.
Finish with remaining sauce.
Sprinkle with extra cheddar and Parmesan for a beautiful crust.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake uncovered for 60–75 minutes, or until:
Potatoes are soft when pierced with a fork
Sauce is bubbling
The top is golden and slightly crisp
If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil and remove during the last 10–15 minutes.
Variations on the Classic Recipe
While the traditional version is always a hit, the Easy & Delicious Augratin Potatoes Recipe is highly customizable. Try one of these delicious variations:
1. Bacon & Cheddar Au Gratin Potatoes
Add cooked, crumbled bacon between the layers for a smoky, savory twist.
2. Three-Cheese Au Gratin
Use a blend of Gruyère, cheddar, and mozzarella for deeper flavor.
3. Garlic Herb Au Gratin
Increase the garlic and add fresh rosemary, parsley, or thyme.
4. Creamy Ham Au Gratin
Great for using leftover holiday ham—add diced ham throughout the layers.
5. Gluten-Free Version
Replace flour with cornstarch (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold milk added to warm sauce).
6. Lighter, Less Rich Option
Use low-fat milk and reduce cheese by half. The dish will still be creamy but lighter.
What to Serve with Au Gratin Potatoes
This dish pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main courses. In the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, au gratin potatoes are commonly served with:
Roasted chicken
Glazed ham
Pork chops
Steak or roast beef
Grilled vegetables
Fresh salads
Their creamy texture complements both hearty meats and lighter dishes.
Practical Tips for Perfect Au Gratin Potatoes
To get the best results from your Easy & Delicious Augratin Potatoes Recipe, keep these helpful tips in mind:
1. Use the Right Cheese
Sharp cheddar melts well and gives a strong, rich flavor.
For extra creaminess, mix cheddar with a little Gruyère or Fontina.
2. Choose Starchy Potatoes
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes create the best texture.
Waxy potatoes won’t absorb the sauce as well.
3. Slice Evenly
Uneven slices = uneven cooking.
A mandoline slicer is worth it for this recipe.
4. Preheat the Oven Fully
The sauce thickens properly only if baked at the correct temperature from the start.
5. Don’t Rush the Baking Time
Au gratin potatoes need at least an hour to become tender and creamy.
If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
6. Let It Rest Before Serving
Allow the dish to rest 10–15 minutes after baking.
This helps the sauce settle and makes serving easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Can I freeze au gratin potatoes?
While possible, the texture may change due to the cream sauce. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes. Add foil to prevent over-browning.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—thinly sliced onions, leeks, or even spinach work beautifully.
Conclusion
This Easy & Delicious Augratin Potatoes Recipe is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and comforting flavors. Whether you’re preparing a holiday meal, Sunday dinner, or a cozy weeknight dish, these tender, golden-baked potatoes will quickly become a family favorite. With simple ingredients, step-by-step guidance, and a wide variety of variations to try, anyone can make this classic recipe successfully.
With the practical tips and detailed instructions provided in this guide, you can confidently create au gratin potatoes that are rich, flavorful, and beautifully layered every time. Serve them with your favorite main dish, or enjoy them on their own—they’re delicious either way!