5 from 12 votes
Easy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe
Easy Au Gratin Potatoes features thinly sliced russet potatoes layered with a creamy sauce made from butter, flour, milk, cream, and cheeses including cheddar and Gruyere, all flavored with garlic, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Baked until tender with a browned, cheesy crust, this dish offers a rich, comforting side with a velvety texture and savory depth from the blend of cheeses and herbs.
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 10 mins
Additional Time
5 mins
Total Time
1 hr 35 mins
Servings:
8
people
Calories:
344 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
French
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter salted
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic minced or pressed
- 1 cup milk whole
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ teaspoons thyme minced fresh leaves or ½ teaspoon dried
- kosher salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated
- ½ cup cheddar cheese grated
- ½ cup gruyere cheese grated
- 2 ½ lbs. russet potato about 5 medium, peeled and sliced 1/8-inch thick
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400° F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish; set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and garlic; cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream; cook, whisking, until thickened, another 2 minutes or so. Add the thyme, salt, pepper, nutmeg, half of the cheddar and half of the Gruyere. Whisk for about 1 more minute, making sure that all of the cheese is melted. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.
- Arrange half of the potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Season with a little bit of salt. Pour half of the sauce over top. Arrange the remaining potatoes on top, season with another pinch of salt, and pour the remaining sauce over all. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and bake for 50-60 minutes (or until the potatoes are just about tender), then uncover and bake until browned on top, an additional 15-20 minutes. Let cool slightly, then serve.
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Notes
- Using russet potatoes or other starchy varieties like Yukon Gold gives the creamiest texture and best result.
- Adding finely diced or thinly sliced onions between potato layers can add mild sweetness and flavor.
- Incorporate diced ham between layers to turn this sidedish into a more filling entrée.
- Heavy cream is essential for the sauce’s richness; avoid substituting with half-and-half or only milk.
- Fresh thyme adds savory herbal notes but can be replaced with herbs like parsley, chives, or rosemary.
- For cheese, prefer high-quality cheddar and Gruyere; if Gruyere is unavailable, Swiss cheese or extra sharp cheddar can be used instead.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1/8 of the recipe
Calories
344kcal
(17%)
Carbohydrates
30g
(10%)
Protein
9g
(18%)
Fat
21g
(32%)
Saturated Fat
13g
(65%)
Trans Fat
1g
(50%)
Cholesterol
72mg
(24%)
Sodium
141mg
(6%)
Potassium
672mg
(14%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
768IU
(15%)
Vitamin C
8mg
(9%)
Calcium
208mg
(21%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 344
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/8 of the recipe | |
| Calories | 344kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 10% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 72mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 141mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 672mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 768IU | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 208mg | 21% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.