Creamy Potato Au Gratin Recipe
Creamy Potato au Gratin is a classic French dish featuring thinly sliced Russet potatoes layered with onions and rich cream sauce, topped with a blend of Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, then baked to golden perfection. This comforting casserole offers a perfect balance of creamy texture and crispy, cheesy crust, making it an ideal side dish for any meal.
- Author: Natalie
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
For the Potatoes
- 4 large Russet potatoes (about 2 pounds), thinly sliced
- 1 medium Onion, thinly sliced
For the Cream Sauce
- 2 cups Heavy cream
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly cracked
For the Cheese
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
For Topping
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Fresh herbs (parsley or chives), chopped for garnish
- Preheat oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature to bake the gratin evenly.
- Slice potatoes and onions. Thinly slice the Russet potatoes and onion to about 1/8 inch thickness for even cooking and a creamy texture.
- Prepare cream mixture. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful base.
- Layer the ingredients. Grease a baking dish lightly, then layer the sliced potatoes and onions alternately, starting with a layer of potatoes. Drizzle the cream mixture evenly over each layer as you build up the dish.
- Add cheese. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère and grated Parmesan cheeses generously over the top layer to infuse the dish with rich, nutty flavors.
- Top with breadcrumbs. Scatter the breadcrumbs evenly on top to add a crunchy texture after baking.
- Bake until golden. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced.
- Cool and garnish. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with the chopped fresh herbs before serving for a fresh aroma and color contrast.
Notes
- Use Russet potatoes as they are starchy, which helps the dish become creamy.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream mixture.
- Make sure to slice the potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried ones, but use them sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or a fresh green salad.
Keywords: Potato au Gratin, creamy potatoes, baked potato dish, French side dish, cheesy potato casserole, Gruyère cheese recipes