Easy Au Gratin Potatoes: A Creamy, Cheesy Side Dish for Any Occasion

If you’re looking for a show-stopping side dish that’s both simple and delicious, Easy Au Gratin Potatoes are the answer! With layers of tender potatoes smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce, this recipe is perfect for holidays, family dinners, and special gatherings. Whether you’re serving it alongside a Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham, or a simple weeknight meal, these creamy au gratin potatoes will be a hit with everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients, you can create a gourmet-style dish with minimal effort.
Cheesy & Comforting: The combination of cheddar cheese and a creamy sauce makes this dish irresistibly good.
Perfect for Holidays & Gatherings: This side pairs well with main courses and is sure to impress your guests.
Customizable: Add bacon, ham, or different cheeses for a unique twist.

What to Serve with Au Gratin Potatoes

This cheesy potato dish pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some delicious ideas:

Holiday Meats: Roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or prime rib.
Everyday Favorites: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Breasts, Marinaded Steak Cubes, or Honey BBQ Pork Chops.
Vegetable Options: Roasted Asparagus, Cranberry and Almond Green Beans, or a fresh Strawberry Pecan Salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
2 tbsp butter
½ tbsp flour
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 cup milk
1 ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
½ tsp parsley flakes (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in the flour and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden.
- Reduce heat to low and add milk, 1 cup cheese, onion powder, and paprika. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
Layer the Potatoes:
- Place half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish and top with half of the cheese sauce.
- Add the remaining potatoes and pour the rest of the cheese sauce over the top.
Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes or until fork-tender.
- Remove from oven, top with remaining cheddar cheese, and return to the oven until the cheese melts (about 2-4 minutes).
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle parsley flakes on top, let cool slightly, and serve warm.

Pro Tips for the Best Au Gratin Potatoes

To Peel or Not to Peel? It’s optional! Keeping the skin adds texture and nutrients, but peeling provides a smoother bite.
Even Slices Cook Best: Use a mandoline slicer or sharp knife for uniform slices that cook evenly.
Mix Up the Cheese: Try using Gruyère, Parmesan, or a cheese blend for added flavor.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make Ahead: Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Store Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or microwave individual portions.

Final Thoughts

Easy Au Gratin Potatoes are a must-have side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, these creamy, cheesy potatoes will be a favorite on your table. Try them today and enjoy a comforting, homemade dish that everyone will love!

Looking for More Easy Recipes?

Check out our collection of simple and delicious side dishes to elevate your meals!

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Easy Au Gratin Potatoes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: au gratin potatoes, Potatoes, Side Dish, Weeknight Recipe, Easy Recipe

Prep Time: 30

Total Time: 1

Servings: servings

Calories: 280kcal

Equipment

1 Small Saucepan
1 2.5 quart Baking Dish
1 Measuring spoons
1 Measuring cups
1 Whisk

Ingredients

4 medium Potatoes thinly sliced
2 tbsp Butter
½ tbsp Flour
1 tsp Garlic minced
1 cup Milk
1 ½ cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
1 tsp Onion powder
½ tsp Paprika
1 Salt & Pepper to taste
½ tsp Parsley Flakes for garnishment

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a baking dish.
In a small saucepan over medium heat melt butter and whisk in the flour and the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden.
To the saucepan, reduce the heat to low and add the milk, 1 cup cheese, onion powder, and paprika. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
Slice the potatoes and put half in the baking dish. Top with half of the cheese sauce. Add the remaining potatoes and top with the last of the cheese sauce.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes or until fork tender. Remove from the oven and top with the remaining cheddar cheese and return to the oven until the cheese is melted. It will take about 2-4 minutes.
Garnish with dried parsley flakes. Let cool slightly before serving.