Easy Au Gratin Potatoes

Looking for the perfect comfort food side dish? These Easy Au Gratin Potatoes are a cheesy, creamy classic that will steal the spotlight at any meal. Made with tender, thinly sliced Russet potatoes layered in a luscious homemade cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar and Parmesan, this dish is baked to golden, bubbly perfection. With simple pantry staples like butter, flour, milk, and a hint of garlic powder, this recipe is as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Perfect for holiday feasts, cozy family dinners, or potlucks, these au gratin potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Garnished with fresh parsley and ready in just about 80 minutes, they’re the ultimate side that pairs beautifully with anything from roasted meats to fresh salads. Luxurious yet approachable, this recipe is your go-to for creating a memorable meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 medium (about 2 lbs) Russet potatoes
• 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Whole milk
• 0.5 cups Heavy cream
• 0.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2

Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin, even rounds (about 1/8 inch thick). Use a mandoline slicer for more consistent results if available.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1–2 minutes until the mixture turns golden and smooth, forming a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, ensuring no lumps form. Cook the sauce over medium heat until it starts to thicken, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and 1.5 cups of sharp cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 6

Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it out evenly.

Step 7

Repeat with the remaining potato slices and cheese sauce, ensuring the potatoes are well-coated.

Step 8

Sprinkle the top with the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the Parmesan cheese.

Step 9

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 11

Let the au gratin potatoes cool for 5–10 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	4647.9 grams (4647.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5970

Total Fat 197.20g	253%
Saturated Fat 123.50g	618%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.50g
Cholesterol 607mg	202%
Sodium 6346mg	276%
Total Carbohydrate 845.50g	307%
Dietary Fiber 63.70g	228%
Total Sugars 65.50g
Protein 224.30g	449%

Vitamin D 263IU	1314%
Calcium 4075mg	313%
Iron 45mg	248%
Potassium 21486mg	457%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 29.3%

Protein: 14.8%

Carbs: 55.9%