Description
Looking for a hearty, comforting side dish that turns heads? This Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin is your answer. With thinly sliced buttery Yukon gold potatoes layered in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, then topped with crispy bacon, this dish is irresistibly indulgent. Whether you’re serving it alongside a steak for dinner or dishing it out at a holiday gathering, it’s one of those easy recipes that feels gourmet. Perfect for quick breakfasts (hello, leftovers!), easy dinners, or when you’re out of dinner ideas and need a reliable comfort food favorite.
Ingredients
3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, sliced 1/8 inch thick
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Slice Yukon gold potatoes evenly to 1/8-inch thickness using a mandoline or sharp knife.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, add garlic, and cook until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
4. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring until thickened. Add salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Layer potatoes in the baking dish, pouring sauce over each layer. Repeat until ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce.
6. Sprinkle chopped cooked bacon on top.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For best results, use freshly shredded cheese to avoid additives that affect melting.
A mandoline ensures consistent slices and even cooking.
Let the dish rest after baking so the sauce can thicken for clean servings.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 80mg