Make the ultimate creamy and cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin, just like your favorite restaurant. This recipe delivers rich layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a luxurious garlic and Gruyere cream sauce, topped with a perfect golden crust.
Author:Kenji Sato
Prep Time:25 minutes
Cook Time:75 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 40 minutes
Yield:8 servings
Category:Side Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:French-American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
3 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
Slice the potatoes very thinly, about 1/16 inch thick. A mandoline slicer works best for evenness.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Do not let the garlic brown.
Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk until the mixture is smooth.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring often. Cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Gently fold in half of the Gruyere and half of the Parmesan cheese until melted.
Arrange one-third of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour one-third of the cream sauce over the potatoes.
Repeat the layering process two more times: potatoes, then sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining Gruyere and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer.
Bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden brown and bubbly. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil.
Let the potatoes rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set.
Notes
Use starchy potatoes like Russet for the best creamy texture.
For a stronger garlic flavor, rub the raw baking dish with a cut clove of garlic before buttering.
If you do not have Gruyere, sharp white cheddar is a good substitute.
Thin, even slices are the key to even cooking. Use a mandoline if you have one.