Classic Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe and 8 Tasty Main Dishes Ideas

This classic potatoes au gratin recipe is very easy to try at home and can pair well with many tasty dishes:

Ingredients:

- 2 pounds of potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)

- 2 cups heavy cream

- 1 ½ cups grated Gruyère or cheddar cheese

- 2 cloves garlic (minced)

- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

- ½ teaspoon salt

- ½ teaspoon black pepper

- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, lightly grease a medium baking dish with butter, making sure the bottom and sides are well-coated to prevent sticking.

2. Wash, peel, and slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds about ⅛ inch thick. If you have a mandolin slicer, use it for quick and uniform slices. Pat the slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

3. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Warm the mixture over low heat until it is hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally so the garlic infuses the cream with flavor.

4. Arrange one layer of potato slices in the baking dish, slightly overlapping each piece. Pour a small amount of the warm cream mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle a handful of cheese on top.

5. Continue layering potatoes, cream, and cheese until all the ingredients are used. Try to spread each layer evenly to make sure the flavors and textures are balanced. Finish with a generous layer of cheese to create a golden crust.

6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 40 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften while the cream thickens slightly.

7. Remove the foil and bake for another 20–25 minutes until the top becomes bubbly and golden brown. Check the potatoes with a fork; they should be tender all the way through.

8. Take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Making a potatoes au gratin recipe can be easy if you follow some simple tricks. Here are helpful tips to get the best results:

1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds hold their shape and provide a creamy bite, while Russets soften and create a fluffier feel. Selecting the right type greatly affects the final texture and richness of the dish.

2. Slice Evenly: Uniform slices ensure every piece cooks at the same speed. Uneven cuts may cause some potatoes to stay hard while others turn mushy. Using a mandolin makes slicing easier and gives a neat, restaurant-quality presentation.

3. Do Not Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps the cream and cheese settle into a thicker sauce. This not only makes the gratin easier to cut but also blends the flavors more evenly throughout the layers.

4. Try Different Cheeses: Gruyère gives a nutty taste, cheddar adds sharpness, and mixing them together creates complex layers of flavor. Experimenting with cheese combinations lets you customize the dish for everyday meals or special celebrations.

5. Season the Cream: Infusing the cream with garlic, black pepper, or a pinch of nutmeg before layering deepens the taste. This step ensures the potatoes absorb more than plain cream, adding warmth and complexity to every mouthful.

6. Add a Parmesan Topping: Sprinkling Parmesan on the top layer before baking creates a crunchy, golden crust. The salty flavor balances the creamy interior, giving the gratin a delicious contrast in both texture and taste.

7. Bake Covered First: Covering the dish with foil at the start traps steam that softens the potatoes evenly. Removing the cover later allows the cheese to bubble and brown beautifully without leaving the inside undercooked.

Sometimes, you may find that you have made more than you can eat in one sitting. That's okay, because a potatoes au gratin recipe can be stored and enjoyed later. Leftovers still taste delicious when handled the right way.

To store, allow the dish to cool down completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce and cheese will stay good for a few days when kept cold.

When reheating, you can warm the leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This helps maintain the texture better than using a microwave. Potatoes au gratin can safely be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. After that, it is best to make a fresh batch for the best taste and quality.

The creamy and cheesy flavor of a potatoes au gratin recipe makes it the perfect side dish. Here are some delicious ideas to serve alongside:

1. Roast Chicken – Juicy roasted chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes.

2. Grilled Steak – The rich flavors of steak balance the cheesy potatoes nicely.

3. Baked Ham – A traditional holiday choice that matches well with the dish.

4. Salmon Fillet – The freshness of fish adds lightness to the meal.

5. Green Beans Almondine – A crunchy vegetable side for contrast.

6. Caesar Salad – A fresh salad with crisp lettuce balances the heaviness of the potatoes.

7. Pork Chops – Tender pork with creamy potatoes makes a satisfying dinner.

8. Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers bring color and freshness to the plate.