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Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes with Sharp Cheddar

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A cozy, crowd-pleasing recipe featuring tender potatoes layered with a silky sharp cheddar cheese sauce, perfect for holiday dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 200g), preferably aged
  • 2 cups heavy cream (480 ml)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Peel and slice potatoes into 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick slices. Rinse under cold water and pat dry.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Whisk in flour and cook for another minute to form a roux.
  5. Gradually whisk in heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  6. Add onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Reserve ½ cup cheddar for topping.
  8. Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer one-third of the potato slices evenly, pour one-third of the cheese sauce over them. Repeat layering two more times, finishing with cheese sauce.
  9. Sprinkle reserved ½ cup cheddar evenly on top.
  10. Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  11. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.
  12. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Rinse and dry potatoes to remove excess starch and prevent gluey texture. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting. Cover with foil during most of baking to prevent burning; remove foil at the end to brown the top. Let rest before serving to thicken sauce. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond or gluten-free flour. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: au gratin potatoes, creamy potatoes, sharp cheddar, comfort food, holiday side dish, cheesy potatoes

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-au-gratin-potatoes-with-sharp-cheddar-easy-recipe-for-cozy-gatherings/