Creamy Cheddar Au Gratin Potatoes
Indulge in the comfort of creamy, cheesy goodness with this deliciously rich take on classic au gratin potatoes. Layers of tender russet potatoes are enveloped in a velvety mixture of heavy cream, milk, and aromatic garlic, creating a luscious flavor profile that is sure to please a crowd. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, this dish is perfect for special occasions, family dinners, or a cozy night in. This recipe, passed down through generations, not only showcases the simplicity of potatoes but elevates it to a gourmet experience that will leave you craving more.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1 (tablespoon, for greasing the pan)
Russet Potatoes
3 (peeled and cubed)
Heavy Cream
1 (cup)
Milk
1/2 (cup, 2%)
Garlic Cloves
4 (minced)
All-Purpose Flour
2 (tablespoons)
Salt
to taste
Black Pepper
to taste
Cheddar Cheese
1 (cup, grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2
Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with the tablespoon of butter, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
3
In a large bowl, combine the peeled and cubed russet potatoes, spreading them evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4
Whisk together the heavy cream, 2% milk, minced garlic, flour, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl until smooth and fully combined.
5
Gently pour the cream mixture over the potatoes, ensuring all potatoes are coated.
6
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the foil.
8
Continue baking uncovered for an additional 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
9
Once the potatoes are fully cooked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
10
Return the dish to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
11
Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving, enabling the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
25g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for Creamy Cheddar Au Gratin Potatoes?
The main ingredients include 3 peeled and cubed russet potatoes, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of 2% milk, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What type of baking dish is recommended?
A 9x13 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking?
Grease the baking dish with one tablespoon of butter before adding the potatoes.
What kind of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are used in this recipe for their texture and ability to absorb the creamy sauce.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
The potatoes should be peeled and cut into cubes.
What goes into the cream mixture?
The cream mixture consists of heavy cream, 2% milk, minced garlic, flour, salt, and black pepper whisked until smooth.
Why is flour added to the cream?
Flour acts as a thickening agent to ensure the sauce becomes velvety and luscious.
How long do the potatoes bake covered?
The dish should be covered tightly with aluminum foil and baked for 20 minutes.
How long do the potatoes bake uncovered?
After removing the foil, bake the potatoes for an additional 40 minutes.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes are ready when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
When should I add the cheddar cheese?
Add the grated cheddar cheese once the potatoes are fully cooked and tender.
How long does it take for the cheese to melt?
It takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes for the cheese to become melted and bubbly in the oven.
Should I let the casserole rest before serving?
Yes, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
Each serving contains 20 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in the au gratin potatoes?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 10 grams of protein.
Is this recipe considered a side dish?
Yes, it is classified as a side dish, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Can I use whole milk instead of 2%?
While the recipe calls for 2%, whole milk can be used for an even richer texture.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include potatoes, casserole, au gratin, cheddar cheese, comfort food, and side dish.
Is garlic a significant flavor in this dish?
Yes, with 4 cloves of minced garlic, it provides a lovely aromatic flavor profile.
Does this recipe use heavy cream?
Yes, 1 cup of heavy cream is used to create the creamy base.
How much cheddar cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese.
Is the cheese baked until bubbly?
Yes, return the dish to the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What is the total preparation time for the potatoes?
Preparation involves peeling and cubing 3 potatoes and whisking the sauce components.
Are there any specific spices used?
The recipe uses salt and black pepper to taste for seasoning.
Is this a good comfort food recipe?
Absolutely, the combination of potatoes, cream, and cheese makes it a classic comfort food.
Can this be served for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as a gourmet experience suitable for special events.
How is the sauce applied to the potatoes?
The cream mixture is gently poured over the cubed potatoes in the baking dish to ensure even coating.