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Easy Cheesy Creamy Scalloped Potatoes (Potatoes Au Gratin)

Two slices of creamy, layered scalloped potatoes with a deeply browned, cheesy crust served on a white plate.

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Make rich, velvety scalloped potatoes layered with tender potatoes and a simple, cheesy cream sauce. This easy potato casserole is a classic comfort food side dish perfect for holiday meals or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not let it boil rapidly.
  4. Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, and minced garlic.
  5. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese and all of the Gruyère cheese (if using) until melted and smooth. This creates your rich potato sauce.
  6. Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
  7. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes.
  8. Top with the remaining potatoes, then pour the rest of the sauce over them. Press the layers down gently.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top layer.
  10. Bake uncovered for 50 to 60 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.
  11. Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set.

Notes

  • For a make-ahead option, assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and chill for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
  • If you are planning your week, consider using this recipe as part of your meal planning strategy for easy holiday prep.
  • For a deeper flavor, substitute some of the milk with chicken broth.

Nutrition