Get ready to transform your dinner table with the most mouth-watering, decadent potato dish you've ever tasted! Paula's Awesome Au Gratin Potatoes are not just a side dish - they're a creamy, cheesy experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With perfectly layered potatoes, rich cheddar cheese, and a golden crispy top, this recipe is the ultimate comfort food that promises to elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- Wash and peel the potatoes. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the potatoes into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/8 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture.
- Finely chop the onion into small, uniform pieces to distribute flavor evenly throughout the dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced potatoes, chopped onions, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Gently toss to ensure all potato slices are coated and seasoned.
- Layer half of the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even, slightly overlapping layer.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the first potato layer, ensuring even coverage.
- Add the remaining potato mixture on top of the cheese layer, creating a second even layer.
- Top the final potato layer with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Cut the butter into small pieces and dot the top of the cheese layer, which will help create a golden, crispy top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and retain moisture during initial baking.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the potatoes to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Slice potatoes uniformly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create even 1/8 inch thick potato rounds. This ensures consistent cooking and texture.
- Don't skip the resting time: Letting the dish rest 10-15 minutes after baking helps the potatoes set and makes serving much easier.
- Choose the right cheese: While this recipe uses cheddar, feel free to experiment with a blend of cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan for added depth of flavor.
- Prevent burning: Covering the dish with foil for the first 45 minutes prevents the top from browning too quickly while ensuring the potatoes cook through.
- For extra richness, consider adding a touch of garlic or fresh herbs like thyme to the cream mixture for additional flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
