Classic Potatoes au Gratin 🥔🧀

This comforting dish is a timeless favorite, showcasing the perfect combination of tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese. It's wonderful for gatherings, cozy family dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, Classic Potatoes au Gratin is sure to warm hearts and bellies alike!

Consider serving it alongside juicy roasted meats or a crisp salad to balance the richness of the gratin. 🍖🥗

Ingredients

For the gratin

• 2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups of heavy cream
• 2 cups of shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg (optional)

For the topping

• 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (panko works well for extra crunch!)
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the potatoes: In a large bowl, combine the sliced potatoes, minced garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Toss well to coat the potatoes evenly.

3. Make the creamy sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and half of the Gruyère and cheddar cheeses. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.

4. Layer the gratin: Grease a 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Layer half of the potato mixture evenly at the bottom. Pour half of the creamy cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce.

5. Add the topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter until combined. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the gratin.

6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent burning) and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

7. Cool and serve: Allow the dish to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set, making it easier to slice!

🧄 For a little extra kick, consider adding cooked diced ham or sautéed onions between the layers. This adds depth and flavor that complements the creaminess beautifully.

Variations

• Herb-infused: Experiment by adding fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for a fresh twist.
• Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream mixture for a spicy kick!
• Vegetarian: Mix in layers of sautéed mushrooms or spinach to add extra flavor and nutrition.
• Slow-cooker version: Assemble the gratin in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off approach. It won't have the crispy top, but still incredibly delicious!

Enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite of this classic dish, because there’s nothing quite like a luscious serving of Potatoes au Gratin! 🥰✨