Au Gratin Potatoes (Fancy)
Creamy and cheesy au gratin potatoes with crispy corn flakes topping, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, offering comforting flavors and a crunchy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the potatoes, peel and shred them, then let cool.
- Melt 3/4 of a stick of margarine in a 12-inch Dutch oven.
- Add the shredded potatoes, cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chopped green onions to the Dutch oven.
- Melt the remaining 1/4 stick of margarine and pour it over the corn flake crumbs.
- Mix the corn flakes with the melted margarine.
- Add the crumbled corn flakes to the grated cheese.
- Layer the potato mixture in a baking dish or Dutch oven.
- Top the potato mixture with the cheese and corn flake crumb mixture.
- Bake for 55 minutes with 12 coals on top and 12 coals on the bottom.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using half-and-half instead of sour cream for a creamier texture or substitute the cream of celery soup with a Vegetable 'N Cheese Soup for added flavor. Additionally, using fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the dish's aroma. Ensure the potatoes are well-cooled before shredding to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these au gratin potatoes alongside grilled meats or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with chicken recipes like Gloria June's Chicken or can be enjoyed as a comforting side dish. For a festive touch, sprinkle additional green onions on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the au gratin potatoes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Au Gratin Potatoes (Fancy) contains roughly 1251 calories, with 21g protein, 186g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (102% of the Daily Value), iron (81% of the Daily Value), and potassium (72% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 975mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or a blend of your favorites for a unique flavor profile. Just ensure that the cheese melts well to maintain that creamy texture.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this au gratin potatoes recipe vegetarian, simply replace the cream of chicken soup with an extra can of cream of celery soup or a vegetable-based alternative. This maintains the creamy consistency without using meat products.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add the cornflake topping and bake as directed. This is a great time-saver for busy gatherings or holiday meals.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).