Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes
Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes feature tender hash browns combined with a rich, cheesy sauce made from cream cheese, cheddar, and cream of celery. This comforting dish offers a luscious, savory flavor profile perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, with a crispy topping and creamy interior.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- In a saucepan, over medium heat, cook chopped onion until tender.
- Stir in cream of celery soup and cream cheese cubes.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until smooth and hot.
- Pour the mixture over the frozen southern-style hash browns in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and golden on top, about 25-30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or a sprinkle of paprika to the cream mixture. If you want a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the cream cheese and use low-fat cream of celery soup. Shredded mozzarella can also be used alongside cheddar cheese for a creamier texture. Make sure to chop the onion finely to ensure it cooks evenly.
Serving Suggestions
These creamy au gratin potatoes pair beautifully with grilled chicken or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They also make a comforting side dish for holiday gatherings. For a twist, serve them alongside Country Corn Pudding for a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to maintain its creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes contains roughly 9 calories, with 0g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can use freshly sliced or diced potatoes. Just parboil them for about 10 minutes before adding them to the dish to ensure they cook through during baking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
What can I use instead of cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or make your own using a roux and sautéed celery, onions, and cream for a homemade version.
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).