Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin
Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin features tender sliced potatoes baked in a rich, cheesy sauce with Italian herbs and a hint of paprika, perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Coat an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a saucepan, combine milk, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and white pepper. Heat until warm.
- Arrange sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the seasoned milk over the potatoes.
- Dot with butter and sprinkle with 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle paprika on top.
- Bake uncovered for approximately 45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the milk mixture. If you're out of Italian seasoning, a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme works well. You can also swap out Cheddar for Gruyère or a mix of your favorite cheeses for a unique flavor. Ensure the potatoes are evenly sliced for uniform cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve creamy potatoes au gratin as a comforting side dish with roasted meats or a hearty salad. It pairs beautifully with Sweet Potato Pie (A Southern Favorite!) for a delightful contrast of flavors on your dinner table. For a complete meal, consider a side of steamed broccoli or green beans.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until hot, but this may affect the texture of the cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin contains roughly 262 calories, with 9g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (57% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance by assembling it up to the baking step. Cover and refrigerate, then bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through thoroughly.
What type of potatoes are best for au gratin?
Starchy potatoes like Russets work well for au gratin due to their ability to create a creamy texture. You can also use Yukon Golds for a buttery flavor. Avoid waxy potatoes as they may not soften enough during baking.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Sautéed onions, spinach, or cooked broccoli can be layered with the potatoes for added flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the milk mixture slightly to accommodate the extra ingredients for a balanced dish.
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).