Old Fashioned Au Gratin Potatoes
Creamy, cheesy au gratin potatoes with tender slices and a crispy bread crumb topping, perfect for family dinners and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare potatoes and slice them thin.
- Cook onions and margarine until onions are clear.
- Stir in flour, salt, and pepper, cooking over low heat until bubbly.
- Remove from heat and stir in milk and 1 1/2 cups of cheese.
- Heat to boiling, stirring constantly, and boil and stir for 1 minute.
- Place potatoes in an ungreased 1 1/2-quart pan.
- Pour cheese sauce over the potatoes.
- Cook, uncovered, at 375°F for 1 hour or at 325°F for 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Combine remaining cheese and bread crumbs and sprinkle on top.
- Bake for the final 15 minutes of cooking time.
Tips & Substitutions
For creamier au gratin potatoes, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you're out of margarine, butter works well as a substitute. To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or garlic powder to the cheese sauce. Make sure to slice the potatoes uniformly for even cooking. If you prefer a crunchy topping, broil the dish for a few minutes after baking.
Serving Suggestions
These au gratin potatoes pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or a protein like roasted chicken or steak. For a complete meal, serve alongside Wayne'S Champagne Salad for a refreshing contrast. They also make a delicious side for holiday gatherings or family dinners, complementing any main dish perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover au gratin potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but for the best texture, oven reheating is recommended.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Au Gratin Potatoes contains roughly 1444 calories, with 29g protein, 221g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value), potassium (65% of the Daily Value), and iron (61% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2090mg per serving (91% 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 for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp Cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses for a unique flavor. Just ensure to maintain the quantity to keep the sauce creamy.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day ahead. Just layer the potatoes and cheese sauce, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even baking.
What should I do if the potatoes are still hard after baking?
If your potatoes are still firm after the baking time, cover the dish with foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. This will help steam them and ensure they become tender. Checking the doneness with a fork will help determine if more time is needed.
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).