Potato Casserole Au Gratin
Creamy, cheesy potato casserole with a golden breadcrumb topping, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, offering comforting flavors and a hearty texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil potatoes with jackets on until almost tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain and let cool.
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Stir in flour.
- Slowly add chicken broth and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly.
- Stir in cream, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Cover and let cool.
- Peel and grate potatoes.
- Combine grated potatoes with chopped celery, chopped onion, grated Cheddar cheese, melted butter, and salt.
- Stir sour cream into the cooled cream sauce, then fold sauce into the grated potato mixture.
- Turn the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch shallow baking dish.
- Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using heavy cream instead of light cream. If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth is an excellent substitute. To enhance flavor, add garlic powder or a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce. For a crunchy topping, top with crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Serving Suggestions
This Potato Casserole Au Gratin is a fantastic side dish for roasted meats or grilled chicken recipes. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a comforting dinner, serve it alongside Classic Squash Casserole for a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating, but the oven will maintain the crispy top better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Potato Casserole Au Gratin contains roughly 451 calories, with 7g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (21% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g 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 prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to sauté them first to reduce moisture and prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omitting any meat-based toppings. The cheese and cream offer plenty of richness to satisfy a vegetarian palate.
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).