Make this classic potato gratin recipe for your next gathering. It is a rich, creamy bake that tastes like traditional comfort food sides.
Author:elena.valdez
Prep Time:25 min
Cook Time:75 min
Total Time:100 min
Yield:8 servings 1x
Category:Side Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
3 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Slice the potatoes very thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. You can use a mandoline for uniform slices.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to make a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until the sauce is smooth. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not let it boil rapidly.
Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in one cup of the cheddar cheese and all of the Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth.
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes and half of the sliced onions in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes.
Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, onions, and the rest of the sauce. Press down gently.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining one cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Let the cheesy scalloped potatoes rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For the best texture, use starchy potatoes like Russets. Avoid waxy potatoes for this creamy potato bake.
If you prefer a slightly firmer topping, skip the final layer of cheese and just bake until golden.
This dish reheats well. Cover and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.