Au Gratin Potatoes with Gruyère Cheese

Au Gratin Potatoes with Gruyère Cheese is a luxurious, comforting, and classic French-inspired side dish that transforms humble potatoes into something truly extraordinary. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with a velvety cream sauce, aromatic garlic, butter, and nutty Gruyère cheese, then baked until perfectly golden and bubbling with rich cheesy goodness. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth texture with crisp edges and deep savory flavor.

This is the kind of dish that feels at home at a holiday table, a romantic dinner, or any meal where you want to elevate the experience. It’s elegant yet rustic, decadent yet simple — a perfect marriage of structure and flavor.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together everything wonderful about comfort food: creamy textures, full flavor, and a warm, satisfying richness that feels indulgent and nourishing. Gruyère cheese adds a sophisticated touch with a mild nuttiness that you simply can’t get from ordinary cheeses, making this not just potatoes — but a culinary experience.

Why It's a Must-Try Dish

This Au Gratin Potatoes recipe is a must-try because:

• It’s impressively delicious with minimal ingredients.
• The texture is creamy, cheesy, and tender, with crispy browned edges.
• It pairs beautifully with nearly any main course — beef, chicken, turkey, or fish.
• It’s a showstopper side dish worthy of special occasions, yet simple enough for a cozy weekend dinner.

One bite of the rich, buttery, cheese-infused layers, and you’ll understand why this classic remains a beloved favorite worldwide.

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh)
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional but recommended)

Cooking Directions (Short Format)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer thin potato slices into a buttered baking dish.
3. Heat cream, garlic, spices, and butter until warm, then pour over potatoes.
4. Add Gruyère and Parmesan cheese between layers and on top.
5. Bake until golden, bubbling, and tender — about 55–70 minutes.
6. Rest 10 minutes before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1 — Prep the Potatoes

• Peel (optional) and slice potatoes very thinly — ideally ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick.
• A mandoline slicer ensures even slices and perfect cooking texture.

Step 2 — Prepare the Cream Mixture

1. In a saucepan, add:
   • Heavy cream
   • Garlic
   • Butter
   • Salt, pepper
   • Thyme
   • Nutmeg
2. Warm gently over medium heat until butter melts and mixture steams.
   (Do not boil.)

Step 3 — Assemble the Dish

1. Grease a baking dish with butter.
2. Arrange a single overlapping layer of potatoes.
3. Sprinkle Gruyère and Parmesan.
4. Pour warmed cream mixture over the layer.
5. Repeat layers until ingredients are used.
6. Finish with a thick layer of cheese on top.

Step 4 — Bake

• Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake an additional 15–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

Step 5 — Rest Before Serving

• Let rest 10–15 minutes to set and slice easily.

How to Serve

Serve warm alongside:

• Roast turkey or chicken
• Beef tenderloin or steak
• Baked salmon
• Holiday ham
• Green vegetables (e.g., asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts)

Garnish with fresh parsley for color.

Recipe Tips

• Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for best tenderness and creaminess.
• Shred Gruyère fresh — pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
• If potatoes brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
• Let it rest before slicing — this prevents runny layers.

Variations

Storage & Freezing

• Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Bake at 325°F until warm or microwave in portions.
• Freezing: Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.
  Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven for best texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Mandoline slicer (recommended)
• Oven-safe baking dish
• Cheese grater
• Medium saucepan

Conclusion

Au Gratin Potatoes with Gruyère Cheese is the perfect balance of sophistication and comfort — creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. It elevates any meal and is always a crowd-pleaser. Once you make this version, you’ll never want boxed scalloped potatoes again!