Ultimate Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin with Crispy Bacon: A Holiday Side Dish Masterpiece
Prepare to elevate your holiday table with this irresistible Potatoes Au Gratin recipe! Featuring layers of thinly sliced golden and sweet potatoes nestled in a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce, topped with savory crisp bacon and a hint of diced onion, every forkful is a symphony of flavor and texture. This homemade classic is not just a side dish; it’s a culinary experience that promises to be the star of any meal, leaving everyone begging for more. Quick to prepare, easy to bake, and utterly perfect for satisfying that craving for the best cheesy potato casserole imaginable, this recipe is a must-try for holidays and everyday indulgence alike.
As the leaves turn and the festive season approaches, the quest for the perfect holiday side dish begins. This year, let this sensational Potatoes Au Gratin recipe be your go-to. While main courses often steal the spotlight, for many, the array of delicious side dishes truly defines a holiday feast. If you’re a potato enthusiast and believe that the sides are where the magic happens, then you’re in for a treat! This recipe kicks off our series of #HolidaySideDishes with a comforting potato casserole that’s guaranteed to impress.
Crafting Easy Sweet and Golden Potatoes Au Gratin from Scratch
Imagine a dish that is warm, deeply savory, and brimming with the irresistible cheesy goodness of Asiago and Parmesan. This homemade potato au gratin is precisely that – a culinary triumph perfect for complementing any main course or protein. Designed to be family-friendly, incredibly easy to prepare, and bursting with comforting flavors, it ingeniously combines both sweet and golden potatoes, offering the best of both worlds in every bite. The potatoes are baked to exquisite tenderness, crowned with a layer of crispy bacon that introduces a delightful crunch and enhances the overall deliciousness. Even the pickiest eaters will adore these potatoes! This versatile side dish is ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any celebratory gathering. It pairs beautifully with virtually any meal, making it a superior choice to traditional scalloped potatoes due to its rich cheesy profile.
Why This Homemade Au Gratin Recipe Stands Out
- Effortlessly Easy: Despite its impressive appearance, this au gratin is surprisingly simple to make from scratch. The thinly sliced potatoes are layered with a luscious sauce and transferred to a single baking dish, making both preparation and serving a breeze. With straightforward steps, it’s an ideal recipe for when you desire homemade quality without the fuss.
- Bursting with Flavor: The secret to its incredible taste lies in the harmonious blend of ingredients. Fragrant garlic, rich butter, savory bacon, and the tender, creamy potatoes create an explosion of flavors that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. What could be more satisfying than the flawless marriage of two distinct cheeses, baked until golden and bubbly?
- Remarkably Versatile: This recipe offers fantastic flexibility. You can choose to use just one type of potato, or stick with our recommended mix of sweet and golden for added complexity. It’s also easily adaptable for dietary needs: simply substitute dairy milk and butter with their plant-based counterparts and either omit the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free alternative for a delicious dairy-free au gratin.
- Universally Family-Friendly: This comforting dish is a guaranteed hit with everyone, from young children to adults. The velvety, creamy sauce thoroughly coats each potato slice, ensuring that every bite is imbued with flavor. Its appealing taste and comforting texture make these potatoes au gratin a beloved dish for any family meal.
Do You Need to Soften Potatoes for Au Gratin?
One of the beauties of this particular recipe is that there’s no need for any fussy pre-softening of the potatoes. The thinly sliced potatoes bake directly in our decadent creamy sauce, allowing them to slowly absorb all the delicious flavors of the milk, butter, and cheeses. This slow absorption process ensures they become perfectly tender, infused with cheesy goodness, and melt-in-your-mouth soft, making every bite a delight.
Potatoes Au Gratin vs. Scalloped Potatoes: What’s the Key Difference?
While often confused, there’s a subtle yet significant distinction between potatoes au gratin and scalloped potatoes. The defining characteristic of potatoes au gratin is the inclusion of cheese within its rich, creamy sauce. Scalloped potatoes, on the other hand, are typically prepared with a similar creamy sauce but without the cheese. Both classic dishes feature thinly sliced, or “scalloped,” potatoes, but the addition of cheese in au gratin truly elevates its flavor and creates that signature bubbly, golden crust that we all adore.
Is Potato Dauphinoise the Same as Potatoes Au Gratin?
Potato Dauphinoise and Potatoes Au Gratin are indeed very similar, both hailing from the French “gratin” style of cooking. Both dishes feature thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy preparation, and often include cheese. Traditional Dauphinoise potatoes typically rely on cream, milk, and garlic, while au gratin distinctly emphasizes the use of multiple cheeses, creating a more robust and varied flavor profile. Either can be prepared with raw or pre-cooked potatoes, depending on the desired texture and cooking time.
This recipe cleverly uses a delightful duo of gold and sweet potatoes, making it extra flavorful and visually appealing!
Essential Ingredients for the Best Potatoes Au Gratin
This recipe relies on a selection of simple yet potent ingredients that combine to create one of the most flavorful potato dishes you’ll ever make. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect creamy, savory, and utterly delicious result.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: An absolute must for preparing your casserole dish. Greasing the dish thoroughly ensures that your cheesy potatoes au gratin won’t stick, making serving and cleanup effortless.
- Onion: Whether you choose white or yellow, diced onion forms the aromatic foundation of our sauce, adding a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. Chopping your onion in advance can save valuable prep time.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for its bold, pungent flavor that truly shines through the dish. If fresh isn’t available, a good quality ground garlic can be used, but fresh is always superior for that vibrant taste.
- Butter: The cornerstone of our creamy sauce, butter (salted or unsalted, to preference) contributes immense richness and a silky texture. The combination of butter and potatoes is undeniably one of the best pairings in culinary history.
- Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are critical. They enhance all the other flavors, ensuring the potatoes are perfectly seasoned and savory. Adjust to your taste, but don’t shy away from seasoning generously.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the thickening agent for our luxurious savory sauce. It combines with butter to form a roux, which creates the perfect consistency. For a gluten-free version, simply swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Milk: Dairy milk is essential for creating an extra creamy and smooth sauce. You can use full-fat, 2%, or even a dairy-free milk alternative to suit your dietary needs. The higher the fat content, the richer the sauce will be.
- Potatoes: Our special blend includes both sweet and golden (Yukon Gold) potatoes. The sweet potatoes should be peeled for a smoother texture, while the tender skins of golden potatoes can be left on for added nutrition and rustic charm. Ensure they are thinly sliced for even cooking.
- Cheese (Asiago & Parmesan): The dynamic duo for ultimate cheesiness! Asiago provides a wonderfully nutty and slightly pungent flavor, while Parmesan adds a sharp, salty depth. For the best flavor and melt, we highly recommend grating your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties.
- Bacon: Crispy-cooked and crumbled bacon is the crowning glory of these potatoes. It adds an incredible layer of salty, smoky flavor and a delightful textural contrast that elevates this au gratin recipe to another level of deliciousness.
Effortless Steps: How to Make This Irresistible Recipe
You’ll find yourself returning to this homemade recipe time and again, not just for its incredible flavor, but for its sheer simplicity! This dish isn’t just for special occasions; it makes a fantastic, comforting meal any time you’re craving something truly satisfying.
Step One – Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). While the oven heats, generously prepare a three-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a large skillet or frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s completely liquid and lightly shimmering. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them gently until they become fragrant, translucent, and tender. This step creates the flavorful foundation for your creamy sauce.
Step Two – Create the Roux with Flour and Seasoning
Once the onions and garlic are tender, whisk in the salt, pepper, and all-purpose flour. Stir continuously for one to two minutes, cooking out the raw flour taste, until the mixture is fully combined and forms a thick paste, known as a roux. Be vigilant to ensure the heat isn’t too high, preventing the mixture from burning. This roux will be key to thickening your luscious sauce.
Step Three – Whisk in the Milk for a Creamy Sauce
Gradually, add the milk to the butter-flour mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk as the sauce gently heats and thickens, becoming smooth, hot, and bubbly. This process ensures a rich, uniform consistency. Once thickened to your liking, remove the pan from the heat.
Step Four – Expertly Layer Your Potatoes Au Gratin
Now, it’s time to build your masterpiece. Spread precisely one-third of the freshly prepared creamy sauce evenly across the bottom of your greased casserole dish. This initial layer prevents the first layer of potatoes from sticking and ensures every bite is saucy.
Next, arrange half of your thinly sliced sweet and golden potatoes over the sauce, creating an even layer. Follow this with half of the shredded Asiago cheese, distributing it well over the potatoes. This careful layering ensures a perfect blend of flavors and textures throughout the dish.
Step Five – Continue Layering for Maximum Flavor
Add another third of the creamy sauce over the first potato and cheese layer. Then, carefully place the remaining sweet and golden potatoes on top, followed by the rest of the shredded Asiago cheese. Finally, spoon the last portion of the sauce over the entire assembly, ensuring every surface is adequately covered to maintain moisture and infuse flavor during baking.
Step Six – The Finishing Touch: Parmesan and Baking
To complete the layers, generously sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the very top of the potatoes au gratin. This will create a beautiful golden, bubbly crust. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, uncover the potatoes and continue baking for another 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are exquisitely tender and can be easily pierced with a fork, and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step Seven – Garnish with Bacon and Rest
Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle the crispy-cooked bacon pieces generously over the top of the hot potatoes. Allow the potatoes to stand, uncovered, at room temperature for at least ten minutes before serving. This crucial resting period allows the sauce to set and the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring a perfect texture.
For an extra touch of freshness and elegance, garnish with fresh herbs such as sage, parsley, rosemary, or thyme before serving. It will be incredibly challenging to resist going back for seconds with this irresistible dish!
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
Don’t let this incredible potatoes au gratin recipe slip away! Make sure to save it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find it whenever you’re ready to create this delicious dish again.
Can Potatoes Au Gratin Be Prepared Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This is one of the many reasons why this recipe is perfect for holiday entertaining or busy weeknights. You can easily assemble the entire dish, layering all the ingredients into your baking dish, then cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days before you plan to bake. This make-ahead capability is a huge time-saver, allowing you to get a head start on your festive side dishes and enjoy a less stressful kitchen experience on the day of your event.
Expert Tips for Perfect Potatoes Au Gratin Every Time
- Potato Varieties: While our recipe calls for a mix of sweet and golden potatoes, feel free to experiment! Russet potatoes are an excellent alternative to Yukon Gold, offering a classic, fluffy texture that absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Cheese Exploration: Don’t limit yourself to just Asiago and Parmesan. You can mix up the cheeses for extra flavor complexity. Consider adding Gruyere for a nutty depth, sharp cheddar for a familiar tang, or even spicy Pepper Jack for a delightful kick of heat. Grating your own cheese is always recommended for superior melt and flavor.
- The Power of Salt: Proper seasoning is paramount, especially with potatoes. Don’t forget to salt your potatoes and sauce adequately. Salt is crucial for bringing out the natural flavors of all the ingredients, ensuring your potatoes au gratin are perfectly seasoned and incredibly savory.
- Achieving Thin Slices: For even cooking and that signature tender texture, thinly sliced potatoes are key. A mandoline slicer is highly recommended for achieving uniform, paper-thin slices quickly and safely. If using a knife, take your time to slice them as evenly as possible.
- Storing Leftovers: Any remaining potatoes au gratin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This makes them fantastic for meal prepping or enjoying delightful leftovers.
- Reheating Instructions: To reheat, gently warm the potatoes in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are thoroughly heated through and bubbly. You can also warm individual portions in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally, until hot.
- The Importance of Resting: After baking and adding the bacon, allow the dish to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to settle and thicken slightly, preventing a watery consistency and ensuring the flavors meld perfectly.
Perfect Pairing Suggestions for Your Potatoes Au Gratin
This versatile side dish complements a wide array of main courses, enhancing any meal with its rich, creamy flavors. Here are some fantastic suggestions to serve alongside your cheesy potatoes au gratin:
- Glazed Smoked Ham: The smoky sweetness of ham is an ideal match for the savory richness of au gratin.
- Mississippi Pot Roast: The tender, flavorful pot roast provides a hearty counterpoint to the creamy potatoes.
- Spatchcock Chicken: A beautifully roasted chicken offers a classic and satisfying pairing.
- Smoked Turkey: For holiday meals, smoked turkey and au gratin are a match made in heaven.
- Grilled Steaks or Pork Chops: The robust flavors of grilled meats are perfectly balanced by the creamy potatoes.
- Roasted Vegetables: A simple green bean almondine or roasted asparagus would add a lovely fresh contrast.
Truly, this recipe is so adaptable, it enhances almost any kind of food!
Discover More Delicious Potato Recipes You’ll Love!
Who doesn’t love the comforting versatility of potatoes? If you’re as big a fan of this humble root vegetable as we are, then you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic potato-centric recipes from our collection. From creamy mashes to hearty soups and crispy cakes, there’s a potato dish here for every craving and occasion!
- The Best Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes (pictured above)
- Classic Potato Cakes Recipe
- Hearty Cheesy Potato Soup
- Comforting Potato, Green Bean, and Bacon Soup
- Decadent Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
- Crispy Mashed Potato Cakes
- Rich Loaded Baked Potato Soup
These recipes showcase the incredible versatility of potatoes and are sure to become new family favorites. Enjoy experimenting with these delightful dishes!
Your family will undoubtedly adore this incredible potatoes au gratin recipe! It’s a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and undeniable flavor to any table, making every meal feel a little more special. 
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Print Recipe
Potatoes Au Gratin
Equipment
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Zyliss Comfort Utility Knife
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12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
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Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick 1-Quart Saucepan with Lid
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9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid
Ingredients
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 6 Tablespoons butter
- 6 Tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 3½ cups milk
- 4 cups sweet potatoes peeled and sliced thin
- 4 cups Yukon gold potatoes skins left on, sliced thin
- 8 ounces Asiago cheese shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
- 6 slices bacon cooked crisp and crumbled
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 3 quart casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
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In a large saucepan, cook onion and garlic in hot butter until tender. Whisk in salt and pepper and flour. Add in milk, continuing to whisk until sauce is thickened, hot and bubbly. Remove from heat.
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Spread one-third of the sauce into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Top with half of both the gold and the sweet potatoes, then half of the Asiago cheese.
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Top with another third of the sauce, then the remaining potatoes, and the remaining Asiago cheese. Spoon the remainder of the sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the parmesan cheese.
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Cover and bake for 45 minutes.
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Uncover and bake for another 45 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Sprinkle bacon over the top, and let potatoes stand, uncovered for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
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