Potatoes

Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin

Name: Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs (1 kg) Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced; 1 lb (450g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced; 2 large onions, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter; 1 cup (250g) grated cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup (125g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup (250ml) heavy cream; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp (30g) all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, melted

By Priya Nair · June 18, 2026 · Potatoes

Prep30 min

Cook45 min

Total75 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I made scalloped potatoes au gratin for my family. It was a cold winter evening, and we were all craving something comforting and warm. I had never made it before, but I was determined to get it just right. After some trial and error, I finally landed on a recipe that has become a staple in our household.

The key to a great scalloped potatoes au gratin is to use high-quality ingredients and to not be afraid to get a little creative. I like to use a combination of Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes, as they hold their shape well and have a nice balance of starch and moisture. I also add in some caramelized onions and a sprinkle of grated cheese to give it an extra boost of flavor.

This recipe is perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in. It's also a great side dish to bring to potlucks or holiday gatherings. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make ahead of time and reheat when you're ready.

So, if you're looking for a delicious and comforting side dish that's sure to impress, look no further than my scalloped potatoes au gratin recipe. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender, golden potatoes, it's a dish that's sure to become a new favorite.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make a classic scalloped potatoes au gratin, including how to choose the right potatoes, how to caramelize onions, and how to create a creamy, cheesy sauce. I'll also provide you with some tips and variations to make the dish your own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make ahead of time and reheat when you're ready
It's perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in
The combination of tender potatoes, caramelized onions, and creamy sauce is a match made in heaven
You can customize the recipe to your taste by using different types of cheese or adding some chopped herbs
It's a great side dish to bring to potlucks or holiday gatherings
The dish is incredibly flavorful and satisfying, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner

Why This Recipe Works

The success of this recipe lies in the combination of tender potatoes, caramelized onions, and a rich, creamy sauce. The key is to cook the potatoes until they're just tender, then top them with a sauce that's been infused with the deep flavor of caramelized onions.

To caramelize the onions, it's essential to cook them slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they're dark golden brown and sweet. This process can take about 30-40 minutes, but it's worth the wait. The caramelized onions add a depth of flavor to the dish that's hard to replicate with raw onions.

The sauce is also crucial to the success of the recipe. I use a combination of grated cheese, heavy cream, and butter to create a rich, creamy sauce that's infused with the flavor of the caramelized onions. The sauce is then poured over the potatoes and baked until golden and bubbly.

The final step is to sprinkle the top of the dish with grated cheese and breadcrumbs, which adds a nice crunch and texture to the dish. This is where you can get creative and add your own twist to the recipe, such as using different types of cheese or adding some chopped herbs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few key ingredients, including Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes, caramelized onions, grated cheese, and heavy cream. You'll also need some butter, salt, and pepper to bring out the flavors of the dish.

When choosing your potatoes, look for ones that are high in starch, like Russet or Idaho potatoes, as they'll hold their shape well and yield a nice texture. For the cheese, you can use a combination of cheddar and Parmesan, or experiment with other types of cheese to find the one you like best.

2 lbs (1 kg) Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly slicedRusset potatoes are high in starch, which makes them ideal for scalloped potatoes. They'll hold their shape well and yield a nice texture.
1 lb (450g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly slicedYukon Gold potatoes have a buttery, yellow flesh and a smooth, thin skin. They add a nice sweetness and texture to the dish.
2 large onions, thinly slicedOnions are a crucial component of this recipe, as they add a depth of flavor and sweetness. Look for onions that are firm and have no signs of sprouting.
2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butterButter is used to caramelize the onions and add flavor to the dish. Use high-quality, unsalted butter for the best flavor.
1 cup (250g) grated cheddar cheeseCheddar cheese is a classic choice for scalloped potatoes, as it melts well and adds a rich, tangy flavor. Look for a high-quality, sharp cheddar for the best flavor.
1/2 cup (125g) grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the dish. Use high-quality, aged Parmesan for the best flavor.
1 cup (250ml) heavy creamHeavy cream is used to create a rich, creamy sauce. Look for high-quality, heavy cream that's free of additives and preservatives.
1 tsp (5g) saltSalt is used to bring out the flavors of the dish. Use high-quality, kosher salt for the best flavor.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper is used to add depth and warmth to the dish. Use high-quality, freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is used to add flavor to the dish. Look for fresh, high-quality garlic for the best flavor.
1 cup (120g) breadcrumbsBreadcrumbs are used to add texture and crunch to the dish. Look for high-quality, whole wheat breadcrumbs for the best flavor.
2 tbsp (30g) all-purpose flourFlour is used to thicken the sauce and add structure to the dish. Use high-quality, all-purpose flour for the best results.
2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, meltedMelted butter is used to create a creamy, cheesy sauce. Use high-quality, unsalted butter for the best flavor.

Ingredients for Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlMandoline or sharp knifeCutting boardLarge saucepanWhiskMeasuring cups and spoons9x13 inch baking dish

How to Make Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin

1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine the sliced potatoes and cold water to cover. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
3
While the potatoes are soaking, caramelize the onions in a large saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they're dark golden brown and sweet, about 30-40 minutes.
4
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is lightly golden and has a nutty aroma.
5
Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
6
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the grated cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic.
7
Drain the potatoes and layer them in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
8
Dot the top of the dish with the melted butter and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
9
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives, if desired.
10
To make ahead, assemble the dish up to a day in advance, but don't bake it until you're ready to serve. You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months and thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.
11
To reheat, bake the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Don't overmix the sauce, or it will become too thick and sticky.
Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Experiment with different types of cheese and breadcrumbs to find the combination you like best.
To add some extra flavor, try adding some diced ham or cooked bacon to the dish.
If you're short on time, you can caramelize the onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a week.
To make the dish more substantial, try adding some cooked sausage or diced chicken to the potatoes.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and be sure to check the ingredients of the cheese and breadcrumbs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not soaking the potatoes long enough, resulting in a starchy, sticky texture.
Not cooking the sauce long enough, resulting in a thin, watery consistency.
Overmixing the sauce, resulting in a thick, sticky texture.
Not letting the dish rest long enough, resulting in a disjointed, unflavorful texture.
Using low-quality, processed ingredients, resulting in a bland, unappetizing flavor.
Not adjusting the cooking time and temperature according to the size and thickness of the potatoes.

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes or Yukon Golds, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add some diced ham or cooked bacon to the dish for a smoky, savory flavor.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère, for a unique flavor profile.
Add some chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives, to the dish for a fresh, bright flavor.
Try using different types of breadcrumbs, such as Panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs, for a unique texture.
Add some diced vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
For a vegan version, use vegan cheese and omit the butter and heavy cream.

What to Serve With Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin

This dish is perfect for serving alongside a roasted chicken or beef, or as a side dish for a holiday gathering. You can also serve it as a main course, accompanied by a simple green salad or a side of steamed vegetables.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include:

Roasted chicken or beef: The rich, creamy sauce and tender potatoes pair perfectly with the smoky, savory flavor of roasted meat.

Steamed vegetables: A simple side of steamed broccoli or green beans provides a nice contrast to the rich, comforting potatoes.

Green salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the rich, comforting potatoes.

Roasted chicken or beefSteamed vegetablesGreen saladGarlic breadSauteed spinach

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a day or frozen for up to 2 months. To store, let the dish cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate or freeze.

To reheat, bake the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.

Some tips for storing and reheating this dish include:

Let the dish cool completely before storing to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Use airtight containers or zip-top bags to store the dish and prevent freezer burn.

Label the dish with the date and contents, and use it within a few days of refrigerating or within a few months of freezing.

Reheat the dish to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of potatoes should I use for this recipe?

You can use Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, or a combination of both. Russet potatoes are high in starch and will yield a lighter, fluffier texture, while Yukon Gold potatoes have a buttery, yellow flesh and a smooth, thin skin.

How do I caramelize the onions?

To caramelize the onions, heat a large saucepan over low heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they're dark golden brown and sweet, about 30-40 minutes.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day or freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.

What type of cheese should I use for this recipe?

You can use a combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheese, or experiment with other types of cheese to find the one you like best. Cheddar cheese has a sharp, tangy flavor, while Parmesan cheese has a nutty, salty flavor.

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour for this recipe. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and proceed with the recipe as instructed.

How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming too starchy?

To prevent the potatoes from becoming too starchy, soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes before using. This will help to remove excess starch and yield a lighter, fluffier texture.

Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to this recipe to suit your taste. Some ideas include diced ham or cooked bacon, chopped herbs, or diced vegetables.

How do I reheat the dish without drying it out?

To reheat the dish without drying it out, cover it with aluminum foil and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.

The Full Recipe

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