AU GRATIN POTATOES (in individual serving dishes)

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Au Gratin Potatoes, baked to perfection in individual serving dishes. This recipe combines the rich, creamy goodness of Yukon Gold potatoes layered with sharp Cheddar and a hint of garlic, all topped with a golden, bubbling crust. It's the perfect side dish for a cozy family dinner or a sophisticated dinner party, offering both elegance and irresistible flavor in every bite. Whether you're serving it alongside a roast or as a stand-alone star, these Au Gratin Potatoes are sure to impress and satisfy.

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Reasons You'll Love This Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe:

1. Individual Portions: Perfectly portioned servings add a touch of elegance to any meal, making this recipe ideal for both casual family dinners and special occasions.

2. Rich, Creamy Flavor: The combination of Yukon Gold potatoes, heavy cream, and sharp Cheddar creates a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s pure comfort food.

3. Customizable: Easily swap out the cheese with Gruyère or aged white Cheddar to tailor the flavor to your liking, or add your favorite herbs for a personalized touch.

4. Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples like potatoes, onions, garlic, and cream, this recipe is easy to prepare without any hard-to-find ingredients.

5. Versatile Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes, from roasted meats to grilled vegetables, making it a go-to side for any meal.

6. Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dish in advance and bake it when ready, giving you more time to relax or focus on other dishes when entertaining.

7. Impressive Presentation: Served in individual dishes, these gratins not only taste amazing but also look stunning on the plate, impressing your guests with minimal effort.

8. Kid-Friendly: The creamy, cheesy potatoes are a hit with kids, making it a family-friendly recipe that everyone will enjoy.

9. Satisfying and Comforting: Perfect for cold nights or whenever you need a warm, comforting dish to brighten your day.

10. No-Fuss Cooking: With simple steps and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is approachable even for novice cooks, yet delivers restaurant-quality results.

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All About Au Gratin Potatoes: Origins and Cooking Tips!

1. A French Classic: Au gratin potatoes, or "gratin dauphinois" as they are traditionally called in France, are a deliciously rich and creamy dish with origins in French cuisine. The term "gratin" comes from the French word "gratter," meaning "to grate" or "to scrape," which refers to the crispy, golden crust formed on top when baking.

2. Rustic Beginnings: This comforting dish hails from the Dauphiné region in southeastern France. It was originally a simple peasant dish made with thinly sliced potatoes, milk or cream, and a touch of butter, all baked together to create a creamy, indulgent side dish.

3. The Power of Cheese: While traditional gratin dauphinois does not typically include cheese, many modern variations have embraced adding cheese to the dish. Potatoes au gratin often feature Gruyère, Parmesan, or Cheddar cheese melted between the layers of potatoes and on top, creating a rich, savory flavor and a golden, bubbly crust.

4. Perfectly Layered: The secret to a great au gratin is thinly slicing the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. A mandoline slicer is a great tool for achieving uniform slices, which helps the potatoes absorb the cream and flavors evenly while baking.

5. Creamy and Rich: The creamy sauce that envelops the potatoes is made with heavy cream, butter, garlic, and sometimes a pinch of nutmeg or thyme for added flavor. As the dish bakes, the cream thickens and combines with the starch from the potatoes to create a luscious, velvety texture.

6. Customizable and Versatile: Au gratin potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. You can add ingredients like caramelized onions, bacon, ham, or even vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a unique twist on this classic dish.

7. A Great Side Dish for Any Occasion: Au gratin potatoes are a popular choice for holiday dinners, special occasions, or whenever you want to elevate a meal with a comforting, indulgent side. They pair wonderfully with roast meats, poultry, or seafood, adding a rich, creamy contrast to the main course.

8. Make-Ahead Friendly: One of the best things about au gratin potatoes is that they can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When you're ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake until bubbly and golden. This makes it a great option for busy holidays or gatherings.

9. Golden and Crispy: The hallmark of a great au gratin is that golden, crispy top layer. For the perfect crust, bake the dish until it’s bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown. You can even place it under the broiler for a minute or two at the end to get an extra crispy top.

We hope you enjoyed learning more about au gratin potatoes! This classic French dish is a comforting favorite that’s sure to impress your guests and become a staple on your dinner table. Bon appétit!

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Au Gratin Potatoes (in Individual Serving Dishes)

Ingredients:

• Butter, oil, or cooking spray (for coating baking dishes)

• 6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (about 12 oz), thinly sliced (3–3 1/2 cups)

• ½ cup finely chopped onion or shallots

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 ½ cups heavy cream (enough to cover the potatoes)

• 1 tsp ground mustard

• Salt and white pepper, to taste

• 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (aged white Cheddar or Gruyère also work well)

• Chopped fresh chives (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Coat four au gratin dishes with butter, oil, or cooking spray. The dishes should be large enough to hold the potatoes and cheese sauce.

2. In a small saucepan, combine the potatoes, onion, garlic, heavy cream, salt, and white pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, and gently cook for at least 7 minutes after the cream begins to simmer, stirring occasionally and carefully to avoid breaking the potatoes.

3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the potatoes, onions, and garlic to a bowl. Let them cool slightly until they are easy to handle.

4. Whisk the grated cheese into the cream until smooth. If necessary, return the cream to low heat to help the cheese fully melt and create a smooth sauce. Add the ground mustard, along with additional salt and pepper to taste.

5. Divide 1/3 of the potato mixture among the individual baking dishes, creating a thin layer. Drizzle each dish with 1/3 of the cheese sauce. Repeat the layering process two more times, finishing with a layer of cheese sauce on top.

6. Loosely cover each dish with aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet to catch any sauce that may bubble over. Bake for 50 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the gratins are bubbling. About 10 to 15 minutes before the cooking time is up, remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown slightly.

Note: To make this dish in a larger baking dish for your family or a gathering, layer the potatoes and sauce in the same order. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the potatoes in the center are soft (test with a knife). It may take up to 1 1/2 hours.

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We’re so excited for you to try this recipe! To make it even easier, we’ve put together a list of our favorite kitchen tools that are super helpful for this recipe. By using our affiliate links below, you’ll not only be getting top-notch products but also supporting our blog, Wine Cheese Scallops. Thank you so much for your support—happy cooking!

1. Mandolin Slicer

2. Quality Knife

3. Saute pan

   1. Our Hestan Culinary pan

4. Whisk

5. Large baking sheet w/ rack

6. Measuring Cups and Spoons Set

7. Large Cutting Board