I’m all about the cheese, bout the cheese, and bubbles. Yessss, layers of tender potatoes blanketed in bubbly, melty, rich cheese. Sigh. Who can resist? Have you had Au Gratin Potatoes before? I know it’s a fancy French name, but I have to admit I used to think people were saying “oak rotten.” And that, my friends, does not sound yummy at all. Who wants to eat rotten potatoes? And what do oak trees have to do with potatoes?
My family has been making these Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes for years. When my dad was in the military, we lived in Morocco where we had a gorgeous house and even a maid and gardener. The maid had learned how to make these from the woman who lived in the house before us and had taken a French cooking class. Good thing I was brave enough to try them despite them having “rotten” in their name. Because I am never going back, my friends. Fries, baked potato, mashed potatoes….they got nothin’ on these babies.
My sister often makes these for Christmas dinner and they’re my favorite part. In fact, I’d be fine if she’d just park the pan in front of me. Because it’s a special occasion and calories don’t count then. 🙂 Now the best Au Gratin Potatoes, I think, are made with rich Gruyere cheese. But it can be kind of pricey, so feel free to substitute cheddar or Monterey Jack. Or go crazy and do Pepperjack. Or try a variety! The possibilities are endless. Like your love for these will be.
- 10 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 lb. Gruyere cheese, grated
- 1 quart half-and-half
- 2 sticks butter, cut into pats or melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves (3 tsp.) garlic, minced
- Flour
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Butter a large roasting pan and layer potatoes so they are barely overlaid.
- Dot with pats of butter or brush with melted butter.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper and garlic and dust with about 2 Tbsp flour.
- Sprinkle with cheese to coat. Repeat layers 3-4 times, ending with cheese on the top.
- Pour half-and-half until you can see it start to seep in.
- Bake for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until pierced potatoes are done.
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Look at all that cheese!! Dying over all that comforting goodness!! 🙂
Jen and Emily @ Layers of Happiness recently posted…25 Girl Scout Cookie Creations (Recipe Roundup)
Thanks, Jen and Emily! These potatoes are truly the epitome of comfort food. Wow, I could go for some right now. By the way, I’m so excited about your Girl Scout Cookie recipe roundup! I love Girl Scout cookies and love the idea of making new and delicious treats out of them!
This looks so delicious and decadent. I could totally imagine a million different cheese combos- thank you for sharing!
I stopped by from What’s Cookin’ Wednesday.
Jessy @ The Life Jolie recently posted…15 tips for making the most of your family photo session.
Thanks, Jessy! It’s one of my favorite side dishes. Thanks for stopping by from the link party! I checked out your family photo session tips post and pinned it. We’re planning on doing family photos soon and these will be super helpful!
How fun to have had the chance to live in Morocco! I love all the cheesy deliciousness in these potatoes. They look delicious!
Thanks, Jen! And living in Morocco was fun—and such a culture shock. I’d love to go back someday! Thanks for visiting my blog. 🙂
This recipe looks so delicious! Cheese: check. Potatoes: check. Creamyness: check. More cheese: check! Haha thanks for sharing it, and also including a more affordable alternative to Gruyere. And you’re right – calories never count on special occasions!
Thanks, Mary! It really does have all the wonderful components of a good comfort food! Thanks for visiting 🙂
This is such an awesome idea! Just looking at this makes me hungry! I am going to go and make this as soon as possible! Thanks so much for posting this keep up the good work! Yum!
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Thanks so much! They really are super yummy. Thanks for visiting!