The Best Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe (Cheesy & Irresistible)

This creamy au gratin potatoes recipe is rich, cheesy, and perfectly golden. Made with layers of tender potatoes and a luscious homemade cheese sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food side dish for holidays or family dinners.

There are few dishes more soothing than a hot pan of au gratin potatoes straight from the oven. Tender potato slices, creamy sauce, and melting cheese make this classic side dish a standout no matter the occasion. These cheesy potatoes will be the star of any family meal, whether it's a Sunday dinner or a holiday feast.

The name "gratin" refers to a meal with cheese or breadcrumbs on top that is then cooked till golden and crispy, and it is heavily influenced by French cuisine. This culinary method has made its way into American cuisine, but with one significant difference: au gratin potatoes have robust, cheesy flavors, as opposed to their more American relative, scalloped potatoes, which lack cheese entirely.

One of my favorite aspects of this dish is that I can make it during the cooler months of the year. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, glazed ham, and even a plain salad. The best part about this recipe is that it uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, but it has an upscale feel to it, as if it were served at a fine dining restaurant.

What really makes this recipe special is the combination of textures. The potatoes get soft and buttery from baking with the cream sauce, but the top layer gets a nice golden crunch. Every bite is creamy, cheesy goodness with just a hint of garlic and thyme. If you're serving this at a holiday dinner, you can make this ahead of time and then bake it just before serving. It's also a great idea for a potluck because it travels well and can stay warm for a long time. Trust me, once you make this version, it'll be your new go-to au gratin potatoes recipe.

Equipment Needed:

• Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil

Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
4. Gradually add heavy cream and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in salt, pepper, thyme, nutmeg, and half of the shredded cheeses. Mix until smooth and melted.
6. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over them.
7. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
9. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
10. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Storage & Meal Planning

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best texture, or microwave individual portions for convenience. This dish can be frozen after baking—cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For meal planning, prepare the entire dish a day ahead and refrigerate unbaked. Simply add 10–15 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from cold.

These creamy au gratin potatoes are everything a comfort food side dish should be—rich, satisfying, and irresistibly cheesy. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just craving something indulgent for dinner, this recipe delivers flawless results every time. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out for you. Share it with friends and family, and make it part of your favorite comfort food traditions.

Try These Other Potato Recipes

If you love these loaded potato skins, you might also enjoy some of our other favorite potato dishes. They’re perfect for rounding out a meal or switching things up:

• Perfect Baked Potato: A classic oven-baked potato with a fluffy interior and endless topping options. Simple, comforting, and always satisfying.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes that pair beautifully with chicken, steak, or holiday meals.
• Crispy Classic Hash Browns: Crispy, golden hash browns that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a savory side any time of day.

These potato recipes are easy to make at home and use simple ingredients, making them great options to keep in your regular meal rotation.