Au Gratin Potatoes are a timeless holiday side dish that brings comfort, richness, and irresistible cheesy flavor to the Christmas table. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with a creamy cheese sauce and baked until perfectly golden and bubbly. This festive version is designed to be easy, reliable, and special enough for Christmas dinner—whether you’re serving ham, turkey, roast beef, or a vegetarian holiday spread. With its rich texture and elegant flavor, this is the kind of classic side dish your guests will look forward to every year.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 1 (9x13-inch) pan
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (⅛–¼ inch thick)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream (or 1 cup cream + 1 cup whole milk)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups shredded cheese (recommended: 1 cup Gruyère + 1 cup sharp cheddar)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
- Fresh thyme or minced chives, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk until a smooth paste forms, cooking for about 1 minute.
- Add the cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Season the sauce: Add garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and nutmeg. Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded Gruyère and cheddar until melted and smooth.
- Layer the potatoes: Spread a few spoonfuls of cheese sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes over the sauce and pour more sauce on top. Repeat layering until all potatoes and sauce are used.
- Top the casserole: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake covered: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Rest before serving: Let the dish sit for 10 to 15 minutes to allow it to set.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or chives if desired.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use a mandoline for even, thin slices that cook uniformly.
- Gruyère adds a classic French flavor—don’t skip it if you want a restaurant-style finish.
- Don’t boil the sauce too long, or it may become overly thick; it should be pourable.
- If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent the casserole with foil.
- For Christmas prep, you can assemble the dish a few hours ahead, refrigerate, then bake fresh.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated
- Calories: 382
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 440mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Sugars: 2g
Conclusion
These Au Gratin Potatoes bring creamy comfort and beautiful holiday flavor to your Christmas dinner. With their tender layers, rich cheese sauce, and perfectly golden crust, this dish has everything you want in a classic Christmas side. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, glazed ham, turkey, or even a festive vegetarian spread. Whether you’re hosting a large holiday gathering or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this recipe is sure to become a cherished Christmas tradition.
