Pin it A rich, decadent Southern-style casserole featuring layers of tender potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce—perfect for holidays or comforting family dinners.
This dish has become a staple at our family dinners, always met with eager requests for seconds and leftovers.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and thinly sliced, 1 small yellow onion thinly sliced
- Dairy: 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese shredded, 1 cup (90 g) Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese shredded, 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter
- Pantry & Spices: 3 tbsp (24 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste), ½ tsp ground black pepper, ¼ tsp smoked paprika, chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter.
- Step 2:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until bubbly but not browned.
- Step 3:
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove from heat.
- Step 5:
- Add 1½ cups cheddar and ½ cup Gruyère cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Step 6:
- Arrange half the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Top with half the onions.
- Step 7:
- Pour half the cheese sauce over the potatoes and onions. Layer the remaining potatoes and onions on top then cover with the rest of the cheese sauce.
- Step 8:
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Gruyère cheeses evenly over the top.
- Step 9:
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Step 10:
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 25–30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbling.
- Step 11:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with chives or parsley and serving.
Pin it This recipe brings our family together at the table, creating warm memories with every creamy, cheesy bite.
Required Tools
9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, saucepan, whisk, chefs knife, mandoline slicer (optional for even potato slices), aluminum foil
Allergen Information
Contains milk cheese butter (dairy) wheat (gluten in flour). Always check cheese labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving calories 350 total fat 22 g carbohydrates 27 g protein 10 g
Pin it This comforting side dish will quickly become your go-to for special occasions or everyday family meals.
Recipe FAQs
- → What types of potatoes work best for this dish?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their texture and ability to thinly slice well, ensuring even cooking and a creamy bite.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses used in this dish?
Yes, Monterey Jack or mozzarella can replace Gruyère, and sharp cheddar is recommended for its bold flavor, but feel free to adjust to your preference.
- → How can I achieve a creamy sauce without lumps?
Whisk the butter and flour until bubbly before gradually adding milk and cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth sauce.
- → Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to maintain the sauce's thickness without gluten.
- → What is the best way to layer ingredients for even flavor?
Alternate thin layers of potatoes and onions, topping each layer with cheese sauce to ensure balanced flavor and texture throughout the dish.