Name: Au Gratin Potatoes for Two Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Butter, oil, or cooking spray, for greasing; 3-4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, approximately 12 ounces, thinly sliced (3-3 1/2 cups); 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/4 cups heavy cream, or enough to cover potatoes; 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard; Pinch cayenne pepper; Salt, to taste; White or black pepper, to taste; Chopped fresh chives or parsley, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 1 review

If you’re craving that warm, cheesy comfort food that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, this Au Gratin Potatoes for Two Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a perfectly portioned, creamy delight that combines tender Yukon Gold potatoes with a luscious, sharp Cheddar cheese sauce, all baked to golden bubbly perfection. Whether it’s a special date night or just an everyday dinner needing a little sparkle, these Au Gratin Potatoes bring sophistication and warmth to your table without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal saucepan with a shiny handle holds a creamy white sauce with thin, curved slices of light yellow potatoes mostly submerged in the sauce. The sauce looks smooth and slightly thick with small bubbles on the surface, and the potato slices float evenly throughout. The pan is placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Nothing fancy here, just a handful of simple ingredients that harmonize beautifully to create those dreamy, rich layers. Each element plays an essential role—from the buttery potatoes adding softness and bulk, to the sharp Cheddar that delivers that irresistible cheesy punch.

Butter, oil or cooking spray: For greasing your baking dishes so the potatoes don’t stick and the edges crisp nicely.
3-4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (about 12 ounces): Their creamy texture and subtle sweetness make them perfect for melting into the sauce.
1/4 cup finely chopped onion: Adds a gentle aromatic sweetness that deepens the flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced: For that wonderful mellow bite that balances the creaminess.
1 ¼ cups heavy cream: The luxurious base that makes everything irresistibly rich.
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard: A subtle tang that enhances the cheese’s sharpness.
Pinch of cayenne pepper: Just enough heat to keep the flavor lively, without overpowering.
Salt and white or black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning every layer properly.
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese: The star that brings that melty, savory goodness.
Chopped fresh chives or parsley: A fresh green garnish that brightens each bite visually and flavor-wise.

How to Make Au Gratin Potatoes for Two Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dishes and Potatoes

Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter, oil, or apply cooking spray liberally to two small baking dishes that can comfortably hold your potato layers. Thinly slice your Yukon Gold potatoes so they cook evenly and soak up all the creamy goodness.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes, Onion, and Garlic in Cream

Place the thin potato slices, chopped onion, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Pour in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Gently bring this to a slow simmer—patience here is key as you want the potatoes to soften slightly without breaking apart. Stir sparsely to keep the slices intact and tender, simmering for about five minutes.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

Once the potatoes have softened, carefully transfer them with a slotted spoon into a bowl to cool just slightly. Return the cream in the saucepan to low heat and whisk in the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into a thick, velvety sauce. Add dry mustard, cayenne, and adjust your salt and pepper seasonings to perfectly balance the rich cheese flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Divide the potatoes evenly into thirds and layer one-third into each baking dish. After each potato layer, drizzle a third of your luscious cheese sauce over the top. Repeat this layering two more times, finishing with a beautiful blanket of cheese sauce on each dish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your two gratin dishes on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Bake in your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the potatoes are tender and bubbling with cheesy goodness. For that irresistible golden brown top, remove the foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking, letting the cheese develop a slightly crispy crust.

How to Serve Au Gratin Potatoes for Two Recipe

The image shows two white oval baking dishes filled with golden brown scalloped potatoes. Each dish has several layers of thinly sliced potatoes covered with creamy sauce and melted cheese, garnished with small green herb leaves. The potato slices on top are browned and slightly crispy, while the creamy sauce beneath looks thick and smooth. One dish has a fork resting inside, lifting a creamy potato slice, showing the soft texture underneath. The dishes sit on a white marbled surface with a soft white cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh chopped chives or parsley are the perfect finishing touch. They add a refreshing burst of color and a subtle herbaceous note that cuts through the creamy richness, making each bite feel bright and freshly made.

Side Dishes

This Au Gratin Potatoes for Two Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Think roasted chicken, seared steak, or even a crisp green salad to add some crunch and balance. It also works wonderfully alongside roasted vegetables or grilled seafood for a delightful dinner setup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the gratins right in the individual baking dishes for a charming, rustic appeal that feels personal and elegant. Or, scoop portions onto warmed plates and top with an extra sprinkle of cheese and herbs. For a fun twist, add crumbled bacon or caramelized onions in between layers for added texture and flavor complexity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually mellow and marry beautifully overnight, so sometimes leftovers taste even better!

Freezing

You can freeze your au gratin potatoes, but be aware that the texture may soften slightly upon thawing. Wrap the dishes tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm your leftovers gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 20 minutes, to preserve that wonderful baked texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the potatoes gummy or unevenly heated.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, Russets or red potatoes can work too. Just keep in mind the cooking time may vary slightly based on potato firmness and moisture content.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the dish will be less rich and creamy. Another option is using a reduced-fat cheese, though the sharp profile can be milder. Everyone loves the classic richness, but feel free to tweak to your taste and dietary needs.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the gratins ahead of time and refrigerate them uncovered or loosely covered for a few hours before baking. Just add a little extra baking time if you bake them cold from the fridge.

How do I get a nice crust on top?

Removing the foil during the final 10 to 15 minutes of baking lets the cheese brown and crisp up beautifully. For an extra golden crust, you could broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the very end, but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Can I double the recipe for more servings?

Definitely. Just scale up the ingredients and use larger baking dishes or multiple smaller dishes. The bake time may increase slightly depending on the depth of your gratin layers.

Final Thoughts

This Au Gratin Potatoes for Two Recipe is such a joyful little celebration of comfort food made just for two. It’s effortless to prepare, deeply satisfying, and versatile enough to suit so many dining occasions. I just know once you try it, it’ll become a cherished classic in your kitchen too, perfect for sharing those cozy moments with someone special.