Description
This Au Gratin Potatoes for Two recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Featuring tender Yukon Gold potatoes baked in a rich cheddar cheese sauce with a touch of mustard and cayenne, it’s ideal for date nights or any special meal. Easily prepared in small baking dishes, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
For the Baking Dishes
- Butter, oil, or cooking spray, for greasing
POTATO LAYER
- 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
CHEESE SAUCE
- 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
Garnish
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dishes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease two small baking dishes with butter, oil, or cooking spray so they’re ready to hold the potatoes and cheese sauce.
- Simmer potatoes, onion, and garlic: In a small saucepan, combine the thinly sliced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, heavy cream, salt, and white or black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, cooking the potatoes softly for 5 minutes once simmering begins. Stir carefully to avoid breaking the potato slices.
- Drain and cool potatoes: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the potatoes, onion, and garlic mixture to a bowl and allow it to cool slightly so they’re easier to handle during layering.
- Prepare cheese sauce: Return the cream from the saucepan to low heat and whisk in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until the sauce is smooth. Stir in dry mustard, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the gratin: In each baking dish, layer one-third of the potatoes, then drizzle with one-third of the cheese sauce. Repeat the layering two more times, finishing with cheese sauce on top.
- Bake the gratins: Place the baking dishes on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and sauce is bubbling. Remove foil 10-15 minutes before baking ends to allow the cheese to brown slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley. Serve warm as a delicious side dish perfect for two.
Notes
- Thinly slicing the potatoes ensures they cook evenly and become tender within the baking time.
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, but other waxy potatoes can be substituted.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, but the sauce may be less rich and creamy.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your spice tolerance.
- Covering the gratins initially prevents the top from drying out while allowing the cheese to brown beautifully when uncovered.
- Make sure the cheese is fully melted into the cream for a smooth sauce before baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American