Creamy Cheesy Potatoes au Gratin

In the world of comfort food, few dishes hold a candle to the heartwarming, soul-satisfying allure of a creamy, cheesy potatoes au gratin. This classic dish, with its rich layers of tender potatoes, velvety sauce, and golden, bubbling cheese, is a testament to the simple magic that can be conjured from humble ingredients. Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that elevates this comforting classic to new heights of deliciousness.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter, plus additional for buttering the casserole dish
• 1/2 medium onion, minced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup chicken stock
• 1 1/4 cups heavy cream (add a little more if it doesn’t cover potatoes)
• 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds (about 5 to 6 medium) russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick
• 3 cups total finely shredded cheese: 2 cups Cheddar (8 ounces), and 3/4 cup (3 ounces) of either Fontina or Provolone along with 1/4 cup (1 ounce) Parmesan, mixed together
• About 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish

This blend of cheeses provides a perfect balance of flavor and meltiness, with each variety contributing its own unique character to the ensemble.

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 425 degrees F. This high temperature is key for achieving that perfectly golden top.
2. Cook the Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, creating a fragrant base for your dish. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, cooking for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
3. Simmer the Potatoes: To the skillet, add the chicken stock, heavy cream, and thinly sliced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a good simmer, then cover, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer gently. This will coax the potatoes to nearly tender perfection in about 15-20 minutes. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
4. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the nearly tender potatoes along with their creamy sauce into a buttered 8 x 8″ baking dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with the mixed shredded cheeses, setting the stage for a melt-in-your-mouth finish. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or just until the sauce bubbles enthusiastically around the edges and the cheese melts into a golden blanket of deliciousness.
5. Garnish and Serve: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving – this brief patience rewards you with perfect slices. Garnish with chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions:

This Creamy Cheesy Potatoes au Gratin is a versatile side that pairs beautifully with a wide range of mains – from roasted meats to grilled vegetables. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply craving the comfort of cheese and potatoes, this dish is sure to satisfy.

Conclusion:

There’s something undeniably special about a dish that combines the simplicity of potatoes with the luxuriousness of cream and cheese. This recipe for Creamy Cheesy Potatoes au Gratin promises not just a meal but an experience; one that comforts, satisfies, and reminds us of the joy of cooking and sharing good food. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s bring this delightful dish to your table.

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