Learn how to make homemade Potatoes Au Gratin. This recipe features a cheesy sauce using simple ingredients like garlic, milk, and cheese, without using any heavy cream. Potatoes Au Gratin is a great make-ahead dish that can be prepped and put into the fridge for use within 48-hours.
Raise your hand if you like potatoes? Do you like cheese? Yea, for most of us, our hands shot up before we even fully registered what we were being asked.
People love their cheese and potatoes! My family is no exception to this rule! That's why Potatoes Au Gratin make the perfect side dish. :-)
My family DEVOURS this dish, and I'm sure your family will love it just as much. I absolutely adore how this homemade scalloped potatoes recipe can be made a couple of days in advance, and popped into the oven when you are ready for it.
When you are putting together an entire homemade meal, the ability to prep something ahead of time is a major bonus. Especially since Potatoes Au Gratin is a hit at most holidays where multiple dishes need prepped.
Potatoes Au Gratin Frequently Asked Questions
What type of potatoes should I use for Potatoes Au Gratin?
For Potatoes Au Gratin it's best to use a starchy potato that will hold their shape. Yukon Gold Potatoes and Russets are both great options!
How thin should I slice my potatoes for Potatoes Au Gratin?
It's best to slice potatoes for Potatoes Au Gratin thin. Usually 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch will do the trick. If your potatoes are too thick, this dish will take longer to cook.
I use a mandolin slicer for this, and it takes about 2 minutes. It will take longer if you are doing it by hand!
If you need a really good mandolin, this is the one I've used for over a decade! It's more expensive than the cheap ones on Amazon, but it's the best one I've found if you're going to be using it often!
How can I better prevent my potatoes from turning brown before baking?
If you are cutting a large quantity of potatoes before you arrange them for Potatoes Au Gratin, consider submerging your cut slices in cool water. This will prevent your potatoes from turning brown and ensuring your dish comes out beautifully.
Can I make Potatoes Au Gratin in Advance?
Yes! This dish can easily be made ahead of time!
Just make and assemble the Potatoes Au Gratin dish as indicated below, but stop short of baking. Cover with cling wrap and press the wrap tightly to the top of the casserole (to avoid the potatoes discoloring). Keep in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Remove cling wrap and bake as normal.
This makes it a great dish for holiday meals!
What can I serve with Potatoes Au Gratin?
Potatoes Au Gratin is usually served as a side dish. It serves well with barbecue, pork, chicken, brats, fish, and even meatloaf and burgers! It's always nice to balance this dish with something green like brussel sprouts, salad, collard greens, spinach or green beans.
MORE RECIPES TO TRY: If you love serving potatoes as a side, try the best homemade mashed potatoes you'll ever have! While your at at it, make perfect homemade french fries as a side dish.

Potatoes Au Gratin
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, thin sliced
- 8 oz shredded cheddar (we use raw cheddar)
- 2 cups milk (we use raw milk)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tbsp flour (we use einkorn flour)
- 1/2 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a medium sauce pan, melt butter. Once the butter is melted, add the milk and flour. Whisk over low-medium heat until it thickens.
- Remove from heat and add spices.
- In an 8 x 8 casserole dish, add 1/3 of the potatoes in an even layer. Pour 1/3 of the sauce over the potatoes, sprinkle 1/3 of the cheese evenly.
- Repeat this layering process two times and finish with a cheese layer.
- Bake for about an hour or until potatoes are tender and cheese is browned on top.
Notes
Nutrition
PIN THIS FOR LATER
✨ JOIN NOW ✨