Are you looking for the perfect side dish to elevate your next dinner party or family meal? Look no further! This Omaha Steaks Potatoes Au Gratin recipe delivers a creamy, dreamy, and utterly irresistible experience. Forget everything you think you know about bland, boring potatoes; this recipe transforms humble spuds into a luxurious and satisfying side dish that's surprisingly easy to make. It's the perfect complement to roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even a hearty vegetarian entrée. Get ready to impress your guests with this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish. Evenly layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping the slices.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste forms (this is your roux). Gradually whisk in the warmed milk until smooth and thickened. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes in the baking dish. Top with half of the Gruyere cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers with the remaining potatoes, cheese sauce, Gruyere, and Parmesan.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with fresh chives.
Tips for the Best Potatoes Au Gratin:
- Thinly Sliced Potatoes: Using a mandoline slicer ensures even cooking and prevents some slices from becoming mushy while others remain hard.
- Warm Milk: Warming the milk helps prevent the cheese sauce from becoming lumpy.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure the potatoes are in a single layer for even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a knife into the center of the potatoes to ensure they're tender before removing from the oven.
Variations:
- Add Ham or Bacon: Crumble cooked bacon or diced ham into the cheese sauce for a savory twist.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Fontina, or a combination of your favorites.
- Garlic Infusion: Add a few cloves of minced garlic to the cheese sauce for extra flavor.
- Creamy Goodness: For an even creamier texture, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: Approximately 25g
- Protein: Approximately 10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25g
This Omaha Steaks Potatoes Au Gratin recipe is a delicious and easy side dish perfect for any occasion. The creamy cheese sauce and tender potatoes create a comforting and flavorful experience that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy!