Skillet Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe: Easy and Delicious Comfort Food

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Are you looking for a quick and delicious side dish that’s sure to impress? This skillet au gratin potatoes recipe is just what you need! Using simple ingredients like potatoes, onions, cheese, and cream, you’ll have a rich and creamy dish that pairs perfectly with any meal.

Imagine serving up a warm, cheesy skillet filled with tender potato slices, all covered in a golden, bubbly crust. It’s not only a comfort food classic but also a dish that looks and tastes gourmet, without the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe will be a hit.

You’ll love how easy it is to make these potatoes right on your stovetop or in an oven-safe skillet. No need for special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Just follow the steps and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s both satisfying and straightforward to prepare.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Potatoes

• 4-5 large Russet potatoes
  • Substitute: Yukon Gold potatoes

Butter

• 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • Substitute: Olive oil or margarine

Onion

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • Substitute: Shallots or leeks

Garlic

• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • Substitute: Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)

Flour

• 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • Substitute: Cornstarch or gluten-free flour

Milk

• 2 cups of whole milk
  • Substitute: Half-and-half or a mix of milk and heavy cream

Heavy Cream

• 1 cup of heavy cream
  • Substitute: Evaporated milk

Cheese

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Substitute: Gruyère, Swiss, or a mix of cheeses

Seasonings

• Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Fresh thyme, nutmeg

Optional Toppings

• 1 tablespoon of chopped chives
  • Substitute: Green onions or parsley

Instructions

1. 
   

   Preheat the oven to 400°F.

   
   
2. 
   

   Butter your skillet. Use about 1 tablespoon of butter to evenly coat the bottom and sides of a 10-12 inch skillet.

   
   
3. 
   

   Slice the potatoes into thin rounds, about ⅛ inch thick. You can use a mandoline or a sharp knife.

   
   
4. 
   

   Layer the potatoes in the skillet. Arrange them in an overlapping pattern.

   
   

5. Prepare the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together:

   • 2 cups of heavy cream
   • 1 cup of milk
   • 2 cloves of minced garlic
   • 1 teaspoon of salt
   • ½ teaspoon of black pepper
6. 
   

   Pour the sauce over the potatoes, making sure it covers all the layers.

   
   
7. 
   

   Top with cheese. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the top.

   
   
8. 
   

   Cover the skillet with aluminum foil.

   
   
9. 
   

   Bake for 50-60 minutes. The potatoes should be mostly tender.

   
   
10. 
    

    Remove the foil. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until the top is nicely browned and the potatoes are fully tender.

    
    
11. 
    

    Cool for a few minutes before serving.

    
    

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Use a Mandolin: For evenly sliced potatoes, a mandolin slicer helps a lot. Even slices cook uniformly and give a better texture.

Grate Your Own Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded. It avoids any additives that might affect the sauce’s consistency.

Golden Brown Flour: When making the roux, let the flour turn golden brown. This step adds a nutty flavor, giving your sauce depth.

Layer It Right: Alternate layers of potatoes and cheese. This ensures each bite has a perfect mix of creamy cheese and tender potatoes.

Season Well: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper. Potatoes absorb seasoning, so it’s crucial to season each layer.

Avoid Overfilling: Fill your skillet only ¾ full. Overfilling leads to uneven cooking and might make the casserole soggy.

Storing

Refrigerate: Store leftover au gratin potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Reheat Properly: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Microwaving can make them mushy.

Freeze: If you need to freeze, let them cool completely first. Place in a freezer-safe container. They keep for up to a month. Make sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

Variations

• Cheesy Delight: Use a blend of different cheeses like Gruyère, cheddar, and Parmesan for added flavor.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives for a fragrant twist.
• Garlic Lovers: Increase the amount of garlic or add roasted garlic for a richer taste.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a bit of heat.
• Creamy Mix: Substitute some of the milk with heavy cream for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions

• With Protein: Pair your skillet au gratin potatoes with grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops.
• Veggie Side: Serve alongside a green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Brunch Option: These potatoes work great as a brunch dish, served with eggs and bacon.
• Holiday Feast: Make this dish a part of your holiday spread, perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
• Hearty Breakfast: Top with a poached or fried egg for a hearty breakfast option.

Tips

• Use a Mandolin: For thin, even potato slices.
• Broil at the End: For a crispy, browned top layer.
• Season Generously: Potatoes need plenty of salt and pepper to bring out their flavor.

Enjoy your delicious skillet au gratin potatoes with these easy variations and serving ideas!