Gruyere Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe
Introduction
Gruyere Potatoes Au Gratin is a rich and creamy classic side dish featuring tender layers of sliced potatoes baked in a savory cheese sauce. The combination of melted gruyere and aromatic herbs makes it an irresistible comfort food perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients
- 3 pounds russet potatoes (or Yukon gold)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 8 ounces chicken broth
- 16 ounces whole milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups freshly shredded gruyere cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set it aside.
- Step 2: Peel the potatoes, rinse them, and slice to about ⅛-inch thickness. A mandoline slicer works best for even slices.
- Step 3: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent and slightly browned, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a paste. Cook for one minute.
- Step 5: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and whole milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue cooking the sauce for 3-4 minutes until it thickly coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
- Step 6: In the prepared casserole dish, arrange a quarter of the sliced potatoes in a single layer, slightly overlapping. Pour a quarter of the sauce over them. Repeat layering once more, then sprinkle half of the shredded gruyere evenly on top.
- Step 7: Add two more layers of potatoes and sauce (totaling four layers each), and finish with the remaining shredded gruyere cheese on top.
- Step 8: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Thicker slices may require longer baking time.
Tips & Variations
- Using Yukon gold potatoes can provide a creamier texture and slightly sweeter flavor compared to russets.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth without sacrificing flavor.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Feel free to mix in chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for added freshness.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.
Storage
Store leftover potatoes au gratin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350℉ oven until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring gently between sessions.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Gruyere Potatoes Au Gratin ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake it as directed when ready to serve. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for Gruyere cheese?
If Gruyere is not available, Swiss cheese or a good-quality aged cheddar makes a great substitute. These cheeses melt well and offer a similar nutty flavor.
PrintGruyere Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe
This Gruyere Potatoes Au Gratin recipe features thinly sliced russet potatoes layered with a creamy, cheesy sauce made from gruyere cheese, garlic, onions, and a seasoned béchamel sauce. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a classic French-inspired side dish that offers a rich, comforting flavor perfect for holiday dinners or weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 pounds russet potatoes (or Yukon gold)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 8 ounces chicken broth
- 16 ounces whole milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Cheese
- 2 cups freshly shredded Gruyere cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray and set it aside.
- Slice Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and rinse them thoroughly. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, slice the potatoes to about 1/8 inch thickness for even cooking.
- Cook Onions and Garlic: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the diced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and start to brown, about 4-5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a paste. Cook this roux for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and whole milk, making sure to whisk until smooth and no lumps remain. Continue cooking and stirring the sauce for 3-4 minutes until it thickly coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, and dried thyme to season the sauce evenly.
- Assemble Layers: In the prepared casserole dish, arrange a quarter of the sliced potatoes to cover the bottom, overlapping slightly. Pour a quarter of the sauce over the potatoes. Repeat this layering once more with potatoes and sauce. Then evenly spread half of the shredded Gruyere cheese over the layers. Add two more layers of potatoes and sauce (for a total of four layers of potato and sauce), finishing by topping with the remaining Gruyere cheese.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and can be pierced easily with a fork. The top should be bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- Using a mandoline slicer ensures uniform potato slices and even cooking.
- Russet potatoes are recommended for their starchy texture, but Yukon golds offer a creamier bite.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or to make the dish suitable for vegetarians if you replace chicken broth with vegetarian option and use vegetable broth.
- For a crispier top, broil uncovered for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated covered with foil in a 350℉ oven until warmed through.
- The cooking time may vary depending on your oven and thickness of potato slices.
Keywords: potatoes au gratin, gruyere potatoes, cheesy potatoes, baked potato casserole, french side dish, creamy potatoes

