Ultimate Cheesy Potato Gratin with Crispy Onions

Looking for the ultimate cheesy potato recipe? This gratin with crispy onions is comfort food elevated! An easy scalloped potatoes recipe that's perfect for any occasion.

May 21, 2025
By Ethan Navarro.

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Alright, let's dive into the world of cheesy potatoes! seriously, who doesn't love a good cheesy potato recipe ? i mean, come on, it's like a warm blanket for your soul.

Today, we're making an ultimate cheesy potato gratin with crispy onions. trust me, this isn't your grandma's plain scallop potatoes .

Cheesy Potato Gratin: Comfort Food, Elevated

Ever wonder where these creamy, dreamy potato dishes come from? turns out, the gratin thing is rooted in french culinary history, but this recipe is totally americanized and made easy for us.

This scalloped potatoes cheesy dish, this specific scalloped potato recipes , it's somewhere in between traditional scallop potatoes and the ultimate starch side dish .

It takes about an hour and a half from start to finish, and you'll get about 6-8 servings, perfect for a family dinner or a small get-together.

I know what you're thinking, “Is this really worth my time?” Oh my gosh, yes!

Ultimate Cheesy Potato Gratin with Crispy Onions Recipe Card

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Preparation time:30 Mins

Cooking time:50 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying (approx. 2 cups / 475 ml)
• 3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp (25g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (710 ml) whole milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (freshly grated)
• 1 cup (115g) shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1 cup (115g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions:

• Prepare the Crispy Onions: Toss sliced onions with flour, salt, and pepper. Fry in hot vegetable oil until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels. Set aside.
• Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes (about 1/8 inch thick). Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and stir in Gruyere and cheddar cheeses until melted and smooth.
• Assemble the Gratin: Layer half of the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce.
• Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
• Top and Rest: Sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the gratin. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450-550

Fat:30-40g

Fiber:3-5g

Recipe Info

Category:Side Dish

Cuisine:French-Inspired

Why This Cheesy Potato Recipe Rocks

Honestly, besides being ridiculously delicious, this gratin packs some hidden benefits. potatoes are a great source of vitamin c and potassium.

Think of it as a relatively healthy indulgence. plus, this cheesy scalloped potatoes dish is a total crowd-pleaser. perfect for holidays like thanksgiving or christmas, but honestly, it's good anytime you want to feel cozy.

This specific gratin recipe goes above and beyond by offering you the rich flavors of gruyere and the sharp kick of cheddar; the crispy onions make every bite perfect.

It is a great addition to easy potato recipes !

Now, let's talk ingredients.

Okay, here's the "Ingredients & Equipment" section for that cheesy potato recipe. Let's make this sound yummy and personal!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

So, you wanna make some seriously amazing cheesy potatoes? sweet! this isn't your grandma's basic starch side dish, though we love her.

We're elevating it a bit. here’s what you'll need for the ultimate cheesy potato gratin!

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

• Potatoes: 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold or Russet, peeled. Seriously, Yukon Golds are my fave. They get SO creamy! Quality indicator? They should be firm, not soft or sprouting.

• Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml) .

• Salt: 1 tsp .

• Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp .

• Yellow Onion: 1 large , thinly sliced.

• All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup (60g) .

• Salt: 1/4 tsp .

• Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp .

• Vegetable Oil: About 2 cups (475 ml) for frying. Honestly, I just eyeball it, you know?

• Unsalted Butter: 3 tbsp (45g) .

• All-Purpose Flour: 3 tbsp (25g) .

• Whole Milk: 3 cups (710 ml) . Don't skimp! Whole milk makes it extra rich.

• Salt: 1/2 tsp .

• Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp .

• Nutmeg: 1/4 tsp . Freshly grated is chef's kiss !

• Gruyere Cheese: 1 cup (115g) , shredded. Okay, this is fancy, but it's SO worth it for that nutty flavor.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (115g) , shredded. Cheddar brings that classic cheesy goodness.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town, Population: You!

Essential spice combo? salt, pepper, and nutmeg. trust me on the nutmeg; it's magic with cheese and potatoes. for flavor enhancers, that gruyere is clutch.

You could also add a pinch of garlic powder to the sauce. if you don't have gruyere, emmental or jarlsberg work in a pinch.

This easy scalloped potatoes recipe is all about flexibility! these cheesy scalloped potatoes are the best!

Equipment Needed: Keepin' it Real Simple

• Mandoline: (Optional) Oh my gosh, this makes slicing potatoes SO much easier, but a sharp knife works too!
• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For frying those crispy onions.
• 9x13 inch Baking Dish: For the scalloped potato . This is the stage where the magic happen to a scalloped potato recipe .
• Whisk: For that cheese sauce.
• Chef's Knife: Obvi.
• Cutting Board: Don't wanna ruin your countertop!

I know this sounds like a lot, but it's an easy scalloped potatoes recipe, promise! it's so worth it for a cheesy potato recipe that'll knock your socks off.

These scalloped potatoes cheesy are the perfect easy potato recipes. get ready for some serious comfort food! you can use scalloped potato recipes for inspiration and create your own version.

This recipe makes the best scallop potatoes or scalloped potatoes easy.

Alright, let's dive into making this ultimate cheesy potato gratin! this is not your grandma's scalloped potatoes . we're talking next-level comfort food.

Seriously, this is the easy scalloped potatoes recipe you've been waiting for.

Prep Like a Pro for Potato Perfection

First things first, mise en place . it's french, but basically, means "get your stuff together." peel and thinly slice 2 lbs (900g) of yukon gold or russet potatoes.

A mandoline? oh my gosh, use it! it makes life so much easier. aim for about 1/8 inch thickness. then, thinly slice 1 large yellow onion .

We're frying these babies later! safety first: watch those fingers when slicing.

Let's Get Cooking: The Gratin

1. Crispy Onion Magic: Toss onions with 1/2 cup (60g) flour, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Fry in hot vegetable oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
2. Potato Prep: Toss potato slices with 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
3. Cheesy Sauce Time: Melt 3 tbsp (45g) butter. Whisk in 3 tbsp (25g) flour, cook for 1 minute . Slowly whisk in 3 cups (710 ml) milk. Simmer, stirring, until thick (5- 7 minutes) . Stir in 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg. Remove from heat, melt in 1 cup (115g) Gruyere and 1 cup (115g) cheddar.
4. Layer It Up: Potatoes, sauce, potatoes, sauce in a 9x13 inch dish.
5. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 45- 55 minutes .

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Potato Game

Want cheesy scalloped potatoes that will knock your socks off? Here’s the deal.

• Don't skip the nutmeg! It adds warmth.
• Watch those onions! They burn fast.
• Let it rest 10- 15 minutes after baking.

Honestly, the worst mistake you can make is rushing this. you can even prep the whole thing ahead of time and bake it later.

It's amazing as a starch side dish with roast chicken. this isn't just any scalloped potato recipe , it's an experience! these are easy potato recipes to create a scalloped potato .

You should definitely make this scalloped potatoes cheesy , like a cheesy scalloped potatoes version. the scalloped potato recipes are great for your family to enjoy.

Alright, let's dive into some extra deets for this Ultimate Cheesy Potato Gratin with Crispy Onions . Because, honestly, the devil's in the details, right?

Recipe Notes: Elevate Your Cheesy Potato Recipe

This ain't just your grandma's scalloped potato recipe ! we're talking next-level stuff. here are some things to keep in mind.

Think of this as the "secret sauce" (pun intended!) to making it truly amazing .

Serving Suggestions: Starch Side Dish Styling

Okay, presentation matters. Seriously. This cheesy scalloped potatoes deserves to be shown off!

• Plating and Presentation Ideas: Picture this: a generous scoop served alongside a perfectly roasted chicken. Garnish with a sprig of thyme or parsley. Oh, and maybe a sprinkle of extra crispy onions. Just saying.
• Complementary Sides or Beverages: A simple green salad cuts through the richness like a knife through butter. And for drinks? A crisp white wine, like a Pinot Grigio, is chef's kiss . This scalloped potatoes cheesy taste so good with wine.

Storage Tips: Make-Ahead Magic

Life's busy. I get it. Can you make this ahead of time? Let's break it down:

• Refrigeration Guidelines: This scalloped potato keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
• Freezing Options: Honestly, the texture can change a bit after freezing. But if you must , freeze it before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
• Reheating Instructions: Reheat in a 350° F ( 175° C) oven until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent the top from burning. You know? Nobody likes a burnt top.

Variations: Playing with Flavors of the Easy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Wanna get a little wild? Here are some easy tweaks to make it your own easy potato recipes :

• Dietary Adaptations: Dairy-free? Use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives. Gluten-free? Just ensure your flour for the crispy onions is gluten-free. Easy peasy.
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the fall, try adding some roasted butternut squash to the potato layers. Or, in the spring, throw in some asparagus. It's all about what's fresh!

Nutrition Basics for the Scalloped Potato Recipes

Let's be real. This isn't exactly a health food. But, hey, everything in moderation, right?

• Simplified Nutrition Information: Think carbs, fat, and a decent amount of protein from the cheese. This Easy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is a good source of comfort!
• Key Health Benefits: Potatoes are actually a good source of potassium and vitamin C. See? It's not all bad!

So there you have it! all the insider info to make this cheesy potato recipe a total success. now go forth and create some scalloped potato recipes magic! don't forget to enjoy every single bite.

You deserve it!