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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes - Potatoes

    By Carol · Published: Jan 25, 2017 · Modified: Oct 13, 2021 · This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

    Au Gratin Potatoes for Two

    Jump to Recipe
    4.33 from 43 votes
    1 hour
    Au Gratin Potatoes for Two is a wonderful side dish to pair with anything you choose to make at home for an intimate dinner!

    Au Gratin Potatoes for Two is a wonderful easy side dish to pair with whatever you’re making for your intimate dinner for two!

    Photo of Au Gratin Potatoes for Two in individual baking dishes on blue background with blue striped towel.

    Valentine’s Day is right around the corner!

    One of the most wonderful things about being married for 21+ years is my hubby and I have figured out that any day can be Valentine’s Day.  We NEVER go out on February 14th but instead choose to celebrate at home and go out to dinner at a later date.

    No matter what you decide to make at home, au gratin potatoes make a great side dish.

    What are au gratin potatoes?

    Au gratin potatoes are a classic, indulgent American comfort food side dish that’s welcome at any dinner table.  It pairs perfectly with almost any protein.

    This cheesy American version is based on a French culinary technique where potatoes or vegetables are baked in a shallow–mostly oval baking dish–often with a crispy topping such as breadcrumbs.

    Although typically baked in a large dish, this recipe for au gratin potatoes is scaled perfectly for two people and is baked in individual baking dishes.

    This is not exactly a light or diet preparation, but a delicious indulgence for a special day!

    Tips for making this recipe:

    • I like to use Yukon Gold potatoes which are considered a “waxy” potato.  Waxy potatoes have a low starch content and a creamy, firm and moist texture that holds together after cooking.
    • Starchy potatoes such as Russets will work, although they can be somewhat on the “crumbly” side after being cooked.  Another reason I prefer waxy potatoes is they have a very thin, fine skin that doesn’t need to be removed. One less step!
    • I use a nice sharp Cheddar cheese for this classic preparation.  However, you could try a nutty Gruyere, your favorite blue cheese or spice it up with Pepper Jack.

    Close-up photo of Au Gratin Potatoes for Two with fork in white individual baking dish.

    For more delicious potato dishes, be sure to try my:

    • Spinach Parmesan Ranch Twice-Baked Potatoes with Parmesan Crumb Topping
    • Baby Hasselback Potato Bake with Cheddar and Bacon
    • Cheddar and Bacon Twice-Baked Potatoes
    • Oven-Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges with Cilantro Cashew Sauce
    Au Gratin Potatoes for Two

    Au Gratin Potatoes for Two

    4.33 from 43 votes
    By: Carol | From A Chef's Kitchen
    Au Gratin Potatoes for Two is a wonderful easy side dish to pair with whatever you're making for your intimate dinner for two!
    PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 45 mins
    Total Time 1 hr
    Course Side Dishes - Potatoes
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2
    Calories 889 kcal

    Equipment

    • Wusthof Chef Knife
    • Cutting Board
    • Saucepan
    • Individual Baking Dishes

    Ingredients
      

    • Butter - oil or cooking spray for baking dishes
    • 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes - approximately 12 ounces, thinly sliced
    • 4 cloves garlic - thinly sliced
    • 1 to 1 ¼ cups heavy cream or half-and-half - to cover
    • Salt and white pepper - to taste
    • ¾ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
    • Chopped fresh chives - for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter, oil or spray two small baking dishes with cooking spray.
    • Place potatoes and garlic in a small saucepan. Add heavy cream or half-and-half and salt and white pepper to taste.
    • Bring to a simmer and gently cook the potatoes for 4 minutes. Remove potatoes and garlic to a plate with a slotted spoon.
    • Whisk grated cheese into cream until smooth.
    • Layer ⅓ of the potatoes into the two individual baking dishes (⅙ into each dish). Drizzle both dishes with ⅓ of the cheese sauce. Repeat layering two more times, finishing with cheese sauce.
    • Place on a baking sheet, cover with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and gratins are bubbling.

    Notes

    If using half-and-half, whisk in 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour.
    MAKE AHEAD:  Can be prepared up to the point of baking 1-2 days ahead of time.  Let sit out at room temperature while the oven preheats.  You may need to add additional baking time.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 | Calories: 889kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 69g | Saturated Fat: 43g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 248mg | Sodium: 336mg | Potassium: 1251mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 2617IU | Vitamin C: 53mg | Calcium: 444mg | Iron: 2mg

    These are estimated values generated from a nutritional database using unbranded products. Please do your own research with the products you're using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.

    Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment, star rating or post your photo on Instagram and tag @fromachefskitchen.

    More Side Dishes - Potatoes

    • Sweet Potato Souffle
    • Cheddar and Bacon Twice-Baked Potatoes
    10.9K shares
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    Categories: Date Night Dinners

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jo Ann Saulys says

      January 24, 2022 at 6:09 pm

      2 stars
      Made the recipe as directed. The sauce did not set up. Rather, it was like a curdle. The dish was bland and very uninspiring. Would not recommend.

      Reply
      • Carol says

        January 24, 2022 at 7:05 pm

        Hi, Jo Ann, Sorry this didn’t work for you. It has 37 4 and 5-star ratings so hard to say what went wrong.

        Reply
    2. Aleta says

      February 14, 2021 at 8:48 pm

      Totally delicious! Just made this for hubby and I for Valentines Day. Was the perfect amount for the two of us ❤️

      Reply
      • Carol says

        February 15, 2021 at 8:00 am

        Thanks so much, Aleta! Glad you enjoyed!

        Reply
    3. Nicole says

      December 12, 2020 at 11:01 am

      What can I use instead of the heavy cream or half-and-half?

      Reply
      • Carol says

        December 12, 2020 at 1:11 pm

        Hi, Nicole, Thanks so much for your question. You could use regular milk, but you’d need to make a sauce with flour or other thickener–similar to this recipe: Au Gratin Potatoes with Green Chiles Thanks again and hope that helps!

        Reply
    4. Charlean M Andes says

      June 21, 2020 at 5:01 pm

      This was great and I will definitely make it again. Easy and tasty.

      Reply
      • Carol says

        June 22, 2020 at 7:35 am

        Hi, Charlean, Thank you so very much and so glad you enjoyed!

        Reply
    5. Sally says

      October 07, 2019 at 7:47 pm

      This was delicious and very easy to put together!

      Reply
      • Carol says

        October 07, 2019 at 8:01 pm

        Thanks so very much, Sally! So glad you enjoyed!

        Reply
    6. Anonymous says

      April 17, 2019 at 2:44 pm

      5 stars

      Reply
    7. Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says

      January 30, 2017 at 9:18 am

      Perfect for Honey and I! We even have some cute Le Creuset casserole pans made for two. It looks delicious! Have a great day!

      Reply

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