Au Gratin Potatoes for Two is a wonderful easy side dish to pair with whatever you’re making for your intimate dinner for two!
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.
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
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
Nutrition
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.
Jo Ann Saulys says
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.
Carol says
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.
Aleta says
Totally delicious! Just made this for hubby and I for Valentines Day. Was the perfect amount for the two of us ❤️
Carol says
Thanks so much, Aleta! Glad you enjoyed!
Nicole says
What can I use instead of the heavy cream or half-and-half?
Carol says
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!
Charlean M Andes says
This was great and I will definitely make it again. Easy and tasty.
Carol says
Hi, Charlean, Thank you so very much and so glad you enjoyed!
Sally says
This was delicious and very easy to put together!
Carol says
Thanks so very much, Sally! So glad you enjoyed!
Anonymous says
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
Perfect for Honey and I! We even have some cute Le Creuset casserole pans made for two. It looks delicious! Have a great day!