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

Wow.  Has it occurred to anyone else that February is right around the corner?  That realization hit me at about 4:00 this morning.  That means Valentine’s Day is right around the corner!

What are you planning to make?  Or will you figure it out on February 14th?

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.  We don’t like crowds or the limited Valentine’s Day menu that is standard at most restaurants.

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

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.

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 used 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.

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

For more delicious, cheesy 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

Click to purchase these helpful tools and equipment to make Au Gratin Potatoes for Two  (Affiliate Links):

Yield: 2

Au Gratin Potatoes for Two

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

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

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

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter, oil or spray two small baking dishes with cooking spray.
2. Place potatoes and garlic in a small saucepan. Add heavy cream or half-and-half and salt and white pepper to taste.
3. Bring to a simmer and gently cook the potatoes for 4 minutes. Remove potatoes and garlic to a plate with a slotted spoon.
4. Whisk grated cheese into cream until smooth.
5. Layer 1/3 of the potatoes into the two individual baking dishes (1/6 into each dish). Drizzle both dishes with 1/3 of the cheese sauce. Repeat layering two more times, finishing with cheese sauce.
6. Place on a baking sheet, cover with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Yield

2

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 1232 Total Fat 97g Saturated Fat 55g Trans Fat 3g Unsaturated Fat 33g Cholesterol 270mg Sodium 956mg Carbohydrates 64g Fiber 6g Sugar 8g Protein 32g

The nutritional information above is computer-generated and only an estimate. Please do your own research with the products you're using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.