Day 8 of our 12 Days of Holiday Baking with Franchesca Livraghi of Break Thru Kitchen! We’re thrilled to have Franchesca back on day 8 of our festive countdown, where she’s sharing her holiday-inspired creations using the Larder & Vine 8-Piece Ceramic Bakeware Set. For today’s recipe, Franchesca presents her Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin recipe, a dish that’s sure to be the highlight of any holiday spread. These potatoes are creamy, buttery, and perfectly cheesy, all topped with a golden, crispy crust that adds just the right amount of crunch to every bite. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or looking to elevate your holiday dinner, this recipe is the perfect side dish to pair with your favorite mains.
With the Larder & Vine Ceramic Bakeware Set, Franchesca is able to bring her culinary visions to life with ease. The bakeware set’s premium ceramic coating ensures even heat distribution, while the versatile designs help create dishes that look as good as they taste. These cheesy potatoes au gratin come out perfectly every time, making it the perfect recipe to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Want to elevate your holiday meals? Franchesca’s Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin will be a crowd favorite at any holiday dinner, adding a rich, indulgent twist to a simple dish. This recipe is just one of many from our 12 Days of Holiday Baking series, where Franchesca’s creativity and our premium bakeware come together to inspire your holiday cooking and baking.
Be sure to check out Franchesca’s blog for more delectable recipes or follow her on Instagram for a daily dose of culinary inspiration, holiday baking tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at her baking journey!
Why use the Larder & Vine Bakeware Set?
When you decide to bake with our ceramic muffin tins, they come equipped with a total of 8 pieces of ceramic bakeware that not only match, but they easily stack into one piece for easy, compact storage:
2 baking sheets
2 muffin tins
1 round pan
1 square pan
1 loaf pan
1 deep roasting pan
Healthy baking is at the top of our priority list here at Larder & Vine, so you can have peace of mind when baking your delicious recipes knowing this Bakeware Set is free of all heavy metals, PFAS, PFOA, & PTFE.
Recipe Summary
20 minutes
55 minutes
8
Side Dish
Gluten Free
Recipe Ingredients
5 large yukon potatoes
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup milk
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup gruyère cheese, shredded
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon ground oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ cup parmesan cheese
Recipe Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and thinly slice 5 large Yukon potatoes.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and 2 cloves minced garlic, stirring constantly to create a roux. Gradually whisk in 1 cup milk and 1 cup chicken broth to the roux, ensuring a smooth consistency. Add 1 cup cheddar cheese and ½ cup gruyère cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted. Season the cheese sauce with ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon ground oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
3. Arrange the sliced potatoes in a row in a square baking dish, and grate ¼ cup fresh Parmesan cheese over them. Pour the prepared cheese sauce evenly over the layered potatoes.
4. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and broil on low for an additional 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Allow the cheesy potatoes to sit for 10 minutes before serving to set the dish and enhance the flavors. Scoop out portions and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
1. Slice the Yukon potatoes thinly and uniformly to ensure even cooking. This not only promotes consistent texture but also helps the potatoes absorb the cheesy goodness more effectively. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife can assist in achieving those thin, uniform slices.
2. When assembling your dish, layer the potato slices and cheese sauce evenly. This ensures every bite is a harmonious blend of creamy potatoes and cheesy goodness. Take your time to create well-structured layers for a more visually appealing and delicious outcome.
3. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking. This resting period helps the dish set, making it easier to serve and ensuring that the flavors meld together. It also allows the sauce to thicken slightly, resulting in a creamier texture when you dig in.
4. Use the square pan in the Larder & Vine Bakeware Set for even baking and easy clean up.
FAQ
Why use Yukon potatoes for au gratin?
Yukon potatoes are known for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, making them an ideal choice for au gratin. Their thin slices absorb the cheesy goodness, creating a luscious and satisfying dish.
What's the purpose of broiling at the end?
Broiling at the end gives the dish a beautiful golden-brown crust and enhances the cheesy topping, providing a delightful contrast in texture.
How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the baking dish?
To prevent sticking, we highly recommend using our square pan from our 8 Piece Ceramic Bakeware Set as it's nonstick. Alternatively, you can grease your baking dish or use non-stick cooking spray before layering the potatoes.
