Au Gratin Potatoes For Two is a cozy, comforting dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes layered with savory garlic, onion, and rich Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Baked in a creamy sauce until golden and tender, this small-batch recipe is ideal for a romantic dinner or a comforting side for an intimate meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers everything you want in a classic gratin—tender potatoes, a creamy, cheesy interior, and a golden, crispy top—all in a perfect portion for two. It’s a great option when you don’t need a full casserole but still crave something indulgent and homemade. Simple ingredients come together to create an elegant side dish that pairs beautifully with steak, chicken, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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unsalted butter, softened
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russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
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yellow or white onion, diced
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garlic cloves, minced
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shredded Parmigiano Reggiano
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fresh thyme
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salt
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pepper
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heavy whipping cream, at room temperature
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 1-quart casserole dish by rubbing softened butter over the bottom and sides.
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Prepare the potatoes: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to thinly slice the potatoes evenly.
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Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine diced onion, minced garlic, 1 cup of shredded Parmigiano Reggiano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
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Assemble the layers: Place a single, slightly overlapping layer of potatoes in the bottom of the prepared dish. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the cheese-onion mixture.
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Repeat layers: Continue layering potatoes and the cheese mixture two more times, ending with a final layer of potatoes.
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Add cream: Pour the heavy cream evenly over the potatoes, allowing it to settle between the layers.
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Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmigiano Reggiano on top.
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Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 60 to 90 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are fork-tender.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 (as a side dish)
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Variations
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Cheese swap: Substitute Gruyère or sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
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Add spice: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
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Fresh herbs: Try rosemary or chives instead of thyme.
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Mini portions: Bake in individual ramekins for a dinner-party presentation.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Freezing is not recommended as the cream may separate and affect the texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, Yukon Gold potatoes also work well. Avoid waxy potatoes, which don’t layer as well.
Do I need to cook the potatoes first?
No, the potatoes cook completely in the oven thanks to the cream and the long baking time.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the dish a few hours ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Let it come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The top should be golden and bubbly, and a knife should slide easily through the center of the dish.
Can I make this without cream?
Heavy cream gives the best texture and richness, but you could use half-and-half or whole milk with slightly different results.
What’s the best way to slice the potatoes evenly?
A mandoline slicer ensures thin, uniform slices which cook more evenly than hand-cut pieces.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it contains no flour or breadcrumbs.
Can I add breadcrumbs on top?
Yes, for extra crunch, sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
What should I serve with au gratin potatoes?
They pair well with roasted meats like beef,or chicken, and green vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger (2-quart) baking dish. Adjust the baking time as needed.
Conclusion
Au Gratin Potatoes For Two offers the perfect balance of rich, cheesy flavor and tender texture in a smaller portion that’s just right for couples or smaller households. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for a special dinner. Whether you’re pairing it with a main course or enjoying it as a standalone comfort dish, this recipe is a classic worth repeating.
Print
Au Gratin Potatoes For Two
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Au Gratin Potatoes For Two is a comforting, cheesy side dish featuring thinly sliced russet potatoes layered with garlic, onions, thyme, and plenty of Parmigiano Reggiano, all baked in rich cream until golden and tender.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes (about 4 large), peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup diced yellow or white onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/4 cups shredded Parmigiano Reggiano
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the bottom and sides of a 1-quart casserole dish with the softened butter.
- Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes in the dish, slightly overlapping them.
- In a large bowl, combine the diced onion, minced garlic, 1 cup of the Parmigiano Reggiano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle one-third of the cheese mixture over the potato layer.
- Repeat the layering of potatoes and cheese mixture two more times, ending with a final layer of potatoes.
- Pour the heavy cream evenly over the entire dish, allowing it to fill the gaps between the potatoes.
- Top with the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmigiano Reggiano.
- Bake for 60 to 90 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use a mandoline for evenly thin potato slices, which ensures even cooking.
- Let the cream come to room temperature before pouring to avoid curdling.
- Can be halved or doubled depending on serving needs.
- Fresh thyme adds great flavor, but dried thyme can be substituted (use 1/2 tsp).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
