Smoked Gouda & Bacon Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe
(860 cal.)
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Ingredients
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Potatoes & Prep
Cheese Sauce
Bacon & Topping
Method
Potatoes & Prep
- 1
Preheat and prepare baking dish
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (or similar) baking dish with 1 teaspoon butter or a thin layer of oil.
- 2
Bacon & Topping
- 3
Cook bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crisp, about 8–10 minutes, turning as needed. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain, then chop into 1/2-inch pieces. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat for the topping if desired; discard the rest or save for another use.
- 4
Make breadcrumb topping
In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped bacon (reserve 2 tablespoons chopped bacon for sprinkling over finished casserole), fresh chives, olive oil, and the reserved tablespoon of bacon fat (or additional 1 teaspoon butter). Mix until evenly moistened; set aside.
Cheese Sauce
- 5
- 6
Add milk and cream
Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, a little at a time, whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4–6 minutes. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer—do not boil vigorously.
- 7
Finish cheese sauce
Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the shredded smoked Gouda and sharp cheddar, a handful at a time, until fully melted and smooth. Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon salt (adjust later), and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Assemble & Bake
- 8
Layer potatoes
Arrange one-third of the potato slices in a single overlapping layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with about one-third of the chopped bacon and a light pinch of salt and pepper. Spoon about one-third of the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes. Repeat this process two more times to make three layers, finishing with cheese sauce on top.
- 9
Top and bake
Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb-bacon-chive mixture over the top layer of sauce. Tent the baking dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20–25 minutes, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- 10
Rest and garnish
Remove from oven and let the gratin rest for 10 minutes to set. Sprinkle the reserved 2 tablespoons chopped bacon and additional chopped chives over the top before serving.