Potatoes au gratin, a dish synonymous with creamy, cheesy indulgence, gets a delightful twist in Ree Drummond’s version. Known as the Pioneer Woman, Ree has a knack for creating comforting, family-friendly recipes that are both delicious and approachable. Her potatoes au gratin are no exception. This recipe, loaded with cheese, cream, and garlic, is not just an easy weeknight meal solution but also an impeccable side dish for your holiday feasts.
Pioneer Woman Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe: Creamy cheesy potatoes with garlic, perfect for family dinners and holidays.
If you’re a potato lover, prepare to be captivated. While scalloped potatoes hold a special place on many dinner tables, this Pioneer Woman potatoes au gratin recipe offers a richer, more decadent experience. Inspired by Ree Drummond’s “Food from my Frontier” cookbook, this dish elevates the humble potato to gourmet status with minimal fuss. It’s the perfect way to explore your cookbook collection and rediscover some culinary gems.
Recently, my family and I had the pleasure of enjoying these potatoes au gratin for “linner” – that delightful meal that blurs the lines between lunch and dinner. Following Ree’s recipe as a base, I made a few minor adjustments to amplify the flavors we love most. The result? A creamy, cheesy, garlicky potato dish that disappeared in minutes.
Delicious Pioneer Woman Au Gratin Potatoes: Close-up of creamy, cheesy texture with melted cheese topping.
My tweaks were simple yet impactful. I opted for a generous amount of minced garlic to enhance the savory notes and increased the cheese for that extra gooeyness everyone adores. Instead of green onions, I used fresh chives for a milder, more elegant onion flavor that complements the richness of the dish.
Regarding the potatoes, the recipe calls for “big potatoes.” However, finding perfectly sized potatoes can be tricky. I used six small potatoes, and in hindsight, seven might have been ideal for a slightly heartier dish. Nevertheless, the outcome was incredibly creamy and cheesy, exactly as desired. This recipe is wonderfully forgiving and adaptable to what you have on hand.
While I hesitate to declare any cheesy potato dish “perfect” – simply because my fondness for them is boundless – these Pioneer Woman potatoes au gratin are undeniably exceptional. Their ease of preparation combined with the incredible flavor profile makes them a definite repeat in my kitchen. In fact, I’m already planning to make them again very soon.
Homemade Pioneer Woman Potatoes Au Gratin: Baked dish with golden brown cheese crust and fresh chives garnish.
Ready to try this comforting classic? Here’s the recipe, slightly adapted and inspired by The Pioneer Woman:
Pioneer Woman Inspired Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature, for greasing
- 6-7 small to medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), scrubbed and diced
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 5-7 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to your preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (white or yellow cheddar works beautifully)
- Fresh chives, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously butter a shallow baking dish (around 9×13 inches) and set aside.
- Prepare Potatoes: Dice the scrubbed potatoes into bite-sized pieces, about 1/2 inch cubes. Place the diced potatoes in the buttered baking dish, spreading them evenly.
- Cream Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, and all-purpose flour until smooth. Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the cream mixture and whisk to combine.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream sauce evenly over the potatoes in the baking dish. Ensure the potatoes are mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Carefully remove the foil from the baking dish. Continue baking for another 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the potatoes. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh chives over the top for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of your Pioneer Woman inspired potatoes au gratin!
Recipe Notes:
- Potato Choice: Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent for their creamy texture and slight sweetness. Russet potatoes will also work well and provide a more classic potato flavor.
- Cheese Variation: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheddar and Parmesan would all be delicious.
- Garlic Intensity: Adjust the amount of garlic to your liking. For a milder flavor, use 3-4 cloves; for a bolder garlic taste, use 7 or more.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the potatoes au gratin ahead of time up to step 5. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add about 15-20 minutes to the initial covered baking time to ensure the potatoes are cooked through.
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Pioneer Woman potatoes au gratin recipe – it’s sure to become a family favorite!
