Introduction
Potatoes au gratin are a classic dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Made with thinly sliced potatoes and a rich cheese sauce, this dish is perfect for any occasion. If you’re wondering how to make mouthwatering potatoes au gratin from Omaha Steaks, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll show you everything you need to know so that you can make the perfect batch of potatoes au gratin every time.
When it comes to buying ingredients for this dish, we recommend checking out Omaha Steaks. They are known for their quality meats and ingredients that will take your dishes to the next level.
The objective of this article is to provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to make delicious potatoes au gratin using ingredients from Omaha Steaks.
What are Potatoes Au Gratin?
Before we dive into the specifics of making potatoes au gratin, let’s briefly go over what they are. Potatoes au gratin are a French dish made with thinly sliced potatoes that are layered with a creamy cheese sauce. The dish is then baked until it forms a crispy golden crust on top.
Some common ingredients used in making potatoes au gratin include russet potatoes, heavy cream, cheese (often Gruyere), garlic, and butter.
Why Choose Omaha Steaks?
Now that you know what potatoes au gratin are let’s discuss why Omaha Steaks is a great option for purchasing ingredients.
Omaha Steaks has been around since 1917 and has built up quite the reputation for delivering high-quality meats and ingredients straight to your doorstep. They offer a vast selection of meats and seafood, all of which have been carefully sourced from trusted suppliers.
For making potato au gratin specifically, Omaha Steaks offers pre-sliced potatoes which can save you time during the preparation process. They also have a wide selection of cheeses that can be used in the dish, such as Gruyere, Swiss, and Cheddar.
Preparing the Ingredients
To make potatoes au gratin, you’ll need to gather your ingredients and prepare them appropriately. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 package Omaha Steaks sliced potatoes
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated cheese (we recommend Gruyere or Cheddar)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Next, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add in the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Now it’s time to add in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Once it starts simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for a few more minutes until it has thickened slightly.
Add in your grated cheese and stir until fully melted and combined with the cream mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Making the Cheese Sauce
Making a rich and delicious cheese sauce for your potatoes au gratin is key to achieving that perfect creamy texture. Here’s how you can make a quick homemade cheese sauce:
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk until combined.
- Slowly pour in 1 cup of milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it has thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in 1 cup of grated cheese (we recommend Gruyere or Cheddar) and season with salt and pepper to taste.
If you’re in a pinch, you can also use a pre-made cheese sauce from Omaha Steaks.
Layering the Dish
With your cheese sauce ready, it’s time to start layering your potatoes au gratin. Here’s how:
- Grease a baking dish with butter and add a single layer of sliced potatoes.
- Pour about one-third of the cheese sauce onto the potatoes, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Add another layer of sliced potatoes on top of the cheese sauce.
- Repeat this process until you have used up all your potatoes and cheese sauce, making sure that the top layer is covered completely with the cheese sauce.
Pro tip: For an extra crunchy top layer, sprinkle some breadcrumbs over the top before baking.
Baking and Serving
Once you’ve layered your potatoes and cheese sauce, it’s time to bake them in the oven. Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. After 45 minutes have passed, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
When serving your potato au gratin, we recommend pairing it with a nice green salad or steamed veggies. You could also try topping it with some chopped herbs for some added flavor.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks for making perfect potatoes au gratin from Omaha Steaks ingredients:
- Use a mandoline or food processor to slice your potatoes thinly and evenly.
- Be sure to season each layer of potatoes with salt and pepper before adding the cheese sauce.
- For a tangier flavor, you can add a spoonful of Dijon mustard to your cheese sauce.
- For added richness, try using half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, or add a dollop of sour cream to your cheese sauce.
Conclusion
Making mouthwatering potatoes au gratin from Omaha Steaks is easier than you might think. With high-quality ingredients and a few simple steps, you can make this classic dish in no time. We hope this article has provided you with all the information you need to make your own delicious potatoes au gratin at home. Remember to get creative with your ingredients and have fun in the kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions
#### 1. Can I use any type of potato for potatoes au gratin?
Yes, you can use any type of potato to make this dish. However, some types of potatoes may have different textures and flavors, so it is recommended that you use a waxy potato variety like Yukon Golds or red potatoes.
#### 2. How do I prevent my potatoes au gratin from becoming dry?
To avoid your potatoes from drying out, be sure not to overcook them and add enough liquid to your sauce. You can also cover your dish with foil or a lid while baking to help retain moisture.
#### 3. Can I prepare potatoes au gratin in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance by assembling the ingredients and refrigerating it until you are ready to bake it. Simply preheat your oven and let the dish come to room temperature before baking.
#### 4. What are some suggested variations of potatoes au gratin?
You can switch up the traditional recipe by adding different cheeses like Gruyere or Parmesan, incorporating bacon or ham for a protein boost, or adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
