Ben Nesbitt's Smoky Au Gratin

This creamy potatoes au gratin recipe makes a hearty and crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side dish with a surprisingly satisfying smoky flavor.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 12 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 32 mins
• Calories: 296 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 4 cups milk
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 onion, minced
• 2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend, divided
• 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 8 russet potatoes - peeled, quartered, and sliced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add flour; cook and stir until foamy, about 2 minutes. Let cool. Whisk in milk over medium heat until smooth. Stir in 1 1/2 cup Italian cheese blend, onion, and paprika until melted and smooth. Season sauce with salt and pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until flavors combine, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Divide potatoes between two 8x12-inch cake pans. Pour 1/2 of sauce over each pan; stir to coat.

Step 4

Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and hot, about 1 hour. Top pans with remaining 1/2 cup cheese; bake for an additional 5 minutes.