Name: Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin with Bacon Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 slices bacon, diced; 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 cup onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 2 reviews

If you are craving a dish that wraps creamy, cheesy goodness around tender slices of potatoes, all sprinkled with crispy bits of bacon, then this Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin with Bacon Recipe is your new best friend. It’s comfort food at its finest, with a rich sauce flavored by garlic and thyme, layered generously with sharp cheddar cheese, and baked to golden perfection. Every bite melts in your mouth, delivering a delightful combination of textures and flavors that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want to impress with a home-cooked classic that never fails to satisfy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white plate with a layered potato casserole. The bottom layer is made of thin white potato slices. Above that, there is a creamy sauce mixed with more potato slices. On top, a melted golden orange cheese layer covers the dish, with small pieces of crispy browned bacon scattered over it. Tiny green herb bits are sprinkled on the top, adding color. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate, all set on a white marbled surface with some green herbs blurred in the background and a blue and white striped cloth on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward yet incredibly important for building up that luscious, cheesy, and savory profile of the dish. Each one plays a role, from the smoky bacon that adds a crunchy contrast to the creamy sauce that hugs the potatoes like a warm blanket, finishing with the sharp cheddar that gives that irresistible golden crust.

Bacon (8 slices, diced): Crispy bacon provides a smoky crunch that elevates the entire dish.
Butter (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and a silky base for the sauce.
Onion (1 cup finely diced): Softened onions bring subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic punch and warmth.
All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): The secret to thickening the sauce into the perfect creamy consistency.
Milk (2 cups): Gives the sauce a luscious smooth texture without overpowering the cheese.
Chicken broth (1 cup): Adds savory umami that balances the richness of the cheese and butter.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors throughout the dish.
Ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): A fragrant herb that complements the cheese and bacon beautifully.
Potatoes (2 pounds): Thinly sliced, they become tender and soak up all the cheesy sauce.
Cheddar cheese (2 cups shredded): Sharp and melty, it forms the signature cheesy crust and luscious layers in between.

How to Make Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin with Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes

Start by peeling your potatoes and slicing them as thinly and evenly as you can for the creamiest texture. If you have a mandolin, this step will be a breeze, but a sharp knife works just fine. Thin slices are key because they’ll cook evenly and absorb the sauce beautifully.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the diced bacon until it’s beautifully crisp. It’s that crunch and smoky flavor that adds an irresistible contrast to the smooth, creamy potatoes. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels and set it aside for layering later.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and gently cook the finely diced onions until they soften and turn translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for just a minute, making sure it doesn’t burn. Sprinkle the flour into this aromatic mix and stir—it will resemble wet sand, which is exactly what you want. Let it bubble slightly before whisking in the milk and chicken broth. Stir in the salt, pepper, and thyme, and keep whisking until the sauce thickens into a luxurious, creamy consistency perfect for coating every potato slice.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spoon half a cup of sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish, spreading it evenly to prevent sticking and to ensure every bite has creamy goodness. Lay down a layer of potato slices, slightly overlapping them. Drizzle more sauce over the potatoes, sprinkle a generous handful of cheddar cheese, and add a bit of that crispy bacon. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up, finishing off with a cheesy bacon top layer that will turn golden in the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about one hour. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are tender—test by poking a slice with a knife. If needed, let it bake another 10 to 15 minutes until perfectly soft and bubbling. Allow it to cool slightly before serving to let those inviting layers set and to enjoy its full flavor.

How to Serve Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin with Bacon Recipe

A white rectangular dish filled with a layered potato casserole, showing a close-up of a scoop lifting from the dish with a silver spoon. The casserole has several layers of soft, pale yellow potato slices, covered by a top layer of melted orange cheddar cheese, browned in spots, with small bits of crispy dark brown bacon scattered throughout. There are tiny sprinkles of green herbs on top, adding a fresh touch. The dish rests on a blue and white striped cloth over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that contrasts beautifully with the richness. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also enhance the smoky bacon flavors and add visual flare.

Side Dishes

This dish is a star, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed green vegetables like asparagus or green beans can balance out the richness wonderfully. A simple roast chicken or pork tenderloin would complement the creamy potatoes perfectly for a memorable meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at a dinner party, consider making individual ramekin-sized portions of the Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin with Bacon Recipe. They look elegant and allow for easy serving. You might also layer the dish with caramelized onions or swap cheddar for a mix of Gruyere and mozzarella to match your mood or occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin with Bacon Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover tightly, and you’ll have delicious reheatable comfort food ready in no time.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, either before baking or after it’s been cooked and cooled. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly, which should take about 20 to 30 minutes depending on the portion size. Avoid microwaving if possible since the creamy sauce can separate and the texture can become less appealing.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in this Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin with Bacon Recipe?

Absolutely! While cheddar gives a classic sharp flavor, you can experiment with Gruyere, mozzarella, or even a mix for different textures and tastes. Just choose cheeses that melt well to maintain that creamy consistency.

What type of potatoes works best for this recipe?

Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Gold work great because they become tender and soak up the sauce nicely while holding their shape well during baking.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Of course! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for that umami flavor to keep the dish rich and satisfying without the meat.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate it, then bake right before serving. This makes it an excellent dish for entertaining or busy weeknights.

How thick should the potato slices be?

Aim for about ⅛ inch thick slices. Too thick and they may take longer to cook and be less tender, too thin and they might fall apart. A mandolin slicer helps get uniformity for perfect results.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing quite like the cozy, cheesy hug you get from this Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin with Bacon Recipe. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weeknight craving for something indulgently comforting, this dish delivers every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your new go-to side that brings smiles and happy plates around your table.