Quick and Easy Three-Cheese Au Gratin Potatoes : A Comfort Food Favorite!

Name: Quick and Easy Three-Cheese Au Gratin Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and sliced thinly; 1 onion, caramelized; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded; 2 cups heavy cream; 4 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons flour; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Posted on December 13, 2025

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This delicious three-cheese au gratin potatoes comes together in about 1 hour and is baked to perfection for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will absolutely love! You can switch up the ingredients with what you have on hand, making it a fantastic way to clean out the fridge while serving up a side dish that feels indulgent and cozy. Trust me, once you set this dish on the table, it will disappear faster than you can say “comfort food!”

Ingredient Breakdown

Before diving into this cheesy goodness, let’s gather our ingredients. You’ll need:

2 pounds potatoes: I like to use Yukon Gold for their creamy texture, but Russet works too! Just be sure to peel and slice them thinly.
1 onion, caramelized: This adds that sweet touch that perfectly balances the richness of the cheese.
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: The sharpness here just elevates everything!
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: For that gooey, melty goodness.
1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded: Oh, the nutty flavor absolutely divine!
2 cups heavy cream: This makes the dish super creamy.
4 tablespoons butter: Because everything’s better with butter!
2 tablespoons flour: We’ll use this to thicken our sauce.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Just a couple pinches to take it over the top.
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional): Parsley or thyme adds a lovely freshness!

ingredients for three-cheese au gratin potatoes

Ingredient Notes:

Do you have leftover cheeses from your favorite recipes? Well, don’t hesitate to mix and match those! Gouda, fontina, or even some pepper jack could add an exciting twist to your dish. Trust me, this recipe is incredibly flexible!
If you want to lighten it up, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or even a blend of Greek yogurt and milk!

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get that heat going because this will make everything golden and bubbling… yum!
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk it together to create a roux, this should take about 1-2 minutes. It should look pasty, but not too brown.
Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly, this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be creamy, almost like a heavy batter. Oh, the smell at this stage is already heavenly, so hang in there!
Once thickened, remove from heat and add in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère cheeses. Stir until all the cheese is melted and smooth; we want that cheesy goodness to be rich and creamy.
In a greased baking dish (I usually use a 9×13), layer half of your sliced potatoes at the bottom, sprinkle with a couple pinches of salt and pepper, and then top with half of the caramelized onions.
Pour half of the cheesy sauce over that layer. Get all those cheesy bits outta the bowl, you wouldn’t want to waste a drop!
Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, seasoning, onions, and finished off with the remaining cheese sauce.
Cover the baking dish with foil (to keep all that moisture in) and bake for 45 minutes. This is where the magic happens, your house will smell absolutely amazing!
Finally, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until it’s golden on top and bubbly around the edges.
Let this cheesy delight cool for a few minutes before serving, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs if you’re feelin’ fancy!

Personal Connection

This is my go-to recipe whenever I’m craving something comforting and decadent. As a single mom juggling a million things (I mean, who isn’t?), having an easy-to-make yet soul-soothing dish like this makes my life so much brighter. Plus, the best part is, my kids actually ask for seconds yes, that’s a win in my book! I also love how you can dump in whatever odds and ends you’ve got hanging out in your fridge. It’s like a warm hug after a long day.

If you loved this three-cheese au gratin potatoes, be sure to check out my Easy Baked Feta Pasta, my Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls, or my Easy Caramelized Onion Tart!

Why This Recipe Works

Crow-pleaser

Nothing makes a gathering more special than a cheesy potato dish everyone can enjoy! Kids and adults love it, and trust me it’ll be one of your family favorites, too!

Customizable

The beauty of this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily switch up the cheese, add some cooked bacon, or toss in some cooked vegetables. Seriously, the sky’s the limit!

Comfort Food

There’s something so satisfying about digging into a creamy, cheesy dish. This one is loaded with tons of flavor and that warm, creamy texture that just makes everything feel right with the world.

Make-Ahead Friendly

You can assemble these potatoes ahead of time, pop them in the fridge, and bake them right when you need them! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to get dinner on the table without feeling like you’re spinning the dinner plates, figuratively and literally!

Quick and Easy

Besides the hour in the oven, this recipe is pretty hands-off! You can spend those extra moments prepping other items or just hanging out in the kitchen, catching up with your family while you wait.

Serving & Storage Tips

How to Serve This Dish

These three-cheese au gratin potatoes pair perfectly with roasted meats or grilled veggies. Serving them alongside a simple green salad adds a nice balance to the richness of the dish. And really, is there a better combo than a plate of these cheesy potatoes with a glass of good wine? I mean, I don’t think so!

How Long It Lasts

Make sure to store any leftovers (if you have any!) in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll last for about 3-5 days. I usually don’t find leftovers around for too long because the kids just devour them.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, just pop them in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. If you want them extra melty, cover them in some foil until warmed through, then uncover for the last few minutes.

Freezer Friendly?

Yes, you can freeze this dish before you bake it! Just assemble everything, cover it well, and it can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Alright, folks gather around your table and dig into these creamy, dreamy three-cheese au gratin potatoes. If you want a dish that warms hearts and bellies, you’ve found it. Enjoy! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.