Potatoes Au Gratin

By mrslopes

This is a real comfort food, especially on a cold winter's eve. Don't skip the blanching (step 2) or the potatoes will never soften enough when baked.

Ingredients

• 6 cups peeled, sliced baking potatoes (1/4-inch thick pieces)
• 2 Tbs. butter or margarine
• 2 Tbs. all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1 1/4 cups shredded Swiss cheese, divided
• 3 Tbs. grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp. salt, or to taste
• 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. paprika

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat the oven to 350*F. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. Cook the potatoes in boiling water 5 to 7 minutes or until tender; drain.
3. In a 1-quart saucepan, melt the butter or margarine over medium-high heat. Stir in the flour until absorbed. Using a whisk, stir in the milk. Cook, stirring, until mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat; stir in 3/4 cup of the Swiss cheese, 2 Tbs. of the grated Parmesan, the garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange half of the potatoes in the baking pan. Pour 1/2 of the sauce over the potatoes. repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce. Sprinkle top with remaining 1/2 cup Swiss and 1 Tbs. Parmesan cheese; sprinkle lightly with paprika.
5. Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until browned on top. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

VARIATION: Use Cheddar cheese instead of the Swiss cheese.