Au Gratin Potatoes

Preheat oven to 350 ̊F. Use 1 Tbsp butter to grease a 3 quart (9x13) casserole dish.

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt 4 Tbsp butter. Add flour and whisk for 2 minutes to cook off the flour taste. Gradually pour in the milk, then the cream, while whisking. Add salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, then continue whisking until the sauce has thickened. Add more seasonings to taste. Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese until melted.

Peel potatoes if desired and thinly slice to 1/8” thick (a food processor makes this quick and easy). Add potatoes to the cheese sauce and stir to coat, then spread the potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining grated cheese.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15-30 minutes or until top is golden brown and potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. You can broil for 1-2 minutes at the end if more browning is desired but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. Rest for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chives and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.