Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes for Two

Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes for Two are rich, comforting, and packed with tender sliced potatoes in a creamy homemade cheese sauce. This easy side dish is perfect for small households, holiday dinners, or cozy weeknight meals without a lot of leftovers.

You’ll find this recipe in the Side Dishes for Two collection

Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 2–3

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect small-batch comfort food
Creamy homemade cheese sauce
Budget-friendly ingredients
Great for holidays or weeknight dinners
Easy to customize with different cheeses

Ingredients for Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes for Two

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
Pinch of black pepper
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups thinly sliced peeled potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes)
1/4 cup chopped onion

Ingredient Notes

Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for creamy layers.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but Colby Jack or Monterey Jack also work well.
Milk: Whole milk creates the creamiest sauce, but 2% milk can also be used.
Onion: Adds extra flavor without overpowering the dish.

How to Make Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes for Two

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the flour, salt, seasoned salt, and pepper until smooth.
Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the sliced potatoes and chopped onion to the sauce and stir gently to coat.
Transfer the mixture to a greased small baking dish or loaf-size casserole dish.
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Uncover and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and lightly golden on top.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. If desired, top with black pepper or chopped green onions.

Equipment

Small Saucepan – Perfect for making the homemade cheese sauce
Mandolin Slicer – Helps create evenly sliced potatoes for even cooking
Small Baking Dish – Ideal size for small-batch casseroles

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Options

Add cooked bacon pieces for extra flavor
Stir in diced ham for a heartier side dish
Use pepper jack cheese for a little heat
Sprinkle extra cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking

Tips

Slice the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Covering the dish first helps soften the potatoes before browning the top.
Let the casserole sit a few minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these creamy potatoes with:

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak for Two
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy for Two
Meatloaf for Two
Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy
Slow Cooker Pork Chops for Two

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Budget Tips

Potatoes are one of the most affordable side dishes and stretch meals easily.
Buy block cheese and shred it yourself to save money.
This recipe works well with leftover cheese from other recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 1 day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What potatoes work best for au gratin potatoes?

Russet potatoes create a softer texture, while Yukon Gold potatoes stay slightly firmer and buttery.

Can I freeze au gratin potatoes?

The texture may change slightly after freezing because of the dairy sauce, but they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Try These Next

Plan Your Meals With Ease

My Meal Planner with Grocery List for Cooking for Two helps you organize weekly meals, create efficient shopping lists, reduce food waste, and save money on groceries. Perfect for couples, empty nesters, and small households who want simple, budget-friendly meal planning without the stress.

Available on Amazon