Southwest Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe

I’m thrilled to share my go-to recipe for Southwest Au Gratin Potatoes.

These potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors.

What I love most is the kick from the green chilies and spices.

A key tip: slice your potatoes thinly and evenly for the best texture.

Be sure to use a mandoline if you have one; it makes the job much easier.

I recommend letting the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to let the flavors meld.

This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends.

Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!

How to Make Southwest Au Gratin Potatoes

Ingredients List

• 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes or russet potatoes
• 2 tbsp Kosher salt
• 2 Green chiles
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 1/4 cups Heavy whipping cream
• Cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour

Southwestern seasonings (e.g., cumin, paprika, chili powder):

• 1/2 teaspoon hot chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 cups Cheese (e.g., smoked cheddar, pepper jack)

Step-by-step process

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray.

Step 2

Slice the potatoes about 1/8-inch (3mm) thick using a mandoline or carefully with a knife.

If using Yukon gold potatoes, you’ll need about 4-6 medium-sized potatoes.

If using russet potatoes, aim for 3-4 large potatoes.

In a large bowl, season the potato slices with 1 teaspoon salt and your preferred southwestern seasonings.

Mix well to coat the potato slices evenly.

Step 3

Prepare the cheese sauce by mincing 2-3 garlic cloves and setting them aside.

In a medium-sized saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

Add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.

Gradually whisk in 2 cups of heavy whipping cream and bring the mixture to a boil.

Cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until thickened.

Remove from heat, and stir in the minced garlic and 2 cups of shredded cheese, such as smoked cheddar or pepper jack.

Step 4

Finely chop the green chiles (2-3, depending on your heat preference) and add them to the cheese sauce.

Stir until combined.

Step 5

Assemble the casserole by spreading a thin layer of cheese sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Arrange a layer of potato slices on top of the sauce, followed by more cheese sauce.

Continue layering the potato and sauce until all the ingredients have been used, ensuring the final layer is the sauce.

If desired, sprinkle the top with additional cheese.

Step 6

Bake the casserole for 60-75 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Let the Southwest Au Gratin Potatoes rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and savory dish!

Side Dishes for Southwest Au Gratin Potatoes

Southwest Au Gratin Potatoes are a cheesy, hearty, and delicious dish packed with flavors perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners.

To complement this dish, consider serving it with the following side dishes that can enhance your holiday table or make any meal feel special.

Roasted Beef

Or Pork Roasted beef or pork can be an excellent side dish for your au gratin potatoes.

The rich flavor of the meat pairs well with the cheesy potatoes, creating a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

To make your holiday table even more enticing, you can serve the roast with some warm rolls or crusty bread.

Green Beans Almondine

A lighter side dish option that goes great with Southwest Au Gratin Potatoes is green beans almondine.

The bright and fresh green beans tossed with toasted almonds and lemon zest provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and cheesy potatoes, balancing the flavors on your plate.

Enjoy experimenting with different pairings and creating unique dining experiences.

Ingredients Substitutes

Waxy Potatoes  

You can substitute yellow potatoes with waxy potatoes, such as red or fingerling potatoes.

They hold their shape better when baked, making them suitable for the texture needed in au gratin dishes.

Pepper Jack

Using pepper jack cheese will add a spicy kick to your southwest au gratin potatoes recipe, enhancing the dish’s flavor profile.

Cheddar Cheese

For a milder flavor, opt for medium cheddar cheese instead of sharp cheddar.

It will still provide a delicious taste while not overpowering the dish’s other flavors.

How to Store Southwest Au Gratin Potatoes

Storing Southwest Au Gratin Potatoes properly is essential to maintain their taste and quality so that you can enjoy them later.

Here are a few key tips to store your delicious dish:

Refrigerate:

Before storing your Southwest Au Gratin Potatoes, let them cool down to room temperature.

This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

To preserve the freshness and avoid contamination, transfer the potatoes to an airtight container.

This helps maintain their texture and prevents any unpleasant smells from entering the dish.

For added protection, you can wrap the airtight container with aluminum foil.

This helps to block out light and further insulate the container, keeping the contents fresher for longer.

Place the wrapped container in the refrigerator to store the Southwest Au Gratin Potatoes.

The ideal temperature for storage is between 35-40°F (2-4°C).

The dish can last in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freeze:

If you need to store the dish for a longer period, consider freezing the potatoes.

To do this, transfer the cooled dish to a freezer-safe airtight container or wrap them in aluminum foil.

Label and date the container, and place it in the freezer.

This way, your Southwest Au Gratin Potatoes will last for up to 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your stored Southwest Au Gratin Potatoes, reheat them gently in the oven or microwave to restore their original texture and deliciousness.

Always remember to check the dish for any signs of spoilage, such as off smell, mold, or discoloration, before consuming it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not using green chiles

Green chiles are a key ingredient in southwest au gratin potatoes, adding spice and flavor.

Make sure to include them in your recipe to get that authentic Southwest taste.

Overbaking or underbaking

It’s essential to take the potatoes out of the oven when they are golden brown and bubbly, indicating they are cooked evenly.

Underbaking or overbaking can result in potatoes that are not fork-tender or have an unappealing texture.

Incorrect seasoning

For southwest au gratin potatoes, it’s important to use seasoned salt instead of regular salt to enhance the overall flavor.

Moreover, incorporating the right amount of cups of pepper will also make a significant difference in your dish.

Not grating the cheese correctly

For the cheese topping, it’s important to use a box grater to shred the cheese, as this will ensure even melting and coverage over the potatoes.

Avoid using pre-shredded cheese, as it may contain additives that prevent proper melting.