SOME OF THE BEST REVIEWS ABOUT THIS RECIPE
“This is my husband’s favorite dish, and he considers it a special occasion every time I make it. The creamy cheese sauce and the tender potatoes in this classic French dish combine to make a deliciously addictive experience. It’s a great side dish with a roast pork loin or beef tenderloin. Add a green salad and French bread, and you have found the magic path to a man’s heart. To avoid lumps in your sauce, add the milk just a little at a time as you stir the flour and butter. Experiment with different cheeses for variety.”
I’m constantly asked to make my version of this recipe. Here’s what I do differently that I think makes it better. 1. No onions. (I think they just get in the way of the potato and cheese flavor) 2. Make extra cheese sauce (I think an extra half recipe of sauce will do it) 3. Put extra cheese in the sauce. (at least an extra half cup, but to your taste) 4. Layer cheese sauce between layers of potatoes. (make sure to grease the pan well or it’s hard to get off after baked) 5. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top for extra crispiness. I made two huge pans of this for a party with 30+ people and it all went. Definitely a favorite of mine.
I make a roux (using the butter and flour), add it to the warmed milk, and season the cream sauce with the salt and pepper. I layer the potatoes and onions to the nearly the top, slowly add the cream sauce till just even with the top row, and bake for an hour. Same ingredients, but a with a consistent cream sauce and great taste every time.
INGREDIENTS
4cups thinly sliced potatoes
3tablespoons butter
3tablespoons flour
1 1⁄2cups milk
1teaspoon salt
1dash cayenne pepper
1cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
1⁄2cup grated cheese, to sprinkle on top.
DIRECTIONS
In a small sauce pan, melt butter and blend in flour.
Let sit for a minute.
Add all of cold milk, stirring with a whisk.
Season with salt and cayenne.
Cook sauce on low until smooth and boiling, stirring occasionally with a whisk.
Reduce heat and stir in cheese.
Place a half of the sliced potatoes in a lightly greased one quart casserole dish.
Pour half of cheese sauce over potatoes.
Repeat with second layer of potatoes and cheese sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Top with some paprika for color.
Bake uncovered for about 1 hour at 350°F.
Source : allrecipes.com