Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes (Print Format)

Layers of creamy potatoes, cheddar, bacon, and roasted garlic baked for a golden, bubbly side.

# Ingredients:

→ Main ingredients

01 - 6 strips bacon, chopped
02 - 2 bulbs roasted garlic
03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (add an additional 2 tablespoons if skipping the bacon)
04 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
05 - 2 cups whole milk
06 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
07 - 12 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
08 - 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
09 - 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
10 - 1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped
11 - 6 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
12 - 4-5 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
13 - 1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
14 - Parsley for garnish

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice tops off garlic bulbs to expose cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake for 30-35 minutes until soft and golden.
02 - Slice potatoes thinly. Boil in a large pot of water for 8 minutes. Remove and blanch in ice-cold water.
03 - In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet with bacon fat, melt butter. Add flour and whisk to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
05 - Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth until the mixture thickens. Add roasted garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Stir to combine. Optionally, use a potato masher to fully incorporate garlic. Gradually stir in cheeses until sauce is creamy.
06 - Place sliced potatoes in a baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over the potatoes, ensuring even coating. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
07 - Remove dish from oven, sprinkle mozzarella cheese and cooked bacon over the top. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Optionally broil for a charred finish. Garnish with parsley before serving.
08 - Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving.