Loaded Potato au Gratin

1h 17m
Serves 1
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Directions

  1. 1Place 12 ounces of bacon on a baking sheet and cook in a 400-degree oven for 15 to 17 minutes until crispy.
  2. 2Slice three russet potatoes using a mandoline slicer, ensuring uniform thickness.
  3. 3Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  4. 4Working in batches, par-cook the potato slices in boiling water for two minutes, adding them one by one to ensure even cooking.
  5. 5Remove the par-cooked potatoes from the water and spread them out on a clean kitchen towel to dry.
  6. 6In a pot, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat.
  7. 7Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and three sliced shallots to the melted butter.
  8. 8Season with a pinch of kosher salt and sauté until tender, about one to two minutes, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
  9. 9Add three tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the pot and stir constantly for one minute to create a roux.
  10. 10Pour in two and three-quarter cups of cold whole milk, stirring constantly until it reaches a boil.
  11. 11Add a pinch of kosher salt.
  12. 12Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes until thickened.
  13. 13Remove the pot from the heat and stir in two cups of pepper jack cheese until completely melted.
  14. 14Toss all the potato slices with the cheese sauce in a mixing bowl until they are evenly coated.
  15. 15Grease a casserole dish with bacon fat.
  16. 16Arrange the coated potato slices in the casserole dish.
  17. 17Top the potatoes with two cups of grated cheddar cheese.
  18. 18Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in a 375-degree oven for 45 minutes to one hour.
  19. 19Remove the foil, increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees, and bake until the cheese is browned and bubbly.
  20. 20Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the baked potatoes.
  21. 21Garnish with fresh chives.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces bacon
  • 3 russet potatoes
  • salt
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves minced garlic
  • 3 sliced shallots
  • 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 2.75 cups cold whole milk
  • 2 cups pepper jack cheese
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese
  • chives

Equipment

ovenbaking sheetmandoline slicerpotkitchen towelpotspatulacasserole dishbox grater

Tips

  • Constantly stir the garlic and shallots to prevent burning.
  • Add potatoes one by one to ensure even cooking.
  • Cook the roux for 1 minute before adding milk.
  • Remove foil and increase oven temperature to brown and bubble the cheese.