Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Ingredients

• Cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded)
• Milk (2 cups)
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
• Salt (1 teaspoon)
• All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons)
• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons)
• Potatoes (4 large, peeled and thinly sliced)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
2. In a medium-size saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Gradually stir in the milk, continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens and is bubbling (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese all at once. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Layer half of the sliced potatoes into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it evenly.
6. Add the second layer of potatoes and pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top. Make sure all potatoes are well covered.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
8. After 1 hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
9. Let the dish sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.