Smoked au gratin potatoes are the new and improved version of a comfort food classic. This easy-to-follow recipe calls for simple ingredients already in your fridge or pantry!
There are few things better than creamy au gratin potatoes, but placing this popular comfort food into the smoker increases the flavor tenfold. We were impressed with the light smokiness, crisped edges, and all that cheesy, buttery goodness. These smoked au gratin potatoes are comfort food taken to another level.
What is the difference between au gratin and scalloped potatoes?
While these two potato casseroles contain a sauce made of milk (or cream), butter, and flour, au gratin also includes cheese. This gives it a delicious golden brown crust, while scalloped potatoes are known for their “scalloped” browned edges.
How long does it take to cook au gratin potatoes on a smoker?
It takes about 1 hour at 350 degrees F. Aim for 2 hours at 275 degrees F if you want it smokier.
Choosing the right potatoes
We prefer medium-sized russets for smoked au gratin potatoes. They contain a fair amount of starch and have a delicious buttery flavor. However, you can use large red potatoes for this dish. We recommend using a mandolin or your food processor to slice the potatoes. You’ll need to scrub them under cold water and dry them well with a paper towel before slicing.
Equipment
- 9 X 9 pan (cast-iron, certain stoneware, or aluminum)
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Large bowl
- Plastic wrap
- Smoker or pellet grill
- Fruitwood chips or pellets (apple recommended)
Ingredients
- Medium russet potatoes
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- Milk: whole or 2%
- Sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for optional topping
- Gruyere cheese
- Ground mustard powder (or dry mustard)
- Onion powder
- Ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to make au gratin potatoes in a grill or smoker
Preheat your pellet grill to 350 degrees F, or set up your smoker or grill for indirect cooking. Add wood chips to the smoker five minutes before the au gratin potatoes go on.
Wash, dry, and slice potatoes. Place them into a microwave-safe dish, cover them with plastic wrap, and microwave for 8 minutes, until slightly tender. Remove from microwave, carefully remove the plastic, and let the potatoes cool for 10 minutes before handling.
Making the Sauce
Melt butter in a medium-sized saucepan. Add flour and cook over medium-high heat for 1 minute, stirring often. Next, add onion powder, mustard, and nutmeg.
Slowly whisk in milk, then fold in the milk.
Reduce heat to medium, and continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Arrange potatoes in the dish. Season lightly with salt and black pepper, and pour cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes.
Cooking Au Gratin Potatoes
Place pan into the smoker, close the lid, and cook for 45-55 minutes. During the last 20 minutes of cooking, top the potatoes with your desired amount of cheddar cheese.
Once the smoked au gratin potatoes are golden brown and tender, remove them from the grill or smoker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Oven method
Prepare sauce and potatoes as directed—bake au gratin potatoes at 350 degrees for 55 minutes, until tender.
Leftovers
Store leftover smoked au gratin potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Freeze in individual portions and microwave for 3-3 1/2 minutes or until warmed through.
Pairings
Pair these fantastic smoked au gratin potatoes with some of our popular recipes!
- Tri-Tip Brisket Style
- Double Smoked Ham
- Smoked Prime Rib
- Rotisserie Chicken
- Grilled Maple Pork Chops
- Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Smoked Au Gratin Potatoes
Equipment
- 1 9 X 9 pan (cast-iron, certain stoneware, or aluminum)
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Rubber spatula
- 1 Large bowl
- Plastic wrap
- 1 Smoker or pellet grill
- Fruitwood chips or pellets (apple recommended)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds medium russet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free alternative
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese plus more for optional topping
- 1/2 shredded gruyere cheese
- 1 teaspoon ground powder or mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 pinches nutmeg
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your pellet grill to 350 degrees F, or set up your smoker or grill for indirect cooking. Add wood chips to the smoker five minutes before the au gratin potatoes go on.
- Wash, dry, and slice potatoes. Place them into a microwave-safe dish, cover them with plastic wrap, and microwave for 8 minutes, until slightly tender. Remove from microwave, carefully remove the plastic, and let the potatoes cool for 10 minutes before handling.
- Melt butter in a medium-sized saucepan. Add flour and cook over medium-high heat for 1 minute, stirring often. Next, add onion powder, mustard, and nutmeg.
- Slowly whisk in milk, then fold in the milk.
- Reduce heat to medium, and continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Arrange potatoes in the dish. Season lightly with salt and black pepper, and pour cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes.
- Place pan into the smoker, close the lid, and cook for 45-55 minutes. During the last 20 minutes of cooking, top the potatoes with your desired amount of cheddar cheese.
- Once the smoked au gratin potatoes are golden brown and tender, remove them from the grill or smoker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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