Smoked au gratin potatoes are an upgraded version of the classic comfort food. This recipe utilizes simple, flavorful ingredients to create a delicious and hearty side dish.
Few things are better than creamy au gratin potatoes. Placing this popular comfort food into the smoker intensifies the flavor. We were impressed with the light smokiness, crisped edges, and all that cheesy, buttery goodness. These smoked au gratin potatoes take comfort food to another level.
What is the difference between au gratin and scalloped potatoes?
Both of these potato casseroles use a sauce made of milk (or cream), butter, and flour. However, au gratin includes cheese, giving it a delicious golden brown crust, while scalloped potatoes are known for their browned “scalloped” 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’d like the gratin smokier.
Choosing the right potatoes
Medium-sized russets work well for smoked au gratin potatoes. They have a fair amount of starch and a delicious buttery flavor. You can also make this dish with large red potatoes. Slice the potatoes using a mandolin or your food processor. Scrub them with a vegetable brush under cold water and dry them well with a paper towel before slicing.
Equipment
- 9 X 9 pan (cast-iron, grills safe 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 (sub with yellow 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, take off the plastic wrap, 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 and nutmeg.
- Slowly whisk in milk, then fold in the mustard and cheese.
- Reduce heat to medium, and continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer potatoes in the dish or cast iron skillet. 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 15 minutes of cooking, top the potatoes with your desired amount of cheddar cheese.
- Once the smoked au gratin potatoes are golden brown and fork 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 in a casserole dish 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 these delicious recipes!
- Tri-Tip Brisket Style
- Double Smoked Ham
- Smoked Prime Rib
- Rotisserie Chicken
- Grilled Maple Pork Chops
- Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
- Best Holiday Recipes for the Grill and Smoker!
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 topping)
- 1/2 shredded gruyere cheese
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard (sub with 1/2 tsp 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 and nutmeg.
- Slowly whisk in milk, then fold in mustard, then the cheese.
- 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 15 minutes of cooking, top the potatoes with your desired amount of cheddar cheese.
- Once the smoked au gratin potatoes are golden brown and fork tender, remove them from the grill or smoker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
