12 + 5 Dishes to Serve With Au Gratin Potatoes  - A Pinch of Adventure (2024)

So you just nailed the au gratin potatoes—cheesy, creamy, and oh-so-divine and now you wonder what to serve with au gratin potatoes?

These potatoes are like the headliner at a music festival: everyone's pumped to see them.

But what's a headliner without an epic lineup of opening acts and maybe some fireworks to close the show?

Your search for what to eat with au gratin potatoes ends here because I’ve created a list of the best dishes to serve with au gratin potatoes.

Main Dishes

1. Steak

What meat to serve with au gratin potatoes? A steak! You can never go wrong with a classic! A juicy steak and au gratin potatoes go together like peanut butter and jelly.

This one's basted with garlic-thyme infused butter, that seeps into every crevice, turning your steak Outrageous - with a capital "O"!

You can make this bad boy in no time. Your steak shouldn’t be more than about an inch thick, because you want to cook it all on the stovetop (leaving oven space for those heavenly potatoes!). Rib eye, porterhouse, or T-bone are all good choices.

First, give your steak a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Then, grab a hot skillet (and I mean smokin' hot!). Sear that bad boy for a couple of minutes till it gets that irresistible crust, then drown it in butter! Don't be shy, add more butter! Throw in some garlic and thyme. Just like that, you go from zero to hero.

Time to baste! While it's still sizzling, add the aromatic, garlic-thyme infused butter. In just a couple of minutes, the steak’s ready. So, take a step back and let it rest for a few minutes (I know it's hard to but it helps get out all that juice)!

There you have it. A top-notch, semi gourmet side to accompany your delectable au gratin potatoes.

2. Harissa Roasted Chicken

Want a main dish that is a little lighter and full of lean protein? A tender, herb-roasted chicken is like the Taylor Swift to your au gratin potatoes—homey, yet always a hit.

This roast chicken isn't your run-of-the-mill Sunday dinner bird. No, no; it's a tender, flavor-packed side dish with a bit of kick, thanks to the harissa, and a hint of sweetness, courtesy of honey. And the smell! It's mesmerizing - smoky, rich, your house will smell like a Michelin star restaurant.

What's amazing is how simple it is to prepare. You whip up the honey-harissa combo and coat the chicken. (I nearly gave the spoon a lick while I was doing mine, it was that good.) Then, you just pop the stunner in the oven to roast, all the while soaking up the anticipatory aromas and secretly wishing your oven had a fast-forward button.

While it sits in the oven doing its thing, you've got time to make those legendary au gratin potatoes! A match made in heaven, if I ever knew one. If you're in a hurry, save this for a Sunday afternoon. Trust me, it's worth every second. Plus, you'd have drool-worthy lunches for the week!

3. Grilled Chili Lime Shrimp

Feeling fancy? Pair those creamy, cheesy potatoes with grilled seafood. It’s like pairing fine wine with cheese.

I'm about to spill the beans (or should I say shrimps). Prepped in a snap and kissed by the flames of your grill, it's the recipe you never knew you needed.

This shrimp marinade is smoky, full of flavor from smoked paprika, chili powder, fresh minced garlic, lime juice, salt and pepper, olive oil, and honey.

All this takes only about 15-20 minutes to marinade and 2-3 minutes on each side to grill. These grilled shrimps are so tender and tasty, they'll have even the pickiest eaters begging for more.

If you can't use the grill, use the stove. They're just as delicious sautéd in a skillet on the stove as they are grilled.

So next time you're whipping up a batch of au gratin potatoes, why not spice things up a bit?

Add a little more sizzle to your dinner with this dish..

4. Pork Chops

These skillet pork chops are like the Rolling Stones, they've been around for a while but they never go out of style. These skillet pork chops are no fuss and quick to make!

First things first, let the pork chops out of the fridge for a good 30 minutes before you cook them. Doing this helps them to cook evenly!

When it is time to show your chef skills, don't forget to season them with salt half an hour beforehand. Makes them more flavorful! Add spices to the chops and a little flour for a beautiful, yummy crust.

Sear one side, flip it, turn down the heat and cover with a lid. A simple trick to make them tender! Leave your cooked chops to rest for 5 minutes for an even flavor distribution.

Well, that’s it. In just 45 minutes or less, and you'll be serving tender, juicy pork chops with your au gratin potatoes. And believe me - nothing complements those rich, cheesy potatoes like a well-cooked, flavorful chop does.

Veggies & Salads

1. Asparagus Spears

Crisp and fresh. They’re like the opening act that pumps up the crowd. This Asparagus Spears it's light, it's vibrant, and it's just as cheesy and delicious as your gratin!

Picture it: fresh, crisp, green asparagus tossed with olive oil, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a touch of lemon zest. The crunch, the zing, the Parmesan-olive oil combo making everything taste just-so-much-better!

Preparation isn’t any harder than boiling water - seriously! Just put a pot of lightly salted water on, clean your asparagus, and break off any tough, white ends. Then, cut the spears into 1-2 inch sections, keeping a slight diagonal for style points! Toss these babies into the boiling water and let them parboil for exactly 2 minutes.

Yes, just two minutes!

Drain the water, and while the asparagus is still warm, toss them with olive oil, Parmesan, and that lemon zest. Add salt and pepper to taste, and voila! It's done.

Can you think of a better mate for those creamy, cheesy au gratin potatoes? I certainly can't!

Tith a recipe this simple, there's really no excuse not to give it a try. This quick, easy, and delicious side elevates your meal from good to ‘oh my, can I have seconds?’!

2. Caesar Salad

Crunchy, creamy, and the perfect palate cleanser. This Caesar Salad it's a refreshing pop song in the middle of a rock concert and it won't take you more than 30 minutes to prepare everything with this recipe!

Chop up romaine lettuce, sprinkle shredded parmesan, and scatter homemade crisp croutons. Just a heads-up, these croutons are addictive snacks on their own too! Don't say I didn't warn you!

The dressing is the icing, or quite literally, the drizzle on the salad. It's a flavorful mix of minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. Drip extra virgin olive oil slowly while whisking continually to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.

Drizzle this dressing over your salad, give it a gentle toss to evenly coat the lettuce, and you're done! A simple, quick-to-prepare Caesar salad to complement your au gratin potatoes.

Oh, before I forget, keep a block of parmesan and potato peeler handy for some lovely parmesan shavings. As the saying goes, the devil's in the details.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

These little green gems have been making a strong comeback. Add some balsamic glaze, and you’ve got a side dish that’s almost as addictive as your au gratin.

What you need is a pound and a half of Brussels sprouts (choose the firm, bright green ones, with tightly packed leaves), a few spoonfuls of olive oil, some salt, and pepper.

Start by halving your sprouts. If they're really large, quarter them. It helps to have them all around the same size for even cooking. Next, give them a good toss in 2 tablespoons of the oil, salt, and pepper on a foil-lined baking sheet. Pop this into the oven at 425°F for roughly 20 minutes, and voila, you've got golden brown sprouts.

Bonus tip: drizzle a tablespoon of oil, vinegar, and a bit of honey. Stir them all up to coat. A splash of balsamic vinegar, and a dab of honey – it's a game-changer! It cuts through the bitterness of the Brussels sprouts with a sweet twist. Satisfyingly quick, and easy.

These little green balls of joy are the comeback kids of the veggie world.

4. Garlic Green Beans

Easy, breezy, and garlicky. What's not to love? Seriously, these beans are so good, they might just steal the show.

These little green wonders promise full-on flavor in just 20 minutes flat. That's right, less time than it takes to scroll through your social media feed, and boom - a side dish that's all sorts of fantastic!

It’s not just the vibrant color that’ll have guests reaching for seconds either - it’s the whole taste sensation of crisp, blanched green beans stir-fried with a tsunami of garlic, sesame seeds, sassy red pepper flakes and fresh herbs.

These beans are gluten-free, nut-free and vegan! They’re also rich in fiber, vitamins and antioxidants.

So, the next time au gratin potatoes are on your menu, level up that deliciousness with this delectable green bean side. Easy, fast and full of taste, it’s the perfect pairing that’ll make your meal even more unforgettable!

5. Greek Salad

Zesty and colorful. It's like adding a splash of reggae to a rock concert. I've been making this delicious salad for a long time now and it's ready in under 15 minutes.

With simple ingredients tossed together with an easy homemade Greek salad dressing, this side dish is summer in a bowl. It's packed with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, with a hint of mint for an unexpected, fresh twist.

For my busy folks out there, this Greek salad is foolproof and holds well. So you can whip it up ahead of time before your guests arrive. Or, sneak in a few bites while waiting for those glorious potatoes to brown in the oven!

With this combo, you're sure to have your friends and family swooning over dinner!

6. Vegetable Stir Fry

This dynamic duo of au gratin potatoes and vegetable stir fry is a real crowd-pleaser and as versatile as a Beatles hit. It’s a riot of colorful veggies sautéed in a sweet and savory sauce, just perfect to complement those creamy, cheesy potatoes.

This stir fry is easy to prepare! You can get it sizzling in your pan in less than 30 minutes. The best part about this stir fry is its versatility.

Have a load of baby corn or water chestnuts lying around? Toss them in.

Want to add some chicken or beef? Go right ahead. It’s the perfect chef’s playground for creativity.

And did I mention it is healthy too? You get tender-crisp veggies, chock-full of nutrients and stir-fried in just a slick of oil. Yum if I do say so myself!

So the next time all those cheese-oozing potatoes have you hunting for a healthy, quick side, remember this stir-fry and you don’t have to worry what vegetable goes with au gratin potatoes again.

Desserts

1. Chocolate Fondue

Romantic, indulgent, and fun. It's the slow dance at the end of the night.

With just four ingredients: chocolate chips, milk, cream, and a dash of vanilla extract, you can create a mouthwatering chocolate fondue.

Ms. Mel from Mel's Kitchen Cafe, my go-to recipe guru, suggests combining everything but the vanilla in a pan and gently melting over low heat. Reacting like a heat-phobe blender, the ingredients mix to a gorgeous, smooth, and glossy texture. Once you remove it from the heat, and the vanilla joins the party - voila, your homemade fondue is ready!

Don't own a fondue pot? No worries!

A small slow cooker or even the saucepan you made it in, placed over a bowl of hot water, can serve as your makeshift fondue pot.

The beauty of it all is that there are no rules when it comes to dipping in chocolaty goodness. Think cookies, marshmallows or even cinnamon bears (I kid you not, they're divine).

So next time you ponder about the perfect dessert for au gratin potatoes, remember, chocolate fondue got your back. Just food for thought, or rather, your stomach. Bon appétit!

2. Cheesecake

Like a timeless classic rock anthem. Always hits the right notes. Now, before you dismiss this combo, let me walk you through it. Au gratin potatoes have all the traits of a great dish: they’re savory, creamy, and have a delightful crunch enveloping tender, flavorful potatoes. It's a plate of what I like to call 'carb comfort'.

But you know what's missing?

A counterbalance.

That's where the cheesecake comes in. Creamy, tangy, with a hint of sweetness and a crisp graham cracker crust. To sweeten the deal (no pun intended), this isn't your typical 24-hour cheesecake recipe!

With just a few key ingredients (graham cracker crust being my favorite), a cheesecake takes only 75 minutes to cook. This cheery cheesecake needs no water bath or special tricks, it's as straightforward as it can get.

Drinks

1. Red Wine

Sophisticated and versatile. An Oscar-winning performance in a glass.

2. Mojito

The refreshing opening act for any meal.

3. Iced Tea

No bells and whistles, just good ol' reliable refreshment.

4. Whiskey Sour

If your meal was a movie, this co*cktail would be the plot twist.

5. Sparkling Water

Sometimes the simplest things are the most effective. It's the acoustic set in a night of electric performances.

📖 Recipe