The 4-Ingredient Oven-Baked Potato Au Gratin Cups

1. The Precision Slice

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously butter a 12-slot muffin tin. Peel your potatoes and slice them into paper-thin rounds.

Pro Tip: If you have a mandoline slicer, now is the time to use it. You want the slices thin enough to be translucent; this allows them to stack tightly and cook through quickly.

2. The Cream Infusion

In a small pitcher or bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and garlic salt. This ensures the seasoning is evenly distributed so you don’t end up with one salty cup and one bland one.

3. The Architecture of the Cup

Begin stacking your potato slices into the muffin slots. Fill them about halfway, then add a pinch of shredded cheese. Continue stacking the potatoes until they are slightly above the rim of the tin (they will shrink as they bake).

4. The Pour

Carefully pour the cream mixture over each potato stack. Give it a second to seep down between the layers, then top each cup with a generous final layer of cheese.

5. The Golden Bake

Cover the tin loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the tops are bubbly, browned, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife. Let them rest in the tin for 5 minutes before removing—this allows the cream to "set" so the cups hold their shape.

Elevate the Experience

While these are a masterpiece with just four ingredients, you can easily adapt them to the vibe of your meal:

• The Steakhouse Style: Add a crack of fresh black pepper and a sprig of rosemary to the cream.

• The Brunch Style: Top with a dollop of sour cream and some chopped chives after baking.

• The Holiday Style: Swap half of the white potatoes for sweet potatoes for a beautiful orange-and-gold marbled effect.

Perfect Pairings

These cups are rich, so they pair best with proteins that have a bit of acidity or char. Think Grilled Flank Steak, Lemon-Herb Roasted Chicken, or even a Garlic-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin. They turn a simple meal into a catered affair without the catered price tag