Au Gratin Potatoes

This is a delicious potato dish! I grew up having au gratin potatoes from a box mix, but this is much, much better. Yes, it will take you awhile to slice the potatoes, but in the end you'll be glad you did. Tip: to slice the potatoes more easily, cut them first so that you have a flat surface that can rest against the cutting board.

Ingredients:

- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 1 small onion, chopped (1/4 cup) (can use dried minced onion)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups (8 oz) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
- paprika to taste

Directions:

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish or 9x13 inch pan.

In a 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook onion in butter about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until bubbly, then remove from heat.

Stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute, then remove from heat. Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese until melted.

Spread potatoes in prepared dish. Pour cheese sauce over potatoes. Bake uncovered 1 hour.

In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup cheese with the bread crumbs. Sprinkle over potatoes. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake uncovered 15-2o minutes or until top is brown and bubbly and potatoes are tender.