Kicked up Au Gratin Potatoes

We like spicy foods! I took my classic Au Gratin Potatoes and voila! a great version everyone seems to love. If you don't like spicy you can make them without the seasonings and they are still terrific! You can easily make these the day before.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 6  medium potatoes (about 2 pounds)
• 1⁄4 cup margarine or 1⁄4 cup butter
• 1  medium onion, choped
• 1  tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2  cups milk (warmed)
• 2  cups  shredded cheddar cheese (I usually use Mexican cheese blend)
• 1  teaspoon  minced garlic
•  paprika
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried chives
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne (or more to taste)
• 2  pinches red pepper flakes
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  Pickapeppa Sauce (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut potatoes into thin slices to measure about 4 cups.
2. Heat margarine/butter in a 2 quart saucepan over medium heat.
3. Cook onion and garlic in margarine about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in flour, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in milk and 1 1/2 cups of the cheese. Add seasonings except paprika. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute.
4. Spread potatoes in ungreased 1 1/2 quart casserole. (Although I sometimes use a 9 x 13).
5. Pour cheese sauce over potatoes. Bake uncovered 1 hour. Mix remaining cheese. Sprinkle over potatoes; sprinkle with paprika.
6. Bake 15 to 20 minutes longer or until top is brown and bubbly.