Creamy Potato Gratin Recipe

Here’s a rich and indulgent recipe for Creamy Potato Gratin (also known as Gratin Dauphinois), a comforting, cheesy dish made with layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, garlicky sauce. It’s perfect as a side dish for holidays, dinner parties, or any occasion where you want to wow your guests with a decadent, savory treat.

Creamy Potato Gratin

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (about 4-5 medium) Yukon Gold potatoes or Russet potatoes, peeled
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or a mix of Gruyère and Parmesan cheese)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor and a golden crust)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish (depending on how many servings you want), or use a similar-sized casserole dish.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
   • Peel the potatoes and slice them very thinly (about 1/8-inch thick). You can use a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer for uniform slices. Make sure to keep the potato slices in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from browning.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, minced garlic, butter, salt, pepper, and thyme. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is warm and the butter is melted (but do not bring it to a boil).
4. Layer the Potatoes:
   • Drain the potato slices and pat them dry with a clean towel. Arrange the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly in layers.
   • Pour a portion of the warm cream mixture over the first layer of potatoes, then sprinkle with a bit of shredded Gruyère cheese. Repeat this layering process until you’ve used up all the potatoes and cream, finishing with a layer of cream on top.
5. Top with Cheese:
   • After the final layer of cream, sprinkle the top evenly with the remaining Gruyère cheese and the Parmesan cheese (if using) for extra flavor and a crispy, golden crust.
6. Bake:
   • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden brown and bubbling. You can test doneness by inserting a knife or skewer into the potatoes—if it goes in easily, the gratin is done.
7. Rest and Serve:
   • Let the gratin rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and settle. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions:

• Main Course Pairing: This creamy potato gratin pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, like roast chicken, beef tenderloin, or lamb chops.
• Vegetarian: Serve it as a rich side dish with a light green salad or alongside steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal.

Tips:

• Cheese Variations: While Gruyère is traditional for its nutty flavor, you can also experiment with cheeses like cheddar, fontina, or a combination of cheddar and Parmesan for a different twist.
• Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the cream and milk mixture slightly by simmering it for a few minutes before pouring it over the potatoes.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the gratin up to a day in advance. Simply assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes, then bake as directed.
• Crispier Top: For an extra crispy, golden top, you can place the gratin under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Customizations:

• Add-ins: You can add thinly sliced onions or leeks between the layers for added flavor. A handful of cooked spinach or kale can also be layered in for a veggie twist.
• Herbs: For added flavor, try mixing in a bit of fresh rosemary or sage with the thyme, or add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream mixture for a warm, aromatic flavor.

This Creamy Potato Gratin is the ultimate indulgent side dish that is sure to impress anyone at the dinner table. The creamy, cheesy layers of potatoes are so comforting and delicious, and the crispy top adds that perfect final touch. Enjoy!