Description
Creamy, cheesy potatoes gratin offers a luxurious French classic that melts hearts with its rich layers of comfort. Delicate potato slices bathed in velvety cream and golden cheese promise a delightful journey through culinary indulgence you’ll savor to the last bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (907 g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
- 1.5 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 1.5 cups (170 g) shredded Gruyere or sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) unsalted butter (for greasing dish)
- 1 teaspoon (1 g) fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon (3 g) salt
- ¼ teaspoon (1 g) black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon (1 g) ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter for optimal non-stick surface.
- Cream Infusion: In a saucepan, gently heat cream, milk, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until the mixture reaches a delicate simmer, then remove from heat to preserve the aromatic essence.
- Layering Technique: Create alternating layers of sliced potatoes, distributing cheese evenly between each stratum and saturating with the cream mixture. Ensure complete coverage and uniform distribution of ingredients.
- Baking Process: Shield the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover to allow golden caramelization. Continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes until potatoes achieve a tender consistency and surface transforms to a rich, golden-brown hue.
- Resting and Serving: Allow the gratin to rest for 10 minutes, enabling the sauce to harmonize and thicken, creating a luxurious, creamy texture before presenting at the table.
Notes
- Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for creamy, consistent texture and better absorption of cream mixture.
- Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create even, thin potato slices (about 1/8 inch thick) ensuring consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
- Let garlic and thyme steep in cream mixture longer for enhanced aromatic profile, releasing more nuanced herbal and savory undertones.
- Cover with foil during initial baking to protect surface from excessive browning, then uncover to achieve golden, crispy cheese crust without scorching.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg