Gratin potatoes, also known as scalloped potatoes, are a delicious and comforting dish made from thinly sliced potatoes that are layered with cheese and often baked in a creamy sauce. Here’s a basic recipe for making gratin potatoes:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated cheese (such as cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary for flavor
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream to the saucepan and heat until it’s warm but not boiling. You can also add in the optional fresh herbs at this point to infuse flavor into the cream.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish, slightly overlapping them.
- Sprinkle about half of the grated cheese over the layer of potatoes.
- Pour half of the warm cream mixture over the potatoes and cheese, making sure it’s distributed evenly.
- Layer the remaining sliced potatoes on top, again slightly overlapping them.
- Sprinkle the rest of the grated cheese over the second layer of potatoes.
- Pour the remaining cream mixture over the top, ensuring all the potatoes are coated.
- Season the top layer with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or a lid.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- After baking covered, remove the foil or lid and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove the gratin from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set a bit.
- Serve the gratin potatoes as a side dish to complement a main course.
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other ingredients like sautéed onions, bacon, or different types of cheese. Gratin potatoes are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various proteins and vegetables.
