Potato gratin, also known as gratin dauphinois, is a classic French dish that combines thinly sliced potatoes with creamy goodness, creating a rich and comforting side dish perfect for any occasion. Whether served alongside a roast or enjoyed on its own, this dish is sure to impress. Join our kitchen companion membership for more delicious recipes like this one!
Full Ingredients
To create the perfect potato gratin, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1.5 kg (3.3 pounds) of waxy yellow potatoes (like Yukon Gold)
- 500 ml (17 fluid oz) of heavy whipping cream
- 100 ml (3.4 fluid oz) of crème fraîche
- 100 ml (3.4 fluid oz) of whole milk
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter (for greasing the dish)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly grated nutmeg (to taste)
Grocery List
When shopping for your potato gratin, make sure to include:
- Waxy yellow potatoes
- Heavy whipping cream
- Crème fraîche
- Whole milk
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Nutmeg
Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45–60 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) fan forced. - Prepare the Potatoes:
- Slice the potatoes into thin rounds (about 4–5 mm thick) using a mandoline or food processor.
- Rinse the slices in cold water and dry them with a kitchen towel.
- Make the Cream Mixture:
- In a pot, combine crème fraîche, heavy cream, whole milk, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Layer the Gratin:
- Butter a large gratin dish and sprinkle some minced garlic on the bottom.
- Layer half of the potato slices in the dish, seasoning each layer with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Pour half of the cream mixture over the first layer.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes and cream mixture.
- Bake:
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45–60 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Rest Before Serving:
- Allow the gratin to rest at room temperature for about an hour before serving to let the cream set.
Nutritional Information
This recipe serves approximately 8 people and contains roughly:
- Calories per serving: 350 kcal
- Total Calories: 2800 kcal
- This includes significant amounts of fat from cream and butter, making it a rich side dish.
Useful Tips & Notes
- For added flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary between layers.
- If you prefer a cheesy gratin, you can sprinkle grated cheese such as Gruyère or cheddar on top before baking.
- Make sure to slice your potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time; simply cover it with foil and refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking.
Potato gratin is not just a side dish; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household! Join our kitchen companion membership today for more mouth-watering recipes that will elevate your cooking game!
