Potatoes au Gratin Recipe
Potatoes au Gratin is a classic French-inspired dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, buttery sauce until tender and topped with a golden, cheesy crust. This comforting recipe layers seasoned potatoes with a rich half-and-half or cream mixture, then bakes them to perfection with Parmesan or Gruyère cheese, resulting in a deliciously rich and savory side dish perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 3 to 4 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cream Sauce and Toppings
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 to 3 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and layer potatoes: Heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a 10- or 12-inch ovenproof skillet, layer the thinly sliced potatoes, seasoning each layer generously with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Add butter and cream: Dot the top layer of potatoes with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, then pour in the half-and-half or heavy cream until it reaches about three-quarters of the way up the potato layers.
- Simmer on stovetop: Place the skillet over medium-high heat and bring the cream to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing the cream to reduce by about half and thicken slightly.
- Bake at high heat: Transfer the skillet directly to the oven and bake at 400 degrees for approximately 10 minutes until the top starts to turn golden brown, developing a beautiful crust.
- Bake at lower heat until tender: Lower the oven temperature to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, and continue baking for about 8 more minutes until the potatoes are fork tender and the top is nicely browned.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese evenly over the top. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts and forms a golden, bubbly crust.
- Optional seasoning and serve: If desired, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg atop the finished dish for extra warmth in flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, cheesy potatoes au gratin.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the cream quantity to just barely cover the potatoes for optimal creaminess without excess liquid.
- Gruyère cheese gives a nuttier flavor, while Parmesan offers sharper notes.
- Nutmeg is optional but adds a nice subtle warmth and depth to the dish.
- Ensure potatoes are sliced uniformly to cook evenly.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Keywords: Potatoes au Gratin, Creamy potatoes, Baked potato dish, French potato recipe, Comfort food, Side dish
Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/potatoes-au-gratin-recipe/
