Classic Potato Gratin

When it comes to comfort food, classic potato gratin takes center stage. This rich and creamy side dish has won hearts across the globe with its perfect combination of tender potatoes, luscious cream, and golden-brown cheese. Whether it’s part of a holiday feast or a casual family dinner, this dish is beloved for its indulgent flavor and ease of preparation. In this article, we’ll guide you through a detailed step-by-step recipe to ensure you achieve the perfect potato gratin every time.

Ingredients for Classic Potato Gratin

To make an authentic and satisfying potato gratin, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

These ingredients create a rich, flavorful dish that balances the creaminess of the potatoes with the savory notes of cheese and garlic.

Preparing the Potatoes: The Foundation of Your Gratin

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Greasing your baking dish with butter ensures a crispy, golden finish. Use a 9×13-inch casserole dish, which provides ample room for layering your potatoes without overcrowding them.

Step 2: Peel and Slice the Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly to about ⅛-inch thickness. This is crucial for even cooking. Using a mandoline slicer is the best way to get uniform slices, but a sharp knife works well too. Even slices ensure that all potatoes cook at the same rate and absorb the creamy mixture evenly.

Creating the Creamy Mixture: The Key to Silky Layers

Step 3: Heat the Cream and Milk Mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it simmers, stirring occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching. The aroma of garlic and thyme infusing the cream creates a rich base that penetrates the layers of potatoes, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Once heated, remove the mixture from the stove.

Step 4: Layering the Potatoes

Layering is the heart of a great potato gratin. Start by arranging a single layer of potato slices on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping the edges of the potatoes like shingles on a roof.

Pour about one-third of the hot cream mixture over the potatoes. Sprinkle a generous layer of grated Gruyère cheese over this first layer. The cheese will melt into the potatoes during baking, adding depth and richness to the dish.

Repeat this process two more times, creating at least three layers of potatoes, cream, and cheese. Make sure that the final layer is topped with the remaining cream mixture and cheese to create that irresistible golden crust.

Step 5: Add Butter for Extra Golden Perfection

For that ultimate crispy top, dot the surface with small cubes of butter. As the butter melts in the oven, it creates a luxurious layer of bubbling cheese and potatoes.

Baking the Perfect Potato Gratin

Step 6: Baking Time

Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap the heat and ensure that the potatoes cook evenly without drying out. Place the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. During this time, the potatoes will soak up the cream mixture and soften.

After the initial 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking the gratin for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and bubbly. This final uncovered bake is where the magic happens—giving you that perfect crisp, cheesy crust.

Step 7: Let it Rest

When you pull the gratin from the oven, resist the urge to dive right in. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the dish to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve and ensuring that each piece holds together perfectly.