Potato Au Gratin Recipe

Potatoes au Gratin – forget scalloped potatoes, THIS is the creme de la creme of all potato recipes!! Also known as Dauphinoise Potatoes, this French classic is made with layers upon layers of finely sliced potatoes, cream, butter and cheese with a hint of fresh thyme.

Adapted from a Julia Child’s recipe, this is luxurious and thoroughly indulgent. Bonus: It’s the ultimate make ahead potato side dish!

potato au gratin recipe

Potatoes au Gratin

potato au gratin recipe

Recipe video above. The ultimate potato bake, created by the French!!! Potato + cream + cheese with a hint of garlic and thyme = pure heaven. Based on Julia Child’s Potato Dauphinoise recipe. This is THE perfect make ahead potato dish, the most luxurious of all potato casseroles, the better version of Scalloped Potatoes!Authenticity note: traditional Dauphinoise in France does not contain cheese. But I could never imagine making it without….. It makes it better. You know it does!

Prep: 15min

Total: 105min

Yield: 8

Serving Size: 110 g

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 110 g, calories 167 kcal, Carbohydrate 14.2 g, Protein 5.7 g, Fat 10 g, Saturated Fat 6 g, Cholesterol 31 mg, Sodium 281 mg, Fiber 2.1 g, Sugar 1.6 g

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups cream (, full fat (Note 1))
  • 2 garlic cloves (, minced)
  • 30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter (, melted)
  • 1.25 kg / 2.5 lb starchy potatoes (, Russet, Sebago, Maris Piper (Note 2))
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 2 1/2 cups gruyere cheese (or mozzarella) (, freshly grated yourself (Note 3))
  • 2 tsp thyme leaves (, fresh (optional – but highly recommended))

Instruction:

  1. Cream Mixture: Place butter, cream and garlic in a jug. Mix until combined.
  2. Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F (both fan and standard ovens).
  3. Slice potatoes: Peel the potatoes and slice them 1/8″/3 mm thick. Or use a slicer!
  4. Layer 1: Spread 1/3 of the potatoes in a baking dish (Note 3), then pour over 1/3 of the Cream Mixture, scatter with 1/3 of the salt, pepper and thyme. Sprinkle with 3/4 cups cheese.
  5. Layers 2 & 3: Repeat for the 2nd and third layer, but do not finish with cheese on the top layer (will add later).
  6. Cover & bake: Cover with lid or foil, and bake for 1 hr 15 min or until the potatoes in the middle are soft (use knife to test).
  7. Top with cheese, bake again: Remove foil, top with cheese. Bake for a further 10 to 15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Stand 5 minutes before serving.

Au Gratin Potatoes – Easy Scalloped Potatoes

FAQ

What is the difference between scalloped and au gratin potatoes?

Scalloped potatoes are much simpler. Most recipes call for the potatoes to be baked in a basic cream sauce (usually a mix of milk and heavy cream), and that’s it. Potatoes au gratin are a bit more decadent. They are made with lots of cheese sprinkled in between the layers of potatoes and also on top of the casserole.

How to make the best gratin potatoes?

Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. …
  2. Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Cover and bake 1 hour. Uncover; bake 30-40 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

What is the preferred cheese to use for a gratin cooking?

Mozzarella, Gouda, Gruyère, Swiss, Fontina, Havarti and even Cheddar are ideal for delicious, golden au gratin dishes. Try smoked cheese or cheeses with herbs and spices. Pick hard or aged cheese for an au gratin with bite.

What kind of potatoes do you use for au gratin?

The best potatoes to use for au gratin potatoes are russets; they have the most starch and make the creamiest sauce. (Russet potatoes are also ideal for making mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, and twice-baked potatoes).

About the author

Helen is an author and editor at helenbackcafe.com, who has a passion for writing about recipes. She loves to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to create delicious and unique dishes.

Among all the foods, pizza holds a special place in her heart, and she loves exploring different variations and toppings to create the perfect slice. Through her writing, Helen hopes to inspire others to get creative in the kitchen and share their love for food with the world.

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