Potatoes Gratin

Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a melt-in-your-mouth side that’s pure comfort, look no further than Potatoes Gratin. This dish boasts tender, thinly sliced potatoes enveloped in a velvety cream sauce, crowned with bubbling golden cheese. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners, holiday feasts, or when you simply want to impress a crowd. Ready to whip up a show-stopping classic? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

• Rich, creamy texture with irresistible cheesy goodness in every bite.
• Easily serves a crowd and looks gorgeous on any dinner table.
• Easy to make ahead, so you can relax before your big meal.
• Pairs perfectly with everything from roast chicken to grilled veggies.
• Customizable with your favorite cheeses or herbs for a new twist every time.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and very thinly sliced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Prep Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make Cream Mixture: In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Warm until steaming, then remove from heat.
3. Layer Potatoes: Arrange half the potato slices in overlapping layers in the prepared dish.
4. Add Cheese & Cream: Sprinkle half of the Gruyère and Parmesan over the potatoes. Pour half of the cream mixture evenly on top.
5. Repeat: Layer the remaining potatoes, top with the remaining cheeses, and pour over the rest of the cream mixture.
6. Bake: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender.
7. Rest and Serve: Let gratin sit 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Notes

• Use a mandoline slicer for ultra-thin, even potato slices.
• Grate cheese fresh for best melt and flavor—pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents.
• Let the gratin rest before serving so it sets and slices neatly.

Variations

• Bacon & Chive: Add cooked, crumbled bacon and chopped chives between the layers for a smoky twist.
• Garlic & Herb: Mix in finely chopped rosemary and parsley with the cheese layers.
• Creamy Cheddar: Swap Gruyère for sharp cheddar cheese, or use half and half for a tangier flavor.

Required Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
• Small saucepan
• Mixing spoon
• Aluminum foil

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Potatoes Gratin covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. For best texture, avoid freezing, as the cream sauce may separate.

Pairings & Serving Recommendations

• Serve alongside roasted chicken, steak, or holiday ham.
• Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a comforting vegetarian dinner.
• Add steamed green beans or asparagus for a balanced plate.

Pro Tips

• Slice potatoes as thinly as possible for even cooking and a luxurious, tender texture.
• Don’t rush the bake—slow baking allows flavors to develop and ensures a creamy center.
• Let the gratin rest for at least 10 minutes before serving so it firms up for perfect slices.

FAQ

Can I prepare Potatoes Gratin in advance?

Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake shortly before serving for best texture.

What are the best potatoes for gratin?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are great due to their starchy, creamy qualities when baked.

Can I reduce the heavy cream?

You can substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk, but expect a slightly lighter texture and less richness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Serves: 6–8

★★★★★ 4.70 from 19 ratings

Potatoes Gratin

yield: 6 servings

prep: 20 mins

cook: 20 mins

total: 50 mins

Potatoes Gratin is a classic French dish featuring layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy sauce with Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses. Finished with a golden, bubbling top, it’s a perfect comfort food side for any dinner.

🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and very thinly sliced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. 1
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. 2
   In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Warm until steaming, then remove from heat.
3. 3
   Arrange half the potato slices in overlapping layers in the prepared dish.
4. 4
   Sprinkle half of the Gruyère and Parmesan over the potatoes. Pour half of the cream mixture evenly on top.
5. 5
   Layer the remaining potatoes, top with the remaining cheeses, and pour over the rest of the cream mixture.
6. 6
   Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender.
7. 7
   Let gratin sit 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 470 caloriescal

Protein: 14 gg

Fat: 32 gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 34 gg

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Net Carbs: 0g

Vitamin A: 0

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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