Description
Creamy scalloped potato gratin combines classic French comfort with rich, layered potato goodness. Cheesy, golden-topped slices promise a delightful side dish you’ll crave at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
Dairy and Cream:
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream
- Unsalted butter (for greasing)
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme, plus more to finish
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare a creamy aromatic base by simmering heavy cream with bay leaves, thyme, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper for 5 minutes at low heat to develop rich, complex flavors.
- Generously butter a casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Strain the infused cream, removing bay leaves and thyme sprigs using a slotted spoon to maintain a smooth liquid texture.
- Gently fold sliced potatoes into the warm cream, ensuring each slice is evenly coated with the fragrant mixture.
- Season the potato-cream combination with Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, creating a balanced and flavorful foundation.
- Create a thin cream base in the casserole dish to prevent potato sticking and enhance overall moisture.
- Arrange potato slices methodically in the dish, ensuring uniform layering for consistent cooking and optimal texture.
- Drizzle remaining cream over the potato layers, guaranteeing complete coverage and maximum flavor absorption.
- Garnish the surface with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh thyme leaves for enhanced visual appeal and aromatic complexity.
- Cover the dish with foil, leaving a small opening to allow steam circulation and prevent excessive moisture buildup.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 40 minutes, then uncover and broil for 5-10 minutes until the surface transforms into a golden, crispy, bubbling masterpiece.
Notes
- Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice potatoes uniformly, ensuring even cooking and a professional presentation.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or aged cheddar for unique flavor profiles and added depth.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream to reduce calories without sacrificing richness.
- Customize the dish by adding caramelized onions, crispy bacon bits, or roasted garlic for extra layers of flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg