Cheese and Herb Potato Gratin: A Decadent Comfort Dish
If you’re a fan of creamy, cheesy potatoes with a flavorful herb twist, this Cheese and Herb Potato Gratin is a must-try! It’s the perfect side dish to accompany roast meats, poultry, or even as a standalone dish for a cozy meal. Each layer of thinly sliced potatoes is bathed in a rich cream sauce, infused with garlic, herbs, and topped with bubbly, golden cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheese and Herb Potato Gratin is a true comfort dish. The combination of tender potatoes, creamy sauce, fragrant herbs, and gooey cheese makes every bite irresistible. It’s great for holiday meals, dinner parties, or just a cozy family night in.
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:
- Potatoes: About 2 pounds of thinly sliced Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for the perfect texture.
- Cheese: Gruyère or sharp cheddar works well, but feel free to mix cheeses like Parmesan or Swiss.
- Heavy Cream: This makes the gratin rich and luxurious.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley to add aromatic flavors.
- Garlic: A few cloves of minced garlic give it a delicious depth.
- Butter: To help achieve a perfect golden crust on top.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
How to Make Cheese and Herb Potato Gratin
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. - Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly (about 1/8 inch thick). You can use a mandoline for consistent, even slices. - Make the Cream Sauce
In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream with minced garlic and your choice of fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or parsley). Let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the garlic and herbs to infuse the cream with flavor. Season with salt and pepper. - Layer the Potatoes
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with half of the cheese. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, cream, and cheese. - Bake the Gratin
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. - Cool and Serve
Let the gratin cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Choosing the Right Potatoes: Yukon Golds or Russets are ideal for their creamy texture once cooked.
- Cheese Variety: Don’t hesitate to mix cheeses. Gruyère gives a nutty flavor, while Parmesan adds a salty bite.
- Get Creative: You can add sautéed onions or even crumbled bacon between the potato layers for an extra boost of flavor.
- Make-Ahead: This gratin can be made ahead and reheated. Just cover with foil and reheat in the oven to avoid over-browning.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheese and Herb Potato Gratin pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, beef, or pork. It’s also a perfect side for holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas, but don’t be surprised if it becomes a weeknight favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the result may be less creamy. If using milk, consider adding a tablespoon of flour to thicken the sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the potatoes crispy on top.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Thin slices of sweet potato, parsnip, or even zucchini can be layered in for more variety.
Cheese and Herb Potato Gratin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or cheddar cheese
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for greasing
- Extra cheese for topping optional
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter.
Prepare the cream mixture:
- In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, thyme, parsley, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir and heat until the mixture is warm but not boiling, then remove from heat.
Layer the potatoes:
- Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the greased baking dish in an even layer.
- Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
Repeat the layers:
- Add the remaining potato slices in another even layer. Pour the rest of the cream mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Bake the gratin:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil, add extra cheese on top if desired, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender.
Serve:
- Let the gratin cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
This Cheese and Herb Potato Gratin is a must-have for any comfort food lover. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor thanks to the fresh herbs and garlic-infused sauce. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or enjoying it as part of a family dinner, it’s sure to be a hit! Give it a try and let us know what you think!
