If you adore rich, creamy potatoes that melt in your mouth and boast a golden, bubbly cheese crust, you are going to fall head over heels for this Cheesy Garlic Potatoes Gratin Recipe. This classic comfort dish combines layers of tender thinly sliced potatoes with fragrant garlic-infused cream and sharp cheddar cheese, creating a harmonious medley of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a holiday feast, this gratin will quickly become your go-to recipe when you want to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make the best comfort food, and each item here plays a key role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma for this gratin. From creamy heavy cream to the punch of fresh garlic and the richness of cheddar cheese, these essentials come together for a truly delicious dish.
- Potatoes: Use about 2 pounds of thinly sliced potatoes for tender, layered goodness that bakes perfectly.
- Garlic: Three cloves of minced garlic add that irresistible savory aroma and flavor punch.
- Heavy Cream: Two cups provide the luscious creaminess that melds the ingredients and keeps the potatoes moist.
- Cheddar Cheese: Two cups shredded sharp cheddar gives that signature cheesy, golden crust you’ll crave.
- Butter: Two tablespoons to grease the dish and dot the top, enhancing richness and browning.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves: One teaspoon offers a subtle herbal note that elevates the entire dish.
- Salt: A teaspoon balances the flavors perfectly.
- Black Pepper: Half a teaspoon provides a gentle heat to complement the cream and cheese.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Potatoes Gratin Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a medium baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and give the gratin a beautiful, golden base. This simple prep step ensures easy serving and a clean presentation.
Step 2: Infuse the Cream
In a saucepan, combine your heavy cream, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. Let this mixture gently simmer for about 5 minutes. This warms the cream and allows the garlic and herbs to release their flavors slowly into the sauce. Don’t forget to remove the thyme sprigs afterward to keep your gratin silky smooth.
Step 3: Slice the Potatoes Thinly
Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to slice your potatoes as evenly and thinly as possible. Uniform slices are the secret to achieving an even cooking texture where every bite is tender and perfectly cooked through.
Step 4: Layer It Up
Start layering the potatoes in your buttered dish, pouring some of the infused cream over each layer, and sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese in between. This layering technique ensures every slice is soaked with creamy goodness and pockets of cheesy delight. Finish with a generous sprinkle of cheese on top and a few dots of butter to encourage beautiful browning.
Step 5: Bake Covered Then Uncovered
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes to allow the potatoes to soften in the steaming cream. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes so the top cheese layer turns gorgeously golden and bubbly—pure, irresistible indulgence.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let your gratin rest for 10 minutes. This brief waiting lets the layers settle and the sauce thicken slightly, making it easier to serve perfect slices without losing that ooey-gooey texture we all love.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Potatoes Gratin Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast to the rich, cheesy potatoes. For a slightly spicy twist, a light dusting of smoked paprika can wake up your palate delightfully.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Garlic Potatoes Gratin pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled meats such as chicken, beef, or pork. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables offered on the side help balance the richness of the gratin and round out your meal with freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the gratin straight from a rustic cast-iron skillet or in individual ramekins for personal portions. Topping each serving with a small dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche boosts creaminess while adding a tangy contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra gratin, simply cover the cooled dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the gratin stays delicious for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day meals.
Freezing
This Cheesy Garlic Potatoes Gratin Recipe also freezes well. Freeze in a suitable container before baking or after fully cooling if you’ve cooked it ahead. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly again, about 20 minutes. This method keeps the texture intact and revives the crispy cheese topping unlike microwaving, which can make it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar offers a classic flavor, you can try Gruyère, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses for different tastes and textures. Just make sure the cheese melts well to maintain that creamy, gooey goodness.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is optional and depends on your preference. Leaving the skins on can add rustic texture and nutrients, but for a smoother, creamier gratin, peeling is recommended.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and use a plant-based cheese to create a vegan version of this gratin. The texture and flavor will differ slightly but still be delicious!
What is the best potato variety to use?
Yukon Gold or russet potatoes work wonderfully for gratin because they hold their shape well and absorb flavors beautifully. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they may become too mushy.
Can I add other ingredients to the gratin?
Yes! Thinly sliced onions, caramelized leeks, or sautéed mushrooms can add extra depth and flavor. Just layer them along with the potatoes for a tasty twist on this classic recipe.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cheesy Garlic Potatoes Gratin Recipe enough—it’s straightforward to make, packed with comforting flavors, and perfect for nearly any occasion. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s one of my favorite ways to showcase humble potatoes in the most luxurious way possible. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to impress your loved ones with this irresistible dish!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Potatoes Gratin Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Garlic Potatoes Gratin is a rich and comforting side dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes layered with a creamy garlic-infused sauce, cheddar cheese, and fresh thyme. Baked until golden and bubbly, this gratin is perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds potatoes, thinly sliced
Cheese and Dairy
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Seasonings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a medium-sized baking dish to prevent sticking and add a subtle buttery flavor.
- Simmer Cream and Seasonings: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. Gently simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors. Remove any thyme sprigs before proceeding.
- Slice Potatoes: Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, thinly and evenly slice the potatoes to ensure they cook uniformly in the gratin.
- Layer Ingredients: Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes in the buttered baking dish. Pour some of the garlic cream mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle a portion of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat layering until all potatoes, cream, and cheese are used. Finish with an extra layer of cheese on top and dot the surface with butter pieces.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften and absorb the flavors.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly, signifying a perfectly cooked gratin.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the gratin rest for 10 minutes outside the oven to set up for easier serving and enhanced flavors.
Notes
- For even cooking, try to slice the potatoes uniformly thin using a mandoline.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with Gruyère or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- To add a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before the final 20 minutes of baking.
