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Gratin Dauphinois

Gratin Dauphinois
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Gratin Dauphinois is a classic French potato dish that blends thinly sliced waxy potatoes with garlic-infused heavy cream and a golden Gruyère cheese crust, resulting in a rich, creamy, and elegant side dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 2 pounds waxy potatoes (Yukon Gold or Charlotte), peeled and thinly sliced

Cream Mixture

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Other

  • 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing and dotting)
  • 1 ½ cups Gruyère cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Prepare the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly, about a quarter-inch thick, using a mandoline slicer to ensure uniform slices for even cooking.
  2. Infuse the cream: Pour the heavy cream into a saucepan and add crushed garlic cloves, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Warm the mixture gently over medium-low heat until steaming and flavors meld, but do not boil.
  3. Assemble the gratin: Butter a ceramic or glass baking dish generously to prevent sticking. Layer the potato slices neatly in overlapping rows, then pour the warm garlic-infused cream evenly over them. Dot bits of butter on top for a golden finish.
  4. Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle grated Gruyère cheese evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) uncovered for 60 to 75 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  5. Rest before serving: Let the gratin rest for about 10 minutes after baking to allow the dish to settle, making it easier to cut and enhancing flavors.

Notes

  • Slice potatoes evenly to ensure consistent cooking and texture.
  • Use full-fat heavy cream for a luxuriously creamy texture.
  • Bake low and slow to allow potatoes to absorb the cream fully without burning the cheese.
  • Heat the cream gently to preserve delicate flavors and avoid curdling.
  • Resting the dish enhances cutability and flavor development.

Nutrition

Keywords: Gratin Dauphinois, French potato gratin, creamy potato bake, cheesy potato dish, classic French side dish

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/gratin-dauphinois/