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A Recipe for the Perfect Potato Gratin

Perfect Potato Gratin

A Recipe for the Perfect Potato Gratin

When it comes to comfort food with a touch of elegance, few dishes can match the creamy, cheesy delight of a well-made potato gratin. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or preparing a cosy family meal, this dish never fails to impress. Today, we’ll walk you through a simple, step-by-step recipe that guarantees golden perfection every time.

What is Potato Gratin?

Potato gratin is a classic French side dish that layers thinly sliced potatoes with cream, garlic, and cheese, then bakes them until bubbly and beautifully golden. Known for its rich, velvety texture and crispy top, it’s a favourite across kitchens worldwide, and for good reason—it pairs brilliantly with meats, fish, or even on its own with a leafy salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this potato gratin recipe, you’ll need the following:

  • 1kg Maris Piper or King Edward potatoes, peeled

  • 300ml double cream

  • 200ml whole milk

  • 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced

  • 100g grated Gruyère cheese (or mature Cheddar if preferred)

  • A pinch of nutmeg

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • A knob of butter (for greasing)

Having high-quality ingredients is essential, especially for a dish as simple as potato gratin. The flavours really shine through, so choose fresh, firm potatoes and rich, creamy dairy.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan 160°C) or gas mark 4. Lightly butter a medium-sized baking dish to prevent the potato gratin from sticking.

Step 2: Slice the Potatoes
Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to cut the potatoes into thin, even slices—about 3mm thick. Uniform slices ensure even cooking, giving your potato gratin a smooth, layered texture.

Step 3: Infuse the Cream
In a saucepan, gently heat the cream, milk, garlic, and a pinch of nutmeg. Season well with salt and pepper. Once it begins to simmer, take it off the heat. This step gives your potato gratin a subtle depth of flavour.

Step 4: Layer and Pour
Arrange a layer of potato slices in the baking dish, slightly overlapping. Pour over a bit of the infused cream and sprinkle with cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous topping of cheese. This layering is what gives the potato gratin its irresistible, creamy structure.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife. The hallmark of a great potato gratin is that crispy, cheesy top with a melt-in-the-mouth interior.

Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Let the potato gratin rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.

Tips for a Next-Level Potato Gratin

  • Add finely chopped rosemary or thyme for an herby twist.

  • Swap out half the potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter take on potato gratin.

  • Want an extra crispy top? Sprinkle a handful of breadcrumbs over the final cheese layer.

Serving Suggestions

Potato gratin works beautifully alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a rich beef stew. It’s also a brilliant vegetarian main course when paired with sautéed greens or a tomato salad. For wine lovers, a buttery Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir makes an excellent pairing.

Why This Recipe Works

This step-by-step approach takes the guesswork out of making potato gratin. From choosing the right potatoes to layering with precision, every detail contributes to that indulgent final dish. The combination of creamy sauce and golden cheese brings a luxurious texture and flavour that feels like home on a plate.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to make potato gratin from scratch, you can add this timeless dish to your culinary repertoire. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough for guests. Once you've mastered this recipe, feel free to experiment with additions like leeks, pancetta, or even blue cheese for a bolder flavour profile.

Give this recipe a try and bring a little bit of French-inspired comfort to your next meal. Bon appétit!

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