Introduction
Potato gratin is a delicious, creamy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of tender potatoes, melted cheese, and rich sauce.
it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with meats or can be served as a hearty vegetarian meal.
The combination of russet potatoes, cheddar cheese, and a creamy sauce creates a perfect balance of flavor and texture, making it an irresistible comfort food.
This recipe for potato gratin is easy to follow and produces a rich, flavorful dish that will become a favorite at your dinner table.
The creamy texture and cheesy goodness will have everyone coming back for seconds, and it’s versatile enough to be served for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.
Ingredients
-4 russet potatoes, sliced into 1/4 inch slices
-1 onion, sliced into rings
Salt and pepper to taste
-3 tablespoons butter
-3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
-½ teaspoon kosher salt
-2 cups whole milk
-1½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Additional salt and pepper for seasoning
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Next, prepare your potatoes by washing and slicing them into 1/4 inch thick slices.
Place the potato slices in a bowl of water to prevent browning while you prepare the other ingredients.
Slice the onion into rings, ensuring they are evenly cut to give a nice presentation when layered. Season the onions and potatoes with a bit of salt and pepper to taste.
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and stir for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add the kosher salt and stir the sauce until it thickens and becomes smooth.
Once the sauce is thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
creating a smooth, cheesy mixture. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Now it’s time to assemble the gratin. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the potato slices and onion rings in a slightly overlapping pattern.
Pour a little of the cheese sauce over the potatoes and onions, then repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up.
After layering, pour the remaining cheese sauce evenly over the top. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven to bake for 40 minutes.
After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Once the gratin is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
How to Make
Making a potato gratin begins with preparing the ingredients. Start by slicing the potatoes and onions, making sure the slices are uniform in thickness.
This ensures even cooking throughout the dish. The potatoes should be soaked in water for a short time to prevent them from turning brown, and the onions can be seasoned to enhance their flavor.
The sauce is the next important step. By creating a roux with butter and flour, you build the foundation for a creamy, smooth sauce that will coat the potatoes beautifully.
Adding the milk slowly while whisking ensures that the sauce doesn’t become lumpy. The key here is to cook.
the sauce until it thickens, and then melt the cheddar cheese into it. This adds richness and depth to the flavor.
Layering is a crucial part of the process, as it ensures that every bite has a good balance of potatoes, onions, and cheese sauce.
Carefully layer the potatoes and onions in the baking dish, pouring some of the cheese sauce over each layer.
This method allows the sauce to soak into the potatoes, making them extra tender.
The baking time is important to get the potatoes cooked properly. Covered baking ensures the potatoes cook through without drying out.
Removing the foil at the end helps brown the top, creating a delicious, crispy texture.
Once baked, allow the gratin to cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps the sauce.
firm up, making it easier to cut and serve. You’ll have a creamy, cheesy potato dish that’s perfect for any meal.
The dish can also be made ahead of time and baked later, making it an ideal choice for busy schedules or gatherings. Simply assemble the gratin, refrigerate it, and then bake when ready to serve.
Feel free to get creative with the recipe! You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary, or try different cheeses for a unique twist.
Just be sure to balance the seasonings so that the rich, creamy flavor of the gratin shines through.
Tips
Make sure the potato slices are uniform in thickness to ensure they cook evenly. If you have a mandolin slicer, it can make this task much easier and quicker.
For a deeper flavor, try adding some garlic to the sauce. Simply sauté minced garlic in the butter before adding the flour. This will infuse the sauce with a rich garlic aroma.
If you want a crispier topping, consider sprinkling some breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese over the top before baking.
This will give the gratin a nice crunch that contrasts with the creamy interior.
You can also experiment with other types of cheese in place of Cheddar.
Gruyère or Gouda add a nice nutty flavor, while mozzarella will give you a stretchier, gooier result.
For a lower-fat version, you can substitute part of the milk with chicken broth or use a lower-fat cheese. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be slightly different, but it can still be delicious.
If you prefer a lighter version, try using thinly sliced sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes. Sweet potatoes bring their own unique sweetness and work well in gratins.
If you’re looking to add more vegetables, consider layering in some spinach, mushrooms, or leeks. These can complement the potatoes and add extra flavor and texture to the dish.
Conclusion
Potato gratin is a classic dish that’s both comforting and delicious. With its creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, it’s a meal that everyone will enjoy.
Whether served as a side dish or the main course, potato gratin is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your taste.
Its rich, cheesy flavors will make it a favorite at any table, and it’s simple enough for anyone to make.