A rich, creamy side dish that transforms simple potatoes into pure comfort food. This garlic cheesy potatoes gratin features tender potato layers in a velvety garlic cream sauce, topped with golden, bubbly cheese that’s absolutely irresistible.
Prep Time: 25 mins Cook Time: 75 mins
Total Time: 1 hour 40 mins Servings: 8-10 Difficulty: Medium
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8-inch thick
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons chives, chopped
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish generously. Slice potatoes using a mandoline for uniform thickness.
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste. Gradually add cream and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer until sauce coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
Layer half the potatoes in overlapping rows in prepared dish. Pour half the garlic cream sauce evenly over potatoes.
Sprinkle half the Gruyère over the layer. Repeat with remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheeses, finishing with Parmesan on top.
Cover tightly with foil and bake 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake until golden brown and knife pierces easily through all layers, about 30 minutes more.
Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme and chives.
Tips for Success
Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly uniform potato slices. Even thickness ensures your garlic cheesy potatoes gratin cooks evenly throughout every layer.
Test doneness by inserting a knife through the center – it should glide through without any resistance when potatoes are perfectly tender.
Keep the cream sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent curdling. If mixture becomes too thick, thin with additional milk.
Recipe Variations
Herb Enhancement: Add 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary to the cream mixture for an aromatic twist on this classic gratin.
Three-Cheese Blend: Combine sharp cheddar and fontina with Gruyère for deeper, more complex flavors.
Lighter Version: Replace half the heavy cream with half-and-half for a slightly less rich but still creamy result.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover garlic cheesy potatoes gratin covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.
Reheat covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until warmed through. For individual portions, microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals.
This gratin freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Assemble the complete garlic cheesy potatoes gratin up to the baking point. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.
When baking from cold, add 15-20 minutes to the covered baking time. The center needs extra time to heat through properly.
You can also slice potatoes and store in cold water up to 24 hours ahead, then make the cream sauce when ready to assemble.
Serving Suggestions
This rich garlic cheesy potatoes gratin pairs beautifully with roasted meats like prime rib, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, or grilled lamb chops. The creamy, garlicky flavors complement both bold and subtle main dishes perfectly.
For holiday meals, serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts and glazed carrots. The contrast of textures creates a well-balanced, memorable plate.
Consider this gratin for brunch buffets with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon. Its make-ahead nature makes entertaining larger groups effortless.
Nutritional Highlights
While indulgent, this garlic cheesy potatoes gratin provides substantial nutrition from quality ingredients. Potatoes offer potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, while the dairy components contribute calcium and protein.
Gruyère cheese delivers concentrated flavor, so a little goes a long way. Fresh garlic adds beneficial compounds while enhancing taste without adding calories.
Each serving contains approximately 320 calories with 12 grams of protein, making it a satisfying side dish that complements your main course beautifully.
Perfect this classic technique, then explore the suggested variations to create your own signature version. The combination of creamy layers and golden cheese topping transforms humble potatoes into an unforgettable culinary experience that brings comfort to any table.
