Cheesy Potato Gratin Recipe

Cheesy Potato Gratin Recipe

6 servings
The principal innovation here is placing the sliced potatoes in the casserole dish vertically, on their edges, rather than laying them flat as in a standard gratin, in order to get those crisp ridges on top. Allow extra time for the task of slicing the potatoes, for which it's helpful to have a mandoline or food processor (though not necessary, strictly speaking). And do buy extra potatoes, just in case; you want to pack the potatoes tightly and keep them standing up straight. Discover more ideas for the big day at NYT Cooking.

Ingredients

  • finely grated gruyère or comté cheese
    3 oz
  • finely grated parmigiano-reggiano
    2 oz
  • heavy cream
    2 c
  • cloves garlic

    minced

    2 medium
  • fresh thyme leaves

    roughly chopped

    1 tbsp
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1/2 pounds russet potatoes

    peeled and sliced 1/8-inch thick on a mandoline slicer, 7 to 8 medium, see tip

    4
  • unsalted butter
    2 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees. Combine cheeses in a large bowl. Transfer 1/3 of cheese mixture to a separate bowl and set aside. Add cream, garlic and thyme to cheese mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add potato slices and toss with your hands until every slice is coated with cream mixture, making sure to separate any slices that are sticking together to get the cream mixture in between them.

  2. 2

    Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter. Pick up a handful of potatoes, organizing them into a neat stack, and lay them in the casserole dish with their edges aligned vertically. Continue placing potatoes in the dish, working around the perimeter and into the center until all the potatoes have been added. The potatoes should be very tightly packed. If necessary, slice an additional potato, coat with cream mixture, and add to casserole.

  3. 3

    Pour the excess cream/cheese mixture evenly over the potatoes until the mixture comes halfway up the sides of the casserole. You may not need all the excess liquid.

  4. 4

    Cover dish tightly with foil and transfer to the oven. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until the top is pale golden brown, about 30 minutes longer. Carefully remove from oven, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and return to oven. Bake until deep golden brown and crisp on top, about 30 minutes longer. Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes, and serve.

Cheesy Potato Gratin Recipe

Cheesy Potato Gratin Recipe

120 min6 servings657 cal

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About this Recipe

Elevate your holiday table with a show-stopping Cheesy Potato Gratin, a recipe that promises irresistibly crispy edges and a luxurious, creamy interior, perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving gatherings. Forget predictable side dishes; this gratin is designed to impress and delight.The secret to this exceptional gratin lies in a unique, yet simple, technique: slicing russet potatoes thinly and arranging them vertically in the casserole dish. This method ensures every potato edge becomes beautifully crisp and golden during baking, offering a delightful contrast to the rich, tender layers within. While a mandoline or food processor can simplify the slicing task, a sharp knife and a bit of patience will also yield fantastic results, though do allow extra time for this step.

Each bite of this Cheesy Potato Gratin delivers a comforting blend of savory Gruyère and Parmigiano-Reggiano, harmoniously melted into luxurious heavy cream infused with fresh garlic and fragrant thyme. You’ll find a delightful interplay between the wonderfully crisp potato ridges on top and the tender, creamy potato layers underneath, making this a truly memorable side dish. It’s a hearty yet refined addition that feels both familiar and extraordinary, a true testament to simple ingredients prepared with thoughtful technique.

While Gruyère or Comté cheese are specified for their nutty, savory depth, you could experiment with other melty hard cheeses if you have a favorite. Feel free to adjust the amount of fresh thyme to your liking, or even introduce a touch of finely minced rosemary for an aromatic twist. Remember to buy extra russet potatoes to ensure you can pack them tightly and keep them standing upright in the dish, which is key to its unique texture. This Cheesy Potato Gratin is the ultimate festive side, perfect for elevating your Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving feast. Its rich flavor and impressive presentation make it a wonderful accompaniment to roasted meats or poultry, inviting everyone to enjoy a truly special meal.

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