Winter is here, and there's nothing quite like a hearty potato gratin to warm your soul during those chilly evenings. This classic dish combines the humble potato with creaminess, cheese, and an irresistible golden crust—making it a perfect winter comfort food that can be easily prepared even by beginners.
Ingredients
- 700 g potatoes (such as Yukon Gold or russet)
- 250 ml heavy cream
- 150 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 25 g butter (for greasing)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
The recipe starts with selecting the right potatoes: starchy varieties like Yukon Gold or russet are ideal as they hold their shape well during cooking. Begin by peeling and thinly slicing the potatoes to about 3 mm thickness. This ensures even cooking and easy layering.
Next, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Grease a deep baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. In a separate bowl, mix together heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and thyme leaves. This infused cream will add depth of flavor to the gratin.
To assemble the potato gratin, arrange a layer of potatoes in the dish, overlapping slightly if necessary. Drizzle about one-third of your cream mixture over this layer and sprinkle with a handful of Parmesan cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times until you've used up all ingredients.
Once assembled, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. The foil helps to cook the potatoes evenly without browning too quickly. After 40 minutes, remove the foil to allow a golden crust to form on top. Cook for another 20-30 minutes or until the gratin is bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown.
Allow the potato gratin to cool slightly before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, crisp salads, or simply enjoys as a standalone comfort meal on a cold winter night.
For those looking for vegetarian and vegan options, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk (full-fat) and use a nut-based cheese alternative while following the same steps.