Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Potato Gratin
- The Secret to a Perfectly Creamy and Cheesy Bake
- Choosing the Best Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
- Easy Tips to Make This Cheesy Potato Gratin Even Better
- Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Cheesy Potato Gratin
- Key Takeaways
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Potato Gratin
Cheesy Potato Gratin is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender potatoes with rich, melty cheese and a crispy golden topping. If you’re looking for an easy side dish that’s both creamy and packed with flavor, this dish is a must-try. At Lila Cooks, I love sharing hearty, satisfying recipes that bring people together, and this one is no exception.
The Secret to a Perfectly Creamy and Cheesy Bake
The key to a perfect cheesy potato gratin lies in the balance of ingredients. Using a combination of heavy cream and milk creates a luscious texture, while the mix of cheddar and Parmesan cheese gives it a deliciously sharp and nutty flavor. Don’t skip the step of layering the cheese between the potatoes—it ensures every bite is packed with rich, cheesy goodness.
Choosing the Best Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
For the best results, opt for starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. These varieties hold their shape while absorbing the creamy sauce perfectly. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, giving your gratin that irresistible, gooey texture.
Easy Tips to Make This Cheesy Potato Gratin Even Better
- Slice the potatoes evenly: This ensures they cook uniformly and the layers bake perfectly.
- Let it rest before serving: Allowing the dish to sit for 10 minutes after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.
- Add extra seasoning: A pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can elevate the flavors.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Cheesy Potato Gratin
This gratin pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. It’s also a great addition to holiday spreads, bringing a rich, comforting element to your festive table.
Key Takeaways
- Cheesy Potato Gratin is a rich, creamy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect as a side for any meal.
- Using the right cheese and potatoes ensures the best texture and flavor.
- Letting the dish rest before serving helps it hold its shape and enhances the taste.
- It pairs well with a variety of proteins and works as a holiday dish or an everyday comfort food.
Cheesy Potato Gratin – The Ultimate Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter.
- Arrange half of the potato slices in an even layer in the baking dish.
- In a saucepan, heat heavy cream, milk, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme over low heat until warm.
- Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese.
- Layer the remaining potatoes on top and repeat with the remaining cream mixture and cheddar cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle Parmesan cheese, and bake for another 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
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