Cheesy Baked Potato Gratin With Sweet Corn
A Creamy, Cheesy Delight for Your Dinner Table
Cheesy Baked Potato Gratin With Sweet Corn is the perfect comfort food dish, blending the creamy richness of milk, heavy cream, and butter with the soft texture of thinly sliced potatoes. The sweetness of corn, combined with juicy tomatoes and a sprinkling of herbs, brings a harmonious balance to the dish, while the gooey, melted cheese on top adds an irresistible golden crust. This Continental-style recipe is a versatile side dish or can even stand alone as the main course, especially for vegetarian dinners.
Whether served as a comforting side or as a hearty main dish, this gratin offers the ideal combination of textures and flavors, making it an ideal choice for a cozy evening meal. Itโs incredibly easy to prepare and takes just under an hour from start to finish, with a prep time of 10 minutes and a bake time of 45 minutes. Letโs dive into this rich and cheesy recipe!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (Aloo), sliced thin | 5 medium-sized potatoes, cut into paper-thin slices |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Heavy Whipping Cream | 1 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 1 clove |
| Butter (Salted), softened | 3 tablespoons |
| Sweet Corn | 2 tablespoons |
| Tomato, finely chopped | 1 medium tomato |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Grated Cheese (Cheddar or preferred) | 1 cup |
| Dried Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | As needed |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
| Sugars | 6 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by preparing your potatoes. Using a sharp knife or mandolin, slice the potatoes into paper-thin rounds. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the creamy sauce well. In a large, thick-bottomed pan, add the sliced potatoes and milk. Place it over medium-high heat and bring it to a gentle boil. Once it begins to bubble, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for approximately 3 minutes, or until the potatoes are just tender.
Step 2: Drain and Reserve the Starchy Milk
Once the potatoes have softened, carefully drain them using a fine mesh strainer. Keep the milk aside, as it contains starch, which will help thicken the gratin later. To increase the milk’s quantity, add about 1/2 cup more milk to the starchy liquid and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Take a 4-inch deep baking tray (or any oven-safe dish of similar size) and grease it with softened butter. Add a small amount of minced garlic to the bottom of the dish to infuse a delicious garlicky aroma. This step enhances the flavor base of your gratin.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Begin layering the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, making sure the slices overlap slightly for a neat arrangement. As you layer, season the potatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The potatoes will absorb these seasonings as they bake, enhancing their flavor.
Step 5: Add Sweet Corn and Tomato
Once the potatoes are layered, evenly distribute sweet corn kernels and finely chopped tomatoes over the top. These ingredients add both texture and flavor to your gratin, balancing the richness of the creamy potatoes. Dot the layers with small pieces of the remaining softened butter.
Step 6: Pour the Creamy Sauce
Now, pour the reserved milk and heavy cream mixture over the potatoes. The creamy liquid will infuse the potatoes as they bake, creating that luscious texture you crave in a gratin. Be sure the liquid covers most of the potatoes for an even result.
Step 7: Top with Cheese and Seasonings
Generously sprinkle grated cheese over the top of the dish. Choose a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination. Add dried oregano and red chili flakes to enhance the flavor profile, giving a subtle warmth and depth. The cheese will form a beautiful, golden, and crispy crust as it bakes.
Step 8: Bake the Gratin
Place the prepared gratin in a preheated oven at 160ยฐC (320ยฐF). Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden brown and the gratin is bubbling and set. The top should have a crispy, browned crust, which adds a delightful contrast to the soft, creamy layers below.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Once the gratin is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the gratin to firm up slightly for easier slicing. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or enjoy it as a main dish with a light soup, such as Tomato Noodle Soup, for a wholesome and filling meal.
Tips for the Perfect Gratin
- Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe, as they release more starch, which helps thicken the sauce.
- Grate the Cheese Fresh: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect the texture of the gratin. For a smooth, melty top, grate your cheese fresh.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and chili flakes to suit your taste. You can also add some fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary, for a more aromatic dish.
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble this gratin the night before, then refrigerate it. On the day of serving, just pop it in the oven to bake when youโre ready.
Why You’ll Love This Gratin
This Cheesy Baked Potato Gratin with Sweet Corn is the ultimate in comfort food. The creamy potatoes pair beautifully with the sweet corn, while the melted cheese creates an irresistible, golden crust. Itโs a vegetarian dish that satisfies even the heartiest appetites, and its versatility makes it an excellent choice for dinner parties or casual meals alike.
Whether you enjoy it on its own or as a side, this gratin will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try pairing it with roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or a warm soup for a complete meal. Enjoy the comforting flavors and creamy textures of this delicious dish tonight!
Serve this Cheesy Baked Potato Gratin with Sweet Corn and impress your guests with this simple yet flavorful dish that brings together the best of creamy, cheesy goodness!
