Baked Creamy Potato Gratin Recipe
A Baked Creamy Potato Gratin is the epitome of comfort food—creamy, rich, and absolutely irresistible. This delightful dish is a favorite at family gatherings and holiday dinners like Christmas and Thanksgiving. Its smooth layers of tender potatoes, sweet potatoes, and caramelized onions are bathed in a luscious creamy sauce made with fresh cream, milk, and aromatic rosemary. What makes it even more special is the crispy Parmesan topping that adds both texture and flavor. For an extra boost of nutrition, you can sneak in a few sweet potatoes and carrots, making this dish not only tasty but wholesome as well. Pair it with a fresh, spiced carrot and onion soup and a warm toast, and you’ve got a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Cuisine: French
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh cream | 200 ml |
| Milk | 200 ml |
| Potatoes (Aloo), peeled and cut into rounds | 3 potatoes |
| Sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into rounds | 1 sweet potato |
| Onions, thinly sliced | 2 onions |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1 cup |
| Rosemary | 2 sprigs |
| Butter (Salted), melted | 2 tablespoons |
| Nutmeg powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Red chili flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Serves: 4-6
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease a 9-inch casserole or gratin dish with a little melted butter to prevent the gratin from sticking.
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Prepare the pan for onions: In a cast-iron skillet or any other roasting pan, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over low heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté them, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and caramelized. This should take about 10 minutes.
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Prepare the cream mixture: In a saucepan, combine the rosemary sprigs, fresh cream, and milk. Place the saucepan over low heat and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat.
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Layer the gratin: Start by arranging half of the sliced potatoes and sweet potatoes in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Add a layer of sautéed onions over the potatoes.
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Season: Sprinkle the layers with salt, red chili flakes, and nutmeg powder for a bit of heat and warmth. Then, pour over half of the cream mixture, ensuring the potatoes and onions are well-coated.
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Repeat the layers: Add the remaining potato and sweet potato slices, followed by the rest of the sautéed onions. Season again with a pinch of salt, a few red chili flakes, and a touch of nutmeg powder. Pour the remaining cream mixture over the top.
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Bake the gratin: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it on a baking tray in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
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Add the Parmesan topping: After the initial baking, remove the foil and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the gratin. Continue baking uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the top becomes golden and crispy.
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Rest before serving: Once the gratin is beautifully golden, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will give it time to set and make it easier to slice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Baked Creamy Potato Gratin as a luxurious side dish during the holiday season. Pair it with a delicious spiced carrot and onion soup, a crisp white wine, and some warm garlic bread. The combination of creamy potatoes, rich soup, and crispy bread will undoubtedly make your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast memorable.
This dish is perfect for large family gatherings, and its rich flavor and comforting texture will have your guests coming back for more. Enjoy this vegetarian delight as a hearty dinner that is as nourishing as it is delicious.
