Fennel and Gruyere Potato Bake 🥔🧀

Potato-Fennel Gratin Recipe 🥔🧀

Overview:

Potato-Fennel Gratin is a delightful twist on the classic potato dish, incorporating the subtle flavors of fennel and Gruyere cheese. This comforting dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, marries the creaminess of potatoes with the aromatic essence of sautéed fennel and onions. Each bite is a harmony of flavors, making it a favorite among vegetable enthusiasts and comfort food aficionados alike.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Servings: 10
• Calories per serving: 408.1 kcal

Ingredients:

• 2 fennel bulbs
• 1 yellow onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 large russet potatoes
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 1/2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare baking dish: Butter the inside of a 10x15x2-inch (10 cup) baking dish, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
3. Prepare fennel: Remove the stalks and core of the fennel bulbs, then thinly slice them crosswise.
4. Sauté fennel and onion: In a skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté the sliced fennel and onions for about 15 minutes or until they are tender and fragrant.
5. Prepare potatoes: Peel the russet potatoes and slice them thinly.
6. Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced potatoes with 2 cups of heavy cream, 2 cups of shredded Gruyere cheese, sautéed fennel and onion mixture, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
7. Layer in baking dish: Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly and pressing it down gently to create a smooth surface.
8. Add topping: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of heavy cream with 1/2 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the potato mixture in the baking dish.
9. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 1/2 hours, or until the potatoes are very tender, and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
10. Rest and serve: Once baked, remove the gratin from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the Potato-Fennel Gratin as a side dish alongside roasted meats such as chicken, turkey, or beef.
• Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Enjoy your Potato-Fennel Gratin! 🍽️🥗🥂