Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort, then you’ve landed in the right place! Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is my all-time favorite comfort food recipe. This delightful dish layers thinly sliced potatoes with the rich flavor of roasted garlic, creamy texture, and cheesy goodness. It’s not just delicious; it’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want to impress without too much fuss.

This recipe has a special place in my heart. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone together at the table. Whether it’s a chilly autumn evening or a cozy winter gathering, these Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin will make your meal feel extra special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting flavors: The combination of roasted garlic and creamy cheese creates an irresistible taste that warms the soul.
• Easy preparation: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this recipe is perfect even for beginner cooks.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love digging into these cheesy layers of goodness!
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare this dish in advance, making it a great option for entertaining guests or meal prepping.
• Impressive presentation: The beautifully layered potatoes look stunning when served, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delightful dish. Each component plays a role in building flavor and creaminess that makes Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin so memorable.

• 8-9 medium starchy potatoes (about 1.2kg), thinly sliced
• 1 head garlic, cut the top off
• 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream / double cream
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the baking dish
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/3 tsp dried thyme)
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup (40g) grated parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 cups (about 220g) shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh chives, for garnish

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:

• Add vegetables: Layer in some fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
• Mix up the cheese: Try different cheeses like cheddar or fontina to give your gratin a unique twist.
• Herb it up: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or oregano to change the flavor profile.
• Make it lighter: Substitute some of the cream with vegetable broth for a lighter version without sacrificing taste.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). To bring out that sweet and mellow flavor, cut the top off a head of garlic. Wrap it in aluminum foil after drizzling with olive oil and seasoning with salt. Roasting takes about 30 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden—a step that truly enhances your dish’s overall flavor!

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

While your garlic is roasting, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with unsalted butter. This ensures that nothing sticks and makes serving easier later on.

Step 3: Slice the Potatoes

Peel and thinly slice your starchy potatoes—using a mandoline slicer helps achieve uniform thickness which is key for even cooking. Stacking them upright creates beautiful layers that make this dish visually appealing.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Mixture

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, whole milk, butter, half of the grated parmesan cheese, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything melts together beautifully—this mixture brings rich creaminess into every bite.

Step 5: Prepare the Roasted Garlic

Once your garlic has cooled slightly after roasting, squeeze out those soft cloves into a bowl and mash them into a paste. Stir this flavorful paste into your creamy mixture; trust me—this step elevates your gratin to another level!

Step 6: Assemble Your Dish

Pour the creamy mixture over your arranged potato layers in the baking dish. Make sure each slice gets coated evenly! Cover tightly with kitchen foil to lock in moisture while baking.

Step 7: Bake Covered

Bake in your preheated oven for about 40 minutes. The steam from covering helps cook those potatoes perfectly tender while allowing flavors to meld.

Step 8: Add Cheese Topping

After 40 minutes have passed, remove the foil revealing those deliciously tender potatoes! Now sprinkle shredded Gruyère or mozzarella along with remaining parmesan cheese on top—because who doesn’t love extra cheese?

Step 9: Bake Uncovered

Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. The sight alone will make anyone eager to dig in!

Step 10: Cool & Serve

Once baked perfectly to fork-tender goodness with golden cheese on top—remove from oven and let cool briefly before serving! Garnish with fresh chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Enjoy every bite of these delightful Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin—they’re sure to become a favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

Creating the perfect Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is all about attention to detail and a little love in the kitchen. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time!

• Use starchy potatoes: Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds create a creamy texture that works beautifully with the cheese and cream. They break down slightly while baking, making every bite decadent.

• Don’t skip roasting the garlic: Roasting garlic transforms its flavor, mellowing the sharpness and adding a rich depth to your dish. It’s this subtle sweetness that truly elevates your potatoes au gratin.

• Layer wisely: When layering your potato slices in the baking dish, make sure to overlap them slightly. This not only looks beautiful but also ensures even cooking and flavor distribution throughout.

• Check for doneness: Before removing from the oven, use a fork to check if the potatoes are tender. If they aren’t quite fork-tender, give them a few extra minutes to bake without the cheese topping until they reach the desired texture.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing your gratin to cool for a few minutes after baking helps it set up nicely, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

Presenting your Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin beautifully can make all the difference at the dinner table! Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh chives: Chopped fresh chives add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the potatoes.
• Parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley can brighten up the dish visually while adding a hint of freshness.
• Extra cheese: For an indulgent touch, consider sprinkling additional grated cheese on top just before serving for that extra melty goodness.

Side Dishes

• Roasted vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini adds vibrant color and balances the richness of the gratin.
• Simple green salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy potatoes.
• Grilled chicken or fish: Lean proteins such as grilled chicken breast or salmon pair well with this dish, offering a satisfying meal without overshadowing its flavors.
• Steamed asparagus: The earthy taste of asparagus complements creamy dishes wonderfully while adding nutritional value and crunch.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re well on your way to impressing your family or guests with this comforting classic! Enjoy every delicious bite of your Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time during busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers.
• You can also wrap individual servings in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for quicker reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin that might help you as you prepare this delicious dish!

Can I make Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin without cream?

Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream or a mixture of vegetable broth and cashew cream for a lighter version.

How long does it take to bake Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin?

The total baking time is about 1 hour and 10 minutes: first covered for 40 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 30 minutes.

What type of potatoes work best for Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin?

Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are ideal because they become tender and creamy when baked.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this comforting Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin! It’s a dish that brings warmth to any gathering or cozy dinner at home. With its creamy layers and rich garlic flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite and feel free to share your experiences with me; I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!

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