Imagine a dish that transforms humble potatoes into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests swooning! This French-inspired Potato Casserole with Saffron and Almonds is not just a side dish—it's a golden, creamy sensation that elevates simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. With its rich, aromatic saffron-infused cream, crunchy almond topping, and perfectly layered potatoes, this recipe is about to become your new obsession in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a large ceramic or glass baking dish generously to prevent sticking.
- Steep the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of hot water for 10 minutes to release their full flavor and golden color.
- Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly, approximately 1/8 inch thick. Use a mandoline slicer for consistent, even cuts if possible.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, saffron-infused water, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk the mixture until well blended.
- Layer the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice. Pour the saffron cream mixture evenly over the potatoes, ensuring all slices are coated.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese over the potato layers, covering the surface completely.
- Scatter the sliced almonds on top of the cheese, creating an even, crunchy topping.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the potatoes to become tender.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the almonds are lightly toasted.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot as a luxurious side dish, garnishing with additional fresh herbs like chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniform potato slices, ensuring even cooking and a professional presentation.
- Steep saffron threads in hot water beforehand to maximize their flavor and beautiful golden color.
- Don't rush the resting time after baking—those 10 minutes help the casserole set and make serving much easier.
- For extra richness, use high-quality aged cheese like Gruyère or sharp cheddar.
- Toast the almonds slightly before adding them for an enhanced nutty flavor.
- If you're watching calories, you can substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk, though the texture will be slightly less rich.
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can be a stunning vegetarian main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 75mg
