Imagine a dish that transforms humble potatoes into a creamy, cheesy, herb-infused delicacy that will make your taste buds dance with pure joy! This classic French Potatoes Dauphinoise is not just a side dish; it's a luxurious experience that elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. With layers of thinly sliced potatoes, rich Gruyere cheese, and aromatic thyme, this recipe promises to transport you straight to the French countryside with every decadent bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Wash and peel the potatoes. Using a sharp mandoline or knife, slice the potatoes very thinly (approximately 1/8 inch thick), ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture until well integrated.
- Layer the potato slices in the buttered baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice. After each layer, pour a portion of the cream mixture and sprinkle some grated Gruyere cheese.
- Continue layering potatoes, cream mixture, and cheese until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of Gruyere on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn't touch the cheese surface. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves if desired, and serve hot as a luxurious side dish.
Tips
- Slice Consistency is Key: Use a mandoline slicer for uniform, paper-thin potato slices to ensure even cooking and a beautiful layered presentation.
- Cream Temperature Matters: Let your cream mixture come to room temperature before combining to help ingredients blend more smoothly.
- Cheese Selection: Use high-quality, freshly grated Gruyere for the most authentic and rich flavor. Pre-shredded cheese won't melt as beautifully.
- Don't Rush the Resting: Letting the dish rest after baking allows the layers to set and makes serving much easier.
- Watch the Browning: Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly to prevent burning while ensuring the potatoes cook through.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared earlier in the day and reheated, making it perfect for dinner parties and holiday meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 90mg
