Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort, you’ve come to the right place! Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is one of those recipes that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with the flavors of roasted garlic – an absolute favorite in my household. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this dish never fails to impress.

What makes these Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin truly special is how the layers of thinly sliced potatoes soak up all that deliciousness. Each bite is heavenly, making it hard to resist going back for seconds. Plus, it’s so easy to prepare! I can’t wait for you to try it out!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting goodness: The combination of creamy cheese and roasted garlic creates a warm and inviting flavor that everyone loves.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties; it’s a dish that brings people together.
• Simple preparation: With just a few steps and straightforward ingredients, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare it in advance and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! This dish uses everyday items that pack a punch in flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Potatoes

• 8-9 medium starchy potatoes (about 1.2kg), thinly sliced
• 1 head garlic, cut the top off

For the Creamy Mixture

• 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Add veggies: Layer in some thinly sliced zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Change the cheese: Swap Gruyère with sharp cheddar or your favorite melty cheese for a different twist.
• Herb it up: Experiment with herbs like rosemary or oregano instead of thyme for a unique flavor profile.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the top off your head of garlic to expose those sweet cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt before wrapping it in foil. Roasting garlic softens its pungency and adds a lovely sweetness that elevates this dish.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

While your garlic is roasting away, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with some butter. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier later on.

Step 3: Slice the Potatoes

Peel those starchy potatoes and thinly slice them using a mandoline slicer if possible. Uniform slices ensure even cooking, so every bite is perfectly tender.

Step 4: Layer the Potatoes

Take those beautiful potato slices and arrange them upright in your greased baking dish. This presentation not only looks stunning but allows them to soak up all that creamy goodness!

Step 5: Make the Creamy Mixture

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, milk, butter, half of the grated parmesan cheese, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Heat gently until everything melds together beautifully—just don’t let it boil!

Step 6: Add Roasted Garlic

Once your garlic has roasted and cooled slightly, squeeze those sweet cloves out of their skins into a bowl and mash them into a paste. Stir this delightful mixture into your creamy sauce for an unbeatable flavor.

Step 7: Pour Over Potatoes

Now pour that luscious creamy mixture over your layered potatoes in the baking dish. Make sure every slice gets coated; this is where all the magic happens!

Step 8: Bake Covered

Cover your dish tightly with kitchen foil and bake it in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. This helps steam cook those potatoes until they’re nice and tender.

Step 9: Add Cheese Topping

After 40 minutes, remove the foil and layer on the shredded Gruyère or mozzarella along with the remaining parmesan cheese. Return it to the oven uncovered for another 30 minutes until everything is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 10: Cool & Garnish

Once done baking, let your Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin cool for just a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives for that pop of color—and enjoy every scrumptious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

Making Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is a delightful experience, and with a few helpful tips, you can make it even more delicious!

• Use starchy potatoes: Opting for starchy potatoes, like Russets or Yukon Golds, ensures a creamy texture. They absorb the flavors beautifully and create that classic au gratin feel.

• Don’t skip the roasting garlic step: Roasting garlic softens its flavor, making it sweet and mellow. This adds depth to your potato dish that raw garlic simply can’t achieve.

• Layer carefully: Arrange your potato slices in an overlapping pattern to ensure even cooking. This helps all the potatoes absorb the creamy mixture and cook uniformly for a perfect bite every time.

• Let it cool before serving: After baking, allow the dish to sit for a few minutes. This resting time helps the layers set, making it easier to serve without falling apart.

• Experiment with cheeses: While Gruyère and Parmesan are classic choices, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique twist. Different cheeses add varying flavors and textures that can enhance your dish!

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin makes for an impressive centerpiece at any meal. Here are some ideas on how to present this rich and creamy dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Chopped fresh chives or parsley add a burst of color and freshness that contrasts perfectly with the creamy dish.
• Cracked black pepper: A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper just before serving adds a touch of spice and elevates the overall flavor.

Side Dishes

• Grilled vegetables: Colorful grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus provide a light contrast to the richness of the potatoes.
• Simple green salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette brings brightness to your meal.
• Roasted chicken or fish: Pairing these potatoes with roasted chicken or fish adds protein while keeping your meal balanced and satisfying.
• Garlic bread: For those who love carbs (who doesn’t?), garlic bread is a delightful side that complements the roasted garlic flavor in your gratin.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll create an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Enjoy your delicious Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious comfort food even on the busiest days. You can easily prepare it in advance and store it for later use.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Ensure the potatoes au gratin is completely cooled before freezing.
• Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Reheat covered with foil for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin that you might have:

Can I use other cheeses in Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin?

Absolutely! While Gruyère and mozzarella are delicious choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or fontina for a different flavor profile.

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

Starchy potatoes, such as Russets or Yukon Golds, are ideal because they become creamy and tender when baked. Avoid waxy potatoes as they won’t achieve that desired texture.

How can I make Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream and milk with plant-based alternatives such as coconut cream and almond milk, and use dairy-free cheese options for a tasty, dairy-free version!

What should I serve with Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin?

These potatoes pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or a fresh salad. They make a fantastic side dish for any main course!

Final Thoughts

Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is not just a recipe; it’s a warm embrace on a plate! With its creamy layers and rich flavors, it’s bound to become a family favorite. I hope you enjoy making this comforting dish as much as I do! Feel free to share your thoughts or variations—you never know who you might inspire along the way!

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