When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the rich, indulgent flavors of a well-crafted potato gratin. This classic dish, known for its creamy interior and crispy, golden-brown top, gets a luxurious upgrade in our Crispy Parmesan and Gruyere Potato Gratin recipe. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, a sophisticated side dish for your holiday meals, or even just to treat yourself on a chilly evening, this gratin is sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Heavy Cream: 1 1/2 cups to create a lusciously smooth sauce.
- Kosher Salt: 2 tsp to enhance the flavors.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, infusing the cream with aromatic depth.
- Butter: 1 tbsp for sautéing the shallot.
- Shallot: 1 small, diced, adding a subtle sweetness.
- Potatoes: 5 medium Yukon Gold or White, thinly sliced for delicate layers.
- Gruyere Cheese: 1 cup, grated, for a nutty, earthy taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated, to achieve a crispy, golden top.
- Fresh Thyme: 1 tsp to add a hint of herbaceous freshness.
Directions to Culinary Bliss:
- Preheat and Prep: Begin by setting your oven to 325°F (165°C), a gentle heat to cook the gratin evenly and thoroughly.
- Infuse the Cream: In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, kosher salt, and minced garlic. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes. This step is crucial for infusing the cream with a rich garlic flavor. Afterward, remove from heat and set aside.
- Slice the Potatoes: Using a mandoline slicer, thinly slice the potatoes to a thickness of 1/8 inch. This ensures each potato slice cooks evenly, becoming perfectly tender.
- Caramelize the Shallots: Melt butter in a 12-inch cast-iron pan over low heat. Add the diced shallots, frying them until caramelized, about 5 minutes. This foundation of flavor sets the stage for the layers above.
- Layer and Bake: Arrange the potato slices in a spiral pattern over the shallots, then pour the infused cream over the top. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soak up the creamy goodness.
- Broil to Perfection: Remove the foil, increase the oven temperature to broil, and sprinkle the gratin with grated Gruyere, Parmesan, and thyme. Broil for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is irresistibly crispy and bubbling.
- Serve Warm: Let it stand for a few minutes after broiling, then serve warm, diving into the layers of creamy potatoes and crispy, cheesy topping.
Total Time to Deliciousness:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
This Crispy Parmesan and Gruyere Potato Gratin recipe brings a touch of elegance to a beloved comfort food, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether it’s part of a festive holiday menu or a weeknight dinner, its creamy layers and crispy cheese crust are sure to warm hearts and bellies alike. Enjoy the cooking process as much as the delicious outcome, and don’t forget to share this culinary delight with your loved ones.
Crispy Parmesan and Gruyere Potato Gratin
- Total Time: 1 hr 40 minutes
Description
This Crispy Parmesan and Gruyere Potato Gratin brings a touch of elegance to any meal with its beautifully layered potatoes, enveloped in a rich, garlic-infused cream, and topped with a golden, bubbling cheese crust. The interplay of the nutty Gruyere and sharp Parmesan melds perfectly with the soft, creamy texture of the potatoes, creating a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups of heavy cream
2 tsp of kosher salt
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tbsp of butter
1 small shallot, diced
5 medium Yukon Gold or White potatoes
1 cup of grated Gruyere
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan
1 tsp of fresh thyme
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325 F.
In a small saucepan add the cream, salt, and garlic. Bring to a simmer on low heat and cook for 5 minutes. This will allow the garlic flavor to infuse the cream. Remove from the heat and set to the side.
Thinly slice the potatoes to 1/8 inch thickness using a mandoline slicer.
In a 12 inch cast iron pan, add the butter and shallots and fry on low heat for 5 minutes until the shallots have caramelized.
Arrange the sliced potatoes in a spiral pattern on top of the cooked shallots. Pour the cream mixture over top of the potatoes.
Cover the cast iron pan tightly with a piece of tin foil. Place the cast iron pan into the oven and bake for 1 hr and 15 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven and turn the oven temperature to broil.
Cover the potatoes with the grated Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses. Sprinkle with the thyme. Place the cast iron pan into the oven and broil for 5 minutes until the cheese is crispy and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hr 20 minutes