Potatoes au Gratin (Dauphinoise)
A luxurious French-inspired potato bake that harmoniously blends cream, cheese, garlic, and thyme into rich layers. An indulgent side dish that's ideal for making ahead and guaranteed to impress.
Print
Pin
Ingredients
- 2 garlic cloves finely minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves optional but recommended
- 2½ cups Gruyère cheese freshly grated (or Colby, Cheddar, Havarti, Tasty)
- 1¼ kg 2.5 lb starchy potatoes, peeled and sliced 3 mm thick (e.g., Russet, Sebago, Maris Piper)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 30 g 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups full-fat cream
Instructions
- Combine the melted butter, cream, and minced garlic in a jug, stirring until well blended. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F), suitable for both fan-forced and conventional ovens. Begin assembling the dish by arranging one-third of the sliced potatoes in a baking dish. Pour over one-third of the cream mixture, and evenly distribute one-third of the salt, pepper, and thyme. Sprinkle with ¾ cup of cheese. Repeat the process to create the second and third layers, reserving the final portion of cheese. Cover the dish with a lid or foil and place it in the oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the center potatoes are tender when tested with a knife; it may require up to 1½ hours depending on your oven and baking dish. Remove the cover, sprinkle the reserved cheese on top, and return to the oven. Continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the surface is golden and bubbling. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Cream: Opt for any full-fat cream such as heavy, thickened, or full-fat pouring cream. For a lighter alternative, mix half cream with milk or use light cream, although the result will be less rich.
Potatoes: Ideal varieties include Sebago (Australia), Russet (USA), Maris Piper or King Edward (UK). Other suitable options include Dutch creams, red delight, or versatile all-rounders like golden delight and red rascal.
Cheese: Gruyère provides excellent flavor and browning. Alternatives include cheddar, Colby, Havarti, or Monterey Jack. If using mozzarella, blend with Parmesan for better flavor.
Dish Size: A 1.5L (1.5 qt) oval baking dish, approx. 18 x 26 x 5 cm (7 x 11 x 2”), is ideal. Avoid small dishes (like 20 cm square); larger ones result in shallower layers.
Make Ahead: Prepare without final cheese topping and reserve ½ cup of cream mixture. After cooling, pour reserved cream over, top with cheese, and store covered in the fridge. Reheat at 180°C for 20–30 minutes covered, then uncover and bake until golden.
Storage: Keeps well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.