Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, let me introduce you to my Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin. This dish is like a warm hug on a plate! With layers of thinly sliced potatoes bathed in creamy, cheesy goodness and infused with the rich flavor of roasted garlic, it’s truly irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.

What makes this dish even more special is its versatility. It can be dressed up for a festive occasion or enjoyed casually on a cozy night in. Just picture it: the aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this delightful side dish. Trust me, it’ll become a favorite in your home too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious dish that looks like it came from a gourmet restaurant.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cheesy potatoes! This comforting side is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: You can prepare it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready. It’s great for busy weeknights!
• Rich Flavors: The combination of roasted garlic, creamy textures, and melted cheese makes every bite an explosion of flavor.
• Garnished Goodness: Topped with fresh chives, this dish not only tastes amazing but looks beautiful on the table too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find and full of flavor. Here’s what you need to whip up these delightful Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin:

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

One of my favorite things about Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is how flexible the recipe is! Feel free to get creative with these variation ideas:

• Add Some Veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Mix Up the Cheeses: Try using different cheeses like cheddar or fontina for a unique twist.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some sliced jalapeños if you love a bit of heat.
• Herb Swap: While thyme adds great flavor, feel free to experiment with rosemary or oregano for a different herbal note.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roasting the garlic brings out its natural sweetness and mellows its pungency, making it perfect for this dish. Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Wrap it in aluminum foil after drizzling with olive oil and seasoning with salt. Pop it into your preheated oven for about 30 minutes until soft and golden.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

While your garlic is roasting away, grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with butter. This step ensures that your delicious potatoes won’t stick as they bake!

Step 3: Slice Those Potatoes

Peel and thinly slice your starchy potatoes. I highly recommend using a mandoline slicer for perfectly even slices; this helps them cook uniformly.

Step 4: Layer Those Potatoes

Now comes the fun part! Take stacks of sliced potatoes and arrange them upright in layers within your greased baking dish. This method not only looks beautiful but also ensures that every bite has that incredible cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Create Your Cream Mixture

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, milk, butter, half of the grated parmesan cheese, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed and heated through—just don’t let it boil!

Step 6: Add That Beautiful Garlic

Once your garlic has roasted, squeeze those sweet cloves out of their skins and mash them into a paste. Stir this roasted garlic paste into your creamy mixture until fully combined—this step adds so much flavor!

Step 7: Pour It All Together

Pour your creamy garlic mixture over the layered potatoes in the baking dish. Make sure every potato slice gets that lovely coating! Cover tightly with kitchen foil before placing it in the oven.

Step 8: Bake It Up!

Bake in your preheated oven for about 40 minutes covered. This allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 9: Cheese Time!

After 40 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese along with the remaining parmesan on top of those gorgeous potatoes. Return it uncovered to bake for another 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Step 10: Final Touches

Once done baking, take your Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin out of the oven—let it cool for just a few minutes before garnishing with fresh chives. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

Creating the perfect Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is all about those little details that elevate the dish from good to unforgettable. Here are some pro tips to ensure your gratin turns out heavenly:

• Use starchy potatoes: Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds hold their shape and create a creamy texture when baked, making them ideal for au gratin dishes.

• Don’t rush the roasting process: Allowing the garlic to roast until soft and golden enhances its sweetness and depth of flavor, which is essential for a rich and satisfying dish.

• Layer evenly: When layering the potatoes, aim for even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly. This prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others remain underdone.

• Experiment with cheeses: While Gruyère and mozzarella are classic choices, feel free to mix in other cheeses like sharp cheddar or fontina to customize the flavor profile of your gratin.

• Let it rest: After baking, allow the gratin to cool for a few minutes. This resting period helps the layers set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the overall flavor as it melds together.

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is not just a dish; it’s an experience! Presenting this cheesy delight with thoughtful garnishes and complementary side dishes can elevate any meal. Here’s how you can serve it up beautifully:

Garnishes

Enhance your dish’s visual appeal and add extra flavor with these simple garnishes:
* Fresh chives: Chopped chives add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the creaminess of the gratin.
* Parmesan flakes: A sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese adds elegance and an extra layer of cheesy goodness right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pairing Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin with the right sides can turn your meal into a feast. Consider these delicious options:
* Garlic Butter Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed in garlic butter bring freshness and balance to the rich flavors of the gratin.
* Herbed Quinoa Salad: A light salad made with fluffy quinoa, fresh herbs, and lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast that’s both nutritious and flavorful.
* Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper, these crispy Brussels sprouts add a delightful crunch that perfectly complements creamy potatoes.
* Grilled Chicken Breast: Simple yet satisfying grilled chicken provides protein without overshadowing the star of your plate. Season with herbs to keep it light and flavorful.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin will shine on any dinner table. Enjoy every comforting bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin recipe is fantastic for meal prep, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed over several days. With just a few simple steps, you can store leftovers or even prepare it ahead of time for busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the potatoes au gratin cool fully before freezing.
• Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. For best quality, avoid storing longer than this.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover with foil and bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes for a crispy topping.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin that might help you!

Can I use other types of cheese in Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin?

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

How can I make Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin healthier?

To lighten this dish, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk and reduce the amount of cheese used. Increasing the layers of potatoes while decreasing cheese will still yield a delicious result!

Can I make Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin without cream?

Yes! You can use a plant-based cream alternative or simply increase the amount of milk. Just ensure your substitute has a rich consistency similar to cream.

How do I prevent my Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin from being watery?

Make sure to slice your potatoes evenly and allow excess moisture to evaporate during baking by covering them initially with foil. This maintains the creamy texture without excess liquid.

What sides pair well with Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin?

These potatoes make an excellent accompaniment to roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or a fresh salad, adding depth and comfort to your meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you love making this Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin as much as I do! It’s such a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. Whether you’re serving it at family gatherings or enjoying it as part of a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s sure to impress everyone around you. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!