Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve come to the right place! Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is truly one of my all-time favorites. This comforting recipe brings together layers of thinly sliced potatoes, infused with the rich flavor of roasted garlic and topped with creamy cheese. It’s perfect for everything from cozy weeknight dinners to festive family gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly find its way into your regular meal rotation!

What makes this dish even more special is how it combines simple ingredients to create something extraordinary. The creamy texture and cheesy goodness are irresistible, and the aroma of roasted garlic? Absolutely divine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves a cheesy potato dish! It’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the dish in advance and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
• Comforting flavor: The combination of roasted garlic and creamy cheese creates a flavor experience that warms your heart.
• Versatile side dish: Pair it with any main course for a delicious addition to your meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up these delightful Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin, you will need some simple, wholesome ingredients. 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

For Garnish

• Fresh chives

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add some veggies: Layer in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
• Cheese swap: Experiment with different types of cheese like cheddar or fontina for a unique twist.
• Herb infusion: Replace thyme with rosemary or oregano for a different herbal note.
• Spice it up: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for an extra kick!

How to Make Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your potatoes cook evenly and become perfectly tender while achieving that beautiful golden brown crust on top.

Step 2: Roast the Garlic

Begin by roasting the garlic. Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Place it on aluminum foil, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt. Wrapping it up allows the garlic to steam gently, turning sweet and caramelized—a key player in our sauce!

Step 3: Prepare Your Baking Dish

While your garlic roasts, grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. This step is essential as it prevents sticking and makes serving much easier later on.

Step 4: Slice Your Potatoes

Next, peel and thinly slice your potatoes. I highly recommend using a mandoline slicer if you have one; this gives you perfect even slices that cook uniformly.

Step 5: Layer Those Potatoes

Take stacks of potato slices and arrange them upright within your greased baking dish. This not only looks gorgeous but also helps them cook through evenly.

Step 6: Create Your Cream Mixture

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, milk, butter, half of the grated parmesan cheese, thyme, nutmeg, along with salt and pepper. Heat until combined without boiling—this mixture adds richness that permeates each layer of potato.

Step 7: Mash That Roasted Garlic

Once your garlic is done roasting and slightly cooled, squeeze those soft cloves out into a bowl and mash them into a paste. Stir this delightful roasted garlic paste into your cream mixture until well blended—this is where all that incredible flavor comes from!

Step 8: Combine Everything

Pour your creamy mixture over the layered potatoes in the baking dish. Make sure they are evenly coated; every slice deserves that rich goodness!

Step 9: Bake It Up

Cover your dish tightly with kitchen foil and bake in your preheated oven for about 40 minutes. This helps steam the potatoes until they are tender.

Step 10: Cheese Time!

Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese along with the remaining parmesan on top. This will create that irresistible bubbly crust everyone loves!

Step 11: Final Bake

Return it to the oven uncovered for another 30 minutes until everything is golden brown and bubbling away—my favorite part!

Step 12: Cool Before Serving

Once it’s done baking, let your beautiful Potato au Gratin cool slightly before serving. This helps everything set just right.

Step 13: Garnish & Enjoy!

Garnish with fresh chives before digging in! This dish is best shared around a table filled with laughter and good company.

Now you’ve got yourself an incredible comfort food classic—enjoy every cheesy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

Creating the perfect Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is all about attention to detail, but don’t worry—these tips will help you achieve cheesy, creamy perfection every time!

• Use starchy potatoes: Opt for starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. These types have a higher starch content that helps create a creamy texture and absorb flavors better.
• Layer evenly: When layering the potatoes, ensure they are arranged uniformly in the baking dish. This allows for even cooking and ensures every bite is deliciously creamy.
• Roast garlic properly: Make sure to roast the garlic until it’s soft and golden. This step enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor, giving your dish that rich roasted garlic taste.
• Don’t skip the resting time: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve without everything falling apart.
• Experiment with cheeses: While Gruyère and mozzarella are wonderful, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique twist on flavor!

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

This delightful dish can be presented beautifully to impress your guests or simply enjoyed at home with family. Here are some ways to elevate your serving experience!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich flavors of the gratin.
• Cracked black pepper: A light dusting of cracked black pepper adds a touch of spice and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Steamed green beans: The crispness of steamed green beans provides a nice balance to the creaminess of the potatoes. Their bright color also adds visual appeal.
• Mixed green salad: A refreshing mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the gratin perfectly, adding brightness and crunch.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers offer a lovely contrast in texture while enhancing your meal’s overall healthiness.
• Grilled chicken or fish: Pairing this dish with grilled chicken or fish can add some protein while keeping your meal balanced and satisfying.

Enjoy creating memorable meals with this recipe! Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it in advance and store it for later, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the potatoes au gratin to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat in the oven for best results, covering with foil to prevent drying out.

Freezing

• Cool the dish completely before freezing.
• Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer to a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove any coverings and place the potatoes au gratin in an oven-safe dish.
• Cover with foil and heat for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.
• For extra crispiness, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin.

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

Absolutely! While Gruyère and mozzarella create a wonderful flavor profile, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or fontina. Just keep in mind that it may alter the taste slightly.

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

To avoid a watery texture, make sure to slice your potatoes evenly and let them sit after slicing. This helps release excess moisture. Additionally, ensure your cream mixture is well combined without too much liquid added.

Can I make Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just remember to cover it tightly!

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

Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are ideal as they become tender and creamy when baked. Their texture holds up well against the rich cheese sauce.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in making and enjoying this Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin recipe as I do! It’s a delightful comfort food that brings warmth and happiness to any meal. Whether it’s a family gathering or just a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your own twist on this classic recipe!