Gruyère Potatoes Au Gratin

Why Make This Recipe

Gruyère Potatoes Au Gratin is a classic dish that warms the heart and fills the belly. With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, it’s a wonderful side dish perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or even casual gatherings with friends. The flavor of Gruyère cheese brings a rich, nutty element that pairs perfectly with the creamy potato layers. This recipe is not just about taste; it’s also about comfort and nostalgia, as many people associate it with gatherings around the dinner table.

Making Gruyère Potatoes Au Gratin is also a great way to impress your guests. When people see this beautiful, bubbling dish come out of the oven, their eyes will widen with anticipation. It looks gourmet while using basic ingredients you might already have at home. Plus, the satisfaction of making this dish from scratch can be incredibly rewarding.

As a bonus, the recipe can be easily doubled or halved, depending on the number of servings you need. It can be modified to fit vegan or gluten-free diets with a few simple substitutions, ensuring it can be enjoyed by everyone. If you like flavorful, creamy, and indulgent sides, then Gruyère Potatoes Au Gratin is a must-try dish.

How to Make Gruyère Potatoes Au Gratin

Making Gruyère Potatoes Au Gratin is easier than you might think! Follow these steps to create a delicious dish that will wow your dinner companions.

Ingredients

1. 5-6 large Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2. 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3. 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4. 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
5. 1 teaspoon salt
6. ½ teaspoon garlic powder
7. ½ teaspoon onion powder
8. ½ teaspoon dried oregano
9. ½ teaspoon dried thyme
10. ¼ teaspoon black pepper
11. 2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
12. ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s ready to cook your delicious au gratin when you’re finished preparing it.

2. Prepare Potatoes: Peel and then thinly slice your Yukon gold potatoes. Aim for slices that are about 1/8-inch thick for even cooking. The more uniform the slices, the better they will cook.

3. Make the Roux: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour to form a roux. Stir this mixture for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color. This step is crucial as it helps thicken the cheese sauce.

4. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk to your roux. Keep stirring as you do this to avoid lumps. Continue to cook this mixture for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens.

5. Seasoning: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in your seasonings: salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper. These will add wonderful flavors to your dish.

6. Melt the Cheese: Stir in the grated Gruyère cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and well combined with the sauce. This cheesy goodness is what makes your dish so special.

7. Layer the Potatoes: Now it’s time to layer! In a greased baking dish, start by layering your sliced potatoes. Pour some of the cheese sauce over the first layer of potatoes. Continue this process, alternating between potatoes and cheese sauce. Make sure to finish with a layer of cheese sauce on top.

8. Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the final layer. This will give you a lovely golden crust as it bakes.

9. Bake: Cover your baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This helps the potatoes cook through.

10. Final Bake: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. This step is vital for achieving that bubbling and golden top; the cheese needs time to brown beautifully.

11. Rest Before Serving: Once baked, allow your Gruyère Potatoes Au Gratin to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set up a bit, making it easier to serve.

How to Serve Gruyère Potatoes Au Gratin

Serving Gruyère Potatoes Au Gratin is a delight. Cut the dish into squares or scoop it out with a large spoon onto dinner plates. Pair it with main courses like roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a fresh green salad to balance the richness. A rustic baguette on the side could also be a wonderful addition for soaking up the creamy cheese sauce.

To elevate the presentation, you could sprinkle a little fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness that will make your dish look even more appetizing.

If you are serving guests, letting them be the first to dig in will create an exciting atmosphere. The sounds of the bubbles and sizzling, along with the rich aroma wafting through the kitchen, will surely set the stage.

How to Store Gruyère Potatoes Au Gratin

Storing leftovers is simple and straightforward. Just cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer any remaining au gratin to an airtight container. This can usually be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days.

For best results, when you reheat the potatoes, add a little splash of milk to keep it creamy. You can microwave it, covered, for a few minutes or reheat it in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

If you want to keep the au gratin for a longer period, consider freezing it. Let it cool completely first, and then transfer it to a freezer-safe dish. Gruyère Potatoes Au Gratin can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Tips to Make Gruyère Potatoes Au Gratin

1. Select Good Potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes are perfect for this dish due to their natural creaminess. If these potatoes are unavailable, russet potatoes will work well too.

2. Cut Evenly: Slicing the potatoes consistently ensures they cook at the same rate. A mandoline slicer can help you achieve uniform slices easily.

3. Don’t Rush the Roux: Allow the roux to cook slightly to develop its flavor, and be patient when adding the milk to avoid lumps.

4. Experiment with Cheese: While Gruyère adds a lovely flavor, feel free to mix in some cheddar or fontina for added depth.

5. Add Fresh Herbs: Tossing in some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can elevate your dish even more. They add an aromatic quality that enhances the overall taste.

6. Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to rest after baking is crucial. This small step makes a big difference in serving. It will set the layers beautifully, making sure each slice holds together well.

7. Check Doneness: Test if the potatoes are tender by inserting a fork into the dish. If it goes through easily, it’s ready!

Variation

Gruyère Potatoes Au Gratin can be customized in various ways:

1. Vegan Version: Substitute the milk with a plant-based milk and use vegan butter and cheese options for a delicious dairy-free dish. Nutritional yeast can also be added for a cheesy flavor.

2. Gluten-Free Option: Easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

3. Add Vegetables: For a colorful twist, consider adding sautéed spinach, kale, or even cooked broccoli in between the layers of potatoes.

4. Spicy Kick: Stir in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat, making the dish unique and exciting.

5. Bacon or Ham: Inserting cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham between layers can add a smoky flavor and richness that complements the creamy potatoes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! While Gruyère is traditional, you can use other cheeses like cheddar, fontina, or mozzarella. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change. Mixing several types of cheese can create a more complex taste.

2. How can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the layers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and bake it the following day. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes in cold.

3. Can I freeze Gruyère Potatoes Au Gratin?

Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Just make sure it is completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When reheating, you may need to add a little milk to restore creaminess.

4. How do I know when my potatoes are done?

You can tell the potatoes are done by poking them with a fork. If it goes through easily, they’re ready. If there’s resistance, they need more baking time.

5. Is it necessary to use specific kinds of potatoes?

Using Yukon gold or similar potatoes is highly recommended due to their starch content and creamy nature. However, if you can’t find them, russet potatoes will work as well. They may have a slightly different texture but will still taste great.

Creating Gruyère Potatoes Au Gratin is a culinary journey that’s rewarding and enriching. With its layers of creamy potatoes and delicious cheese, it is sure to become a favorite in your home. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you will be on your way to presenting a stunning and flavorful dish that’s bound to impress everyone at the table.

Print