Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

If you’re looking for a dish that warms the heart and fills the belly, then Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is just what you need! This recipe is my go-to comfort food, and every bite is a hug in potato form. The creamy layers of cheese and the aromatic essence of roasted garlic make it an irresistible addition to any meal. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lively family gathering, these potatoes are sure to impress.

What I love most about this dish is how it brings everyone together. It’s perfect for sharing, and there’s something about the cheesy goodness that makes people smile. Plus, the step-by-step process is easy enough for any home cook to follow. You’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easily customizable: You can tweak the cheeses or add your favorite herbs to make it your own.
• Perfect for gatherings: This dish serves a crowd and is always a hit at parties.
• Comforting flavors: The combination of roasted garlic and creamy cheese creates a rich taste that feels like home.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven right before serving!
• Simple ingredients: Just a handful of wholesome ingredients come together beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create this delicious dish. You might already have many of them in your pantry!

For the Potatoes

• 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to give your Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin a twist:

• Add veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat that pairs well with the creamy texture.
• Try different cheeses: Swap out Gruyère or mozzarella for cheddar or gouda depending on your taste preference.
• Go dairy-free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives for a vegan version that’s just as delicious!

How to Make Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Start by roasting the garlic; this step is essential because roasting mellows out its sharpness and adds depth to our dish. Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose those lovely cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, wrap it in foil, and let it roast for about 30 minutes until golden and soft.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

While your garlic is roasting, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. This will prevent sticking and help create that beautiful golden crust we all love.

Step 3: Slice Those Potatoes

Peel and thinly slice your potatoes—using a mandoline slicer works wonders here! Uniform slices ensure even cooking, so we get perfectly tender potatoes throughout.

Step 4: Layer Your Potatoes

Take those lovely potato slices and arrange them upright in layers within your greased dish. This not only looks beautiful but helps every slice soak up all that creamy goodness.

Step 5: Create the 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 melds together nicely but be careful not to let it boil; we want everything cozy but not boiling over!

Step 6: Incorporate Roasted Garlic

Once your garlic is roasted and cooled slightly, squeeze those sweet cloves out of their skins into a bowl. Mash them into a paste and stir into your cream mixture until well combined.

Step 7: Assemble It All Together

Pour this luscious cream mixture over your layered potatoes in the baking dish. Make sure every slice gets coated—this is where all that flavor comes from! Once done, cover tightly with kitchen foil.

Step 8: Bake Away!

Pop those potatoes au gratin into your preheated oven for about 40 minutes while you anticipate the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 9: Cheese Time!

Remove the foil and sprinkle on shredded Gruyère or mozzarella along with the remaining parmesan cheese. Return to the oven uncovered for another 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown—your kitchen will smell divine!

Step 10: Serve & Enjoy!

Once done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh chives for that extra pop of color and flavor. Now gather around the table because it’s time to dig into this comforting masterpiece!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

Making Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your dish to perfection!

• Use a mandoline for uniform slices: Achieving even potato slices ensures they cook evenly and absorb the creamy goodness better, leading to a perfectly textured gratin.
• Don’t rush the roasting of garlic: Taking the time to roast the garlic until it’s soft and caramelized enhances its flavor, infusing your dish with that rich, sweet garlicky goodness we all love.
• Layer thoughtfully: When arranging your potato slices, try to alternate them for better visual appeal and ensure every layer gets equal exposure to the creamy sauce.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the gratin to rest for a few minutes after baking helps it set up nicely, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.
• Experiment with cheese: While Gruyère is traditional, feel free to mix in other cheeses like sharp cheddar or fontina for a unique twist on flavor!

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is not just delicious; it’s also visually appealing. Presenting this dish well can make it even more enticing. Here are some ideas on how you can serve it:

Garnishes

• Fresh chives: Chopped fresh chives sprinkled on top add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the gratin.
• Parmesan crisps: For an extra touch of elegance, add some homemade parmesan crisps on top for crunch and added cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

• Steamed green beans: The bright color and crisp texture of steamed green beans provide a nice contrast to the creamy potatoes. Simply steam them until tender-crisp and toss with a little olive oil and lemon juice.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their nutty flavor pairs beautifully with cheesy dishes. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Simple mixed greens salad: A fresh salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness of the potatoes. Use seasonal greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for a light accompaniment.
• Grilled chicken or fish: For those looking to add protein to their meal, simply seasoned grilled chicken or fish makes a lovely pairing with the comforting flavors of potatoes au gratin.

Serving your Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin alongside these garnishes and side dishes will create a memorable dining experience that everyone will love! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is not just a delicious dish; it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it, ensuring you have a comforting side dish ready whenever you need it.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Let the potatoes au gratin cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

FAQs

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

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

Absolutely! While Gruyère and mozzarella work wonderfully, feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique twist.

How can I make Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin healthier?

You can substitute heavy cream with a lighter option like half-and-half or a plant-based milk mixed with nutritional yeast for added flavor while reducing calories.

What should I serve with Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin?

These potatoes pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or even a fresh garden salad. They make an excellent side for any main dish!

Can I prepare Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add extra time if baking from cold.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin as much as I do! This recipe is special because it brings warmth and comfort to any table, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering. Don’t hesitate to try it out and share it with loved ones—I’m sure they’ll love its creamy goodness just as much as you will!