Aug 29, 2007
7
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Potato Gratin

One of the greatest comfort foods we know: a classic gratin dauphinois, a k a scalloped potatoes. This recipe appeared in “Gratin Made Easy,” a piece by our executive food editor, Todd Coleman (December 2006).
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Potato Gratin Credit: Christopher Hirsheimer
5 tbsp. butter
2 garlic cloves
Salt
6 large waxy potatoes (about 2 1⁄2 pounds), such as
   red bliss, peeled and sliced about 1⁄8" thick
2 cups half-and-half
Freshly ground black pepper
Fresh nutmeg
1 cup grated gruyère

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Rub the inside of an 8" × 8" baking dish with 1 tbsp. of the butter. Smash garlic with the side of a knife and sprinkle generously with salt. Chop and scrape the garlic into a mushy paste.

2. Combine garlic paste, potatoes, half-and-half, and remaining 4 tbsp. butter (cut into 1⁄2" pieces) in a pot; stir. Season with salt and pepper and taste the creamy liquid—it should be seasoned generously. Grate in a hint of nutmeg. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat while stirring the mixture with a wooden spoon. After 8–10 minutes the potatoes will be a little tender, and their starch will have thickened the liquid considerably.

3. Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish; smooth the top as much as possible. Cover the gratin with gruyère and bake until deeply golden brown, about 20–30 minutes. Let gratin cool and set a little before serving.

SERVES 6

Potato Gratin

This article was first published in Saveur in Issue #98

Ratings & Reviews (7)

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this sounds simple, but simple is sometimes best. i've made it several times, and it's hands-down the best gratin! 
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this is beyond good. right now, my husband is having leftovers and keeps going on about how good this recipe is.
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awesome recipe. quick, easy and everyone thought it was a hit at Easter!
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I agree that this is simplicity at its best. Resting it under foil for 15 minutes out of the oven really helps set it. Will be making this many more times.
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Duh. awesome. and soooo easy.
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I was looking for a simple side dish to make with a simply seasoned steak, and decided on this one for the ease of the recipe. I wanted a cheesy recipe vs. a recipe only using cream, and this delivered. It was simple and delicious. I over-seasoned with a bit too much black pepper, but the flavor of the sauce was still good. I used freshly ground nutmeg and it added a subtle hint to the dish. I would make this again.
This gratin is simple the best have been making it for yrs and have given it to several friends who are also now making it...
gail
Potato Gratin 5 5 6 7

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