Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

If you’re looking for a dish that warms your heart and delights your taste buds, you’ve come to the right place! Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is my go-to comfort food recipe, perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings. The creamy layers of potatoes, kissed by the rich flavor of roasted garlic, create a dish that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this recipe never fails to impress.

Each bite melts in your mouth, making it a favorite among friends and family. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more quality moments with your loved ones!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and ingredients, you’ll have this delicious dish ready in no time.
• Comfort food classic: The creamy texture and savory flavors create a warm feeling that’s perfect for any occasion.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves cheesy potatoes! This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it in advance and simply bake it before serving—perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
• Versatile side dish: Pair it with any main course, from roasted chicken to grilled veggies!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering fresh, wholesome ingredients makes cooking an enjoyable experience. Here’s what you need to whip up these delectable Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin:

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, for garnish

Variations

This recipe is flexible and allows for creativity! Here are some fun ideas to customize your Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin:

• Add some veggies: Toss in thinly sliced onions or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
• Spice it up: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a hint of heat.
• Cheese swap: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda to find your favorite flavor combination.
• Herb infusion: Mix in other herbs such as rosemary or oregano for an aromatic twist.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that when your potatoes hit the oven, they will cook evenly and come out perfectly tender.

Step 2: Roast the Garlic

Roasting garlic brings out its sweet and nutty flavor. Cut the top off the head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, wrap in foil, and roast for about 30 minutes. Let it cool slightly afterward so it’s easy to handle.

Step 3: Prepare Your Baking Dish

While the garlic roasts, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. This step prevents sticking and ensures easy serving later on.

Step 4: Slice the Potatoes

Peel and thinly slice your potatoes. Using a mandoline slicer helps achieve even slices which cook nicely together. Layering them upright creates beautiful presentation.

Step 5: Layer Those Potatoes!

Take stacks of potato slices and arrange them upright in layers within your greased baking dish. Keep going until you’ve used all your potato slices—it’s like building a delicious tower!

Step 6: Make the Creamy 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 combined without letting it boil; this mixture will coat our potatoes beautifully.

Step 7: Add That Roasted Garlic Goodness

Once your garlic is roasted and cooled slightly, squeeze out those soft cloves into a bowl and mash them into a paste. Mix this delightful paste into your creamy mixture—this is where all that wonderful flavor comes from!

Step 8: Pour Over Potatoes

Pour this creamy goodness over your layered potatoes in the baking dish. Make sure every slice gets coated; this will make them incredibly luscious during baking.

Step 9: Bake Covered

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

Step 10: Add Cheese Topping

After 40 minutes, remove the foil carefully. Top with shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese alongside the remaining parmesan cheese.

Step 11: Bake Uncovered

Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 12: Cool Before Serving

Once done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before diving in—you want those cheesy layers to set just right!

Step 13: Garnish & Enjoy!

Finally, garnish with fresh chives before serving. Sit back as everyone enjoys this comforting side dish—it’s bound to become a favorite!

Now you’re ready to enjoy some delicious Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

Making the perfect Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is all about those little details! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out creamy, cheesy, and simply irresistible.

• Use starchy potatoes: Starchy varieties like Russets or Yukon Golds lend themselves beautifully to this recipe. Their high starch content creates a creamy texture that’s essential for au gratin dishes.

• Don’t rush the garlic: Roasting garlic brings out its sweet flavor and mellows its sharpness. Give it enough time in the oven to caramelize, as this enhances the overall taste of your dish.

• Layer with love: When arranging the potato slices in the baking dish, be sure to overlap them slightly. This not only looks gorgeous but also ensures that every bite has a perfect balance of cheese and cream.

• Let it rest: After baking, allow your potatoes au gratin to cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting period helps the layers set up nicely and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.

• Experiment with cheeses: While Gruyère is traditional, don’t hesitate to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or fontina for a unique twist. Each cheese brings its own flavor profile and can elevate your gratin even further!

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

Presenting your Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is just as important as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can turn this comforting dish into a stunning centerpiece on your table.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped chives or parsley over the top right before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
• Cracked black pepper: A light dusting of cracked black pepper adds an aromatic touch and enhances the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Steamed green beans: Crisp-tender green beans tossed with olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the potatoes.
• Mixed greens salad: A simple salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette will brighten up your meal and add some needed crunch.
• Grilled chicken breast: Juicy grilled chicken seasoned with herbs complements the creamy potatoes perfectly while adding protein to your meal.
• Roasted carrots: Sweet roasted carrots drizzled with honey or balsamic glaze offer a delightful sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory notes of the gratin.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’ll create not just a dish but an experience that everyone will love! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is not only a delightful dish but also a fantastic option for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an even more satisfying meal when served.

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 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Freezing

• For best results, freeze before baking. Assemble the dish and cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
• Label and date your container, then freeze for up to 2 months.
• If frozen after baking, ensure it’s cooled completely and stored in freezer-safe containers.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen unbaked gratin, transfer directly from the freezer to the oven, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
• For thawed gratin, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin!

Can I make Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin without cream?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with a mix of vegetable broth and cashew cream for a lighter version that’s still creamy and delicious.

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

Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds work best as they become tender while absorbing the flavors of the creamy sauce.

Can I prepare Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin in advance?

Absolutely! This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to bake it.

How do I know when my Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is done?

The dish is ready when the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, and you can easily pierce through the potatoes with a fork.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin recipe finds its way into your kitchen soon! It’s such a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, I know you’ll love every bite. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience—I’d love to hear how yours turns out!