THIS is the creme de la creme of all potato recipes! Also known as Dauphinoise Potatoes, this French classic is made with layers au gratin potatoes and ham layers of finely sliced potatoes, cream, butter and cheese with a hint of fresh thyme. Adapted from a Julia Child’s recipe, this is luxurious and thoroughly indulgent.
Bonus: It’s the ultimate make ahead potato side dish! So I ask you again: Potatoes au Gratin? Potatoes au Gratin for the win! We’re working with all the good stuff today! I’ve used all sorts over the years. Waxy potatoes are the kind used for potato salads and if used in Potatoes au Gratin, the layers sort of slip apart and you’ll have paper-thin-potato UFO’s flying all over the place.
2 lb of potatoes, this is the sort of task where you’ll quickly get into a rhythm. By the 3rd potato, you’ll be slicing like a pro! Sure, sometimes I stray and get excited by my latest obsession. I went mad for Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes, and crazy over Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. I thought Twice-baked Stuffed Jacket Potatoes were the ant’s pants. But Potatoes au Gratin are a classic that I’ll love forever and ever. First made using Julie Child’s recipe which then evolved slightly over the years to what it is today.
Do you think Julia would approve? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates. The ultimate potato bake, created by the French! Based on Julia Child’s Potato Dauphinoise recipe. This is THE perfect make ahead potato dish, the most luxurious of all potato casseroles, the better version of Scalloped Potatoes! Authenticity note: traditional Dauphinoise in France does not contain cheese. 3 of the salt, pepper and thyme.
Top with cheese, bake again: Remove foil, top with cheese. Bake for a further 10 to 15 minutes until golden and bubbly. But it won’t have the same rich mouthfeel. Don’t try this with just milk.
Dutch creams, King Edwards or red delight. Great all rounders like golden delight, coliban and red rascal are also great. Gruyere is the best as it provides flavour and browns beautifully on top. It’s quite expensive so for everyday purposes, mozzarella is an idea alternative but if you do, add an extra pinch of salt on each layer.
Monterey Jack, cheddar and tasty are all cheeses I have used and love. Make ahead: Near perfect for make ahead! 2 cup of the cream mixture. Bake covered in foil, then cool with foil on. Pour over reserved cream, top with cheese, cover with cling wrap. 30 min or until hot, then remove foil and bake until cheese is golden.