# Creamy Potatoes au Gratin: The Ultimate Holiday Side Dish
These luscious potatoes au gratin, also referred to as French scalloped potatoes, are a cherished favorite during holiday gatherings. If you’re a fan of potatoes, this dish is bound to become your everlasting favorite. Side dishes frequently take center stage at any festive celebration, with potato-based options standing out the most. Envision a table brimming with an array of potato creations: mashed, baked, roasted, French fries, potato salad, poutine, gnocchi, latkes, and more, all highlighted by a magnificent pan of creamy potatoes au gratin.
## What are Au Gratin Potatoes?
Au gratin potatoes, or scalloped potatoes, are made up of peeled and thinly sliced potatoes arranged in a casserole dish, enveloped in a luxurious cheese and cream sauce, and baked until soft and bubbling. While the terms can be used interchangeably, au gratin usually features cheese, whereas scalloped potatoes may omit it.
## The Meaning of “Au Gratin”
The phrase “au gratin” originates from French culinary tradition, indicating to brown with a crispy topping. This topping can consist of cheese, breadcrumbs, or butter. The baking technique is what makes au gratin potatoes unique, forming a crunchy layer that contrasts delightfully with the rich, creamy potatoes underneath.
This recipe draws inspiration from the legendary Julia Child, showcasing extra-thinly sliced potatoes, heavy cream, butter, and nutty Gruyère cheese, culminating in an indulgent potato dish. The greatest part? There is no complex sauce to prepare; the potatoes are merely baked in a blend of cream, butter, and garlic.
## Ingredients for Au Gratin Potatoes
To create this scrumptious dish, you will require:
– **Potatoes**: Russets are optimal due to their starchy texture, resulting in a creamy outcome.
– **Garlic**: Imparts a fantastic flavor; you can slice it thinly for unexpected bursts of taste.
– **Cream**: Full-fat heavy cream (35-36% fat) is crucial for depth of flavor.
– **Butter**: Elevates the taste; both salted or unsalted options work, but adjust the salt accordingly.
– **Cheese**: Gruyère is the preferred choice for its nutty creaminess, but feel free to swap for your preferred melting cheese like cheddar or mozzarella.
## How to Make Au Gratin Potatoes
1. **Make the Sauce**: In a saucepan, melt butter with heavy cream, adding thinly sliced garlic for flavor infusion. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. **Peel and Slice**: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into uniform 1/8 inch rounds. A mandolin can be useful for consistent slices.
3. **Layer**: In a baking dish, layer 1/3 of the potatoes, followed by 1/3 of the cream mixture and 1/3 of the cheese. Repeat this layering process until all ingredients are utilized.
4. **Bake**: Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1.5 hours, until the potatoes are soft. Uncover, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
5. **Rest and Serve**: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes prior to serving to allow the potatoes to set.
## Individual Au Gratin Potatoes
For a delightful twist, consider crafting mini au gratin potato stacks in a non-stick muffin tin. Bake for around 30 minutes for adorable, individual portions that are equally creamy and delicious.
## Make-Ahead Option
To prepare ahead of time, assemble the dish without the final cheese topping. Bake until tender, let cool, and refrigerate. When it’s time to serve, add cream and cheese, and then reheat in the oven.
## Choosing the Right Potatoes
You can opt for either waxy or starchy potatoes for this recipe. Waxy potatoes maintain their shape nicely, while starchy potatoes like russets create a creamier sauce. Russets are generally favored for their fluffy texture.
## Slicing Potatoes
A mandolin is the ideal tool for quickly achieving evenly thin slices. If a mandolin is unavailable, a sharp knife will work adequately.
## Baking Dish Size
The dimensions of your baking dish can influence the thickness of your gratin. Use whatever you have available; smaller dishes will create thicker gratins, while larger ones will yield shallower results.
## Conclusion
If you have a passion for potatoes, creamy potatoes au gratin will surely become a treasured addition to your holiday feasts. Relish in the rich flavors and comforting textures of this timeless dish, and watch it become a beloved favorite among your family and friends.