Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

If you’re looking for a dish that warms your heart and fills your belly, then Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is just the thing! This recipe has been a cherished favorite in my family for years. It’s not just about the creamy, cheesy layers of goodness; it’s about the love and warmth it brings to the table. Perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings, these potatoes are bound to impress everyone.

What makes this recipe truly special is the rich flavor of roasted garlic that seeps into every slice of potato. It’s comfort food at its finest—simple yet elegant. You can’t go wrong with a dish that has both cheese and garlic. Let’s dive into what makes Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this dish allows you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves cheesy potatoes! This recipe is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it just before serving, making it perfect for entertaining.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of roasted garlic, creamy cheese, and tender potatoes creates an unforgettable taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is half the fun! Here are everything you need to make this delicious Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin:

For the Main Dish

• 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

One of the best things about Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add Veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms between the layers for added flavor and nutrition.
• Change Up the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or feta to give it a unique twist.
• Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh rosemary or oregano instead of thyme for a different herbal note.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick!

How to Make Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

First things first—let’s get that garlic roasting! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut off the top of the garlic head so that the cloves are exposed. Place it on aluminum foil, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle a pinch of salt, and wrap it up tightly. Roasting takes about 30 minutes until those cloves become soft and golden brown. This step is essential because roasting enhances the sweetness and mellows out the garlic’s sharpness.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

While your garlic is roasting away, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with some butter. This ensures nothing sticks as your beautiful potatoes bake into perfection.

Step 3: Slice Those Potatoes

Peel and thinly slice your starchy potatoes. A mandoline slicer works wonders here! Even slices mean even cooking—no one likes undercooked potatoes hiding in their gratin.

Step 4: Layer The Potatoes

Now comes the fun part: layering! Take those beautiful potato slices and arrange them upright in layers within your greased baking dish. This not only looks stunning but also helps them cook evenly.

Step 5: Mix The Creamy Goodness

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, milk, butter, half of your grated parmesan cheese, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Heat gently until everything melds together nicely—just don’t let it boil!

Step 6: Incorporate The Roasted Garlic

Once your garlic is roasted and cooled slightly, squeeze those sweet cloves out of their skins and mash them into a paste. Stir this delightful garlicky goodness into your creamy mixture until fully combined.

Step 7: Pour Over The Potatoes

Pour that heavenly cream mixture over your layered potatoes in the baking dish. Make sure every slice gets coated well; we want maximum flavor here!

Step 8: Bake Covered

Cover your dish tightly with kitchen foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 40 minutes—this helps soften those potatoes beautifully.

Step 9: Cheese Time!

After 40 minutes have passed, remove the foil and sprinkle on your shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese along with any remaining parmesan cheese. Look at how beautiful it all looks already!

Step 10: Bake Uncovered

Return the dish back into the oven uncovered for another 30 minutes or until that cheese becomes bubbly and golden brown while ensuring those potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 11: Cool & Serve

Once done baking, let your Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin cool for just a few minutes before serving—this helps set everything nicely. Garnish with fresh chives if you like!

Enjoy this comforting delight as a side at dinner or simply savoring its cheesy goodness on its own!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

Making Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin can be a delightful experience with just a few handy tips to ensure perfection!

• Choose the right potatoes: Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds work best for this dish, as they create a creamy texture while baking and hold their shape beautifully.

• Layer evenly: When arranging the potato slices in the baking dish, aim for even layers. This helps them cook uniformly and ensures every bite is equally delicious.

• Don’t skip the foil: Covering the dish with foil during the first half of baking traps steam, allowing the potatoes to cook through before browning the cheese. Removing it later promotes that beautiful golden crust we all love!

• Experiment with cheeses: While Gruyère and mozzarella are fantastic choices, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or fontina for added flavour and depth.

• Let it rest: Allowing the dish to cool for a few minutes after baking lets it set up nicely, making it easier to serve without falling apart.

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

Presenting your Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin can enhance its appeal, making it look as good as it tastes. Here are some ideas for serving this comforting dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkling freshly chopped chives or parsley on top adds a pop of colour and a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavours.

• Drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving can elevate the taste and give it an appealing sheen.

Side Dishes

• Steamed green beans: Crisp-tender green beans add a refreshing contrast to the creamy potatoes and bring a splash of colour to your plate.

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: The earthy flavour of Brussels sprouts pairs well with the richness of the gratin, and their crispy outer leaves provide a delightful texture.

• Simple mixed salad: A light salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette creates balance while adding crunch and freshness alongside your decadent side dish.

• Grilled chicken or fish: For those looking to make this a complete meal, grilled chicken or fish provides protein that beautifully complements the creamy potatoes without overwhelming them.

Enjoy crafting your delicious Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin! With these pro tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create not just a meal but an experience everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up ahead of time and enjoy it on busy weeknights or special occasions without any fuss.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Prepare the dish as directed but do not bake it.
• Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• For best results, label your container with the date.

Reheating

• Thaw the frozen potatoes au gratin in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes, or until heated through.
• Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to crisp up the cheese on top.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin that might help you out!

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

Absolutely! While Gruyère and mozzarella are delicious choices, feel free to substitute with other cheeses like cheddar or fontina for a different flavor profile.

How do I make Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin gluten-free?

This recipe is already gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free cream and cheese products. Always double-check labels to ensure all ingredients meet your dietary needs.

Can I prepare Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. Just follow the storage instructions above for best results.

What can I serve with Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin?

These potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. They’re versatile enough to complement any main dish!

Final Thoughts

Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is truly a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. The creamy layers infused with rich garlic flavor create an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to share your own twists and turns when trying it out—happy cooking!