Potato Gratin

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8

About This Recipe:
Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly tender, this classic Potato Gratin is the ultimate comfort dish. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes are smothered in a rich, flavorful cheese sauce, then baked to golden perfection. Ideal as a side dish for any occasion, this recipe offers endless customization options to suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 3 tablespoons flour (use gluten-free for a GF option)
- 1½ cups milk
- 1½ cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1 pinch nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gratin:
- 4 pounds potatoes, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce:

Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until tender, about 3–5 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and thyme, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stir well, and cook until it turns lightly golden, about 1 minute.
Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes.
Reduce the heat and stir in ½ cup of the shredded cheese until melted. Add a pinch of nutmeg (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Assemble the Gratin:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Spread a thin layer of the sauce over the bottom of a large baking dish or cast-iron pan.
Arrange the potato slices in layers, dipping each slice into the sauce for even coating. Pour any remaining sauce over the potatoes, ensuring all layers are covered.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.

3. Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 45–60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.

Optional Additions and Substitutions:

Replace milk and flour with heavy or whipping cream for an extra-rich gratin.
Swap Gruyère with your favorite melting cheese, such as Swiss, mozzarella, Havarti, or cheddar.
Add complementary cheeses like Parmesan, Asiago, or Pecorino Romano for extra flavor.
Include crispy bacon bits for a smoky twist.

Tips for Perfect Presentation:

For a vertical arrangement, dip individual potato slices into the sauce before layering them upright in the pan.
For a horizontal arrangement, spread the potatoes in flat layers, alternating with the sauce.