Ultimate Creamy Potatoes au Gratin

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A decadent, golden-crusted masterpiece with layers of tender potatoes swimming in garlic-infused cream

Why This is the Only Gratin Recipe You’ll Ever Need

This isn’t just scalloped potatoes – it’s a rich, velvety experience with:
✔️ Paper-thin potato slices for perfect tenderness
✔️ Three-cheese blend that melts into gooey perfection
✔️ Fresh thyme and garlic infused cream
✔️ Crispy, golden top that crackles when you spoon into it

Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

The Potato Foundation

  • 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled)
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1½ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg

The Cheese Trinity

  • 1½ cups grated Gruyère cheese
  • 1 cup grated sharp white cheddar
  • ½ cup Parmesan (freshly grated)

The Crispy Crown

  • ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Perfection

1. Prep Like a Pro

  • Preheat oven to 375°F
  • Butter a 9×13″ baking dish
  • Peel potatoes and slice 1/8″ thick (mandoline recommended)

2. Create the Cream Bath

  • In a saucepan, combine cream, milk, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg
  • Heat until just simmering (don’t boil)
  • Remove from heat and let steep 10 minutes

3. Layer with Purpose

  • Arrange 1/3 of potatoes in overlapping layers
  • Sprinkle with 1/3 cheese blend
  • Repeat twice more, ending with cheese
  • Slowly pour cream mixture over (it should come halfway up)

4. Bake to Golden Glory

  • Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes
  • Remove foil, bake 30 more minutes
  • Mix Panko with melted butter, sprinkle on top
  • Broil 2-3 minutes until golden (watch carefully!)

5. The Crucial Rest

  • Let stand 15 minutes before serving (this lets the cream set)
  • Garnish with fresh parsley

Chef’s Secrets

🔸 Potato Choice: Yukon Golds have the perfect buttery texture
🔸 Slice Thickness: 1/8″ ensures even cooking (use a mandoline for consistency)
🔸 Cheese Quality: Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents – grate your own!
🔸 Cream Temp: Warm cream prevents shocking the potatoes

Serving Suggestions

✅ Holiday Centerpiece: Pair with prime rib or roasted turkey
✅ Vegetarian Main: Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts
✅ Make-Ahead: Assemble 1 day ahead (add 10 minutes baking time)
✅ Leftover Magic: Fry slices in butter for next-day potato cakes

Why This Beats Restaurant Versions

Because you get:

  • Actual layers instead of glued-together slices
  • Real cheese pull from quality Gruyère
  • Cream that coats rather than pools
  • That perfect crisp on every edge

Pro Tip: For extra luxury, add a layer of caramelized onions between potato layers!

“The first bite will make you close your eyes – that’s how you know it’s perfect.”

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