Cheesy Dauphinoise Potatoes
Few side dishes are as decadent and comforting as Cheesy Dauphinoise Potatoes. This classic French dish features thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, garlicky cream sauce and topped with golden, bubbling cheese. The potatoes become perfectly tender, soaking up all that creamy, cheesy goodness, while the top layer turns irresistibly crisp. It's a luxurious yet simple recipe perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or any cozy meal.
Equipment
- Mandoline slicer (optional but recommended)
- Large mixing bowl
- Oven-safe baking dish
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and thinly sliced (about ⅛ inch thick)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese or a blend of Gruyère and Parmesan
- Butter for greasing the dish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter a large baking dish generously to prevent sticking.
- Peel the potatoes and slice them very thin—about ⅛ inch thick. A mandoline works best for this, but a sharp knife will do the trick.
- Make the Cream Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of heavy cream, 2 finely minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Add 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme and stir well.
- Layer the Potatoes
- Arrange a single layer of sliced potatoes in the baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice.
- Pour a small amount of the cream mixture over the potatoes, just enough to coat them.
- Sprinkle a light layer of grated Gruyère cheese over the cream.
- Repeat the layers—potatoes, cream, cheese—until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Bake to Perfection
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the dish cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Perfect Pairings
Dauphinoise potatoes pair beautifully with lean proteins like roasted chicken, seared steak, or baked salmon. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Garnishing Ideas
Sprinkle fresh thyme, chopped parsley, or a pinch of truffle salt on top before serving. This adds a pop of color and enhances the earthy, savory flavors. Presentation Tips
Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic, family-style presentation. Alternatively, plate individual portions, showing off those creamy, cheesy layers with a clean slice.
Perfect Pairings
Dauphinoise potatoes pair beautifully with lean proteins like roasted chicken, seared steak, or baked salmon. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Garnishing Ideas
Sprinkle fresh thyme, chopped parsley, or a pinch of truffle salt on top before serving. This adds a pop of color and enhances the earthy, savory flavors. Presentation Tips
Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic, family-style presentation. Alternatively, plate individual portions, showing off those creamy, cheesy layers with a clean slice.