How to Make Au Gratin Potatoes from Scratch: A Step-by-Step Guide
Au gratin potatoes are a classic French dish that is both comforting and elegant. Made with thinly sliced potatoes, cream, and cheese, it’s a perfect side dish for any occasion. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making au gratin potatoes from scratch.
What is Au Gratin?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s first understand what au gratin really means. Au gratin is a French culinary technique that involves topping a dish with a layer of cheese and breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs, and then baking it until golden brown and crispy. In the case of au gratin potatoes, the dish is made with thinly sliced potatoes, cream, and cheese, and topped with a golden brown crust of grated cheese and breadcrumbs.
Ingredients Needed
To make au gratin potatoes from scratch, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making au gratin potatoes from scratch is a bit of a process, but it’s worth the effort. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, slice the potatoes into 1/8-inch thick rounds. Make sure to slice the potatoes uniformly so that they cook evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
In a large saucepan, combine the sliced potatoes and enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are slightly tender.
Step 3: Assemble the Gratin
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the cooked potatoes in an even layer. Make sure to leave some space between each potato slice to allow for the cream and cheese to spread evenly.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Cheese
In a small saucepan, warm the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the Gruyère and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Pour the cream and cheese mixture over the potatoes in the baking dish. Make sure to pour the cream and cheese mixture evenly to avoid leaving any bare spots on the potatoes.
Step 5: Add the Breadcrumbs and Salt and Pepper
In a small bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the potatoes and cream. Make sure to spread the breadcrumbs evenly to ensure a uniform crust.
Step 6: Bake the Au Gratin
Bake the au gratin in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender. Check the au gratin halfway through baking to make sure the top is not getting too dark. If necessary, cover with foil to prevent burning.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the au gratin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves, if desired. Serve warm, straight from the oven.
Tips and Variations
- To make the au gratin more decadent, add some diced ham, bacon, or sautéed mushrooms to the cream and cheese mixture before pouring it over the potatoes.
- To make the au gratin more crunchy, sprinkle some chopped pistachios or almonds over the top before baking.
- To make the au gratin ahead of time, assemble the dish up to the point where you put it in the oven. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Conclusion
Making au gratin potatoes from scratch is a bit of a process, but it’s worth the effort. With these easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to create a delicious and impressive side dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So go ahead, give it a try, and bon appétit!