Do You Think Potato Salad Is the Only Delicious Way to Enjoy Potatoes?
Think again!
Many people love potato salad. It’s tasty, easy, and a favorite at picnics. But what if I told you there’s a warm, creamy, and cheesy potato dish that’s just as easy to make—and even more comforting? Meet Cheesy Garlic Potatoes Gratin. It’s soft on the inside, crispy on top, and full of rich flavor. If you love potatoes (and cheese!), you’re in for a treat.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
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Cheesy Garlic Potatoes Gratin – Easy & Creamy
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Garlic Potatoes Gratin is a comforting and creamy side dish made with thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich garlic cheese sauce. This easy recipe delivers a golden, bubbling top with layers of tender, flavorful potatoes underneath. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a warm, cheesy treat.
Ingredients
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2 cups heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version)
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1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Gruyère for a richer flavor)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for depth)
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Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
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Prepare the garlic cheese sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in the cream and stir. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat and stir in half of the cheddar cheese and all of the Parmesan until melted.
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Layer the potatoes: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over them. Add a layer of the remaining potatoes and top with the rest of the sauce.
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Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
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Rest and serve: Let the gratin sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
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Substitutions: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. Swap cheeses to suit your taste.
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Make-ahead: Assemble up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before baking.
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Leftovers: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in oven or microwave.
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Serving Tip: This dish pairs well with roast meats, green vegetables, or as part of a holiday spread.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60–65 minutes
- Cuisine: American, French-inspired
Cheesy Garlic Potatoes Gratin is a classic French-inspired dish, but this version is super simple. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 45 minutes to bake. That’s just 1 hour from start to finish!
It’s perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Holiday meals
- Cold nights when you want something warm and cozy
- A twist on the usual potato salad
Difficulty Level: Easy.
Even beginner cooks can make it without trouble. If you can slice a potato and use an oven, you’ve got this!
Essential Ingredients
Let’s look at the magic makers of this dish.
1. Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
These are the stars! Yukon Gold makes it creamy. Russet gives it a softer texture. You can also use red potatoes, but peel them first.
Tip: Slice them thin, about 1/8 inch, so they cook evenly.
2. Garlic
Fresh garlic adds a bold flavor. You can use garlic powder if needed, but fresh is best for that cozy, garlicky smell.
3. Heavy Cream
This makes the sauce rich and smooth. You can also use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
4. Cheese (Cheddar + Parmesan)
Cheddar makes it gooey. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. Feel free to try other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.
5. Butter
Butter helps cook the garlic and gives a golden top. Use unsalted so you can control the salt.
6. Salt, Pepper, and Nutmeg
Just a pinch of each makes the flavor pop. Nutmeg adds a gentle warmth (optional but recommended!).
Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped green onions or chives
- Cooked bacon bits
- A dash of paprika for color
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
- Wash and peel the potatoes.
- Slice them thin using a knife or a mandoline (carefully!).
Step 2: Make the Garlic Cream
- In a small pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in 1½ cups of heavy cream. Stir and let it warm, not boil.
- Add 1 cup shredded cheddar, ½ cup grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir until melted.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 4: Layer the Dish
- Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes in the dish.
- Pour some of the garlic cream sauce over it.
- Add a sprinkle of extra cheese if you like.
- Repeat the layers until you use all the potatoes and sauce.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil.
- Bake for another 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tip: Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
How to Assemble It Beautifully
Want it to look extra special? Here are a few easy tips:
- Arrange potato slices neatly in rows or circles.
- Top with extra cheese before the final bake for that golden look.
- Add fresh parsley or chives on top before serving.
Serving it straight from the oven dish is fine, but you can also cut squares and stack them for a fancier presentation.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This dish stores well!
To Store:
- Let it cool completely.
- Cover and place in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
- Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.
To Make Ahead:
- Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Recipe Variations
Want to change it up? Try these:
- Add Cooked Chicken – for a full meal in one pan.
- Use Sweet Potatoes – for a sweet-and-savory twist.
- Add Veggies – like spinach, mushrooms, or onions.
- Make It Spicy – sprinkle red pepper flakes or add jalapeños.
- Try Different Cheeses – goat cheese, feta, or blue cheese offer bold new flavors.
Why You’ll Love This More Than Regular Potato Salad
Potato salad is great—but it’s cold. It’s also more for summer. Cheesy Garlic Potatoes Gratin is:
- Warm and comforting
- Perfect for winter or holidays
- Full of melty cheese and creamy sauce
- Great as a side or main dish
And the best part? It’s just as easy to make!
Conclusion
So, the next time you’re craving something hearty and cozy—or you want a change from your usual potato salad—try this Cheesy Garlic Potatoes Gratin. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Plus, it’s easy to make, easy to store, and easy to love.
Don’t be afraid to get creative! Use your favorite cheeses, add some extras, or keep it classic. However you make it, it’s sure to be a hit.
Happy cooking!
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes! Whole milk or half-and-half works fine. It won’t be as rich, but it’s still tasty.
Is this recipe healthy?
It’s rich, yes, but also full of calcium and potassium from the potatoes and cheese. Use low-fat cheese and milk for a lighter version.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, but texture may change slightly. Freeze after baking, then thaw and reheat in the oven.
How thin should I slice the potatoes?
About 1/8 inch. Too thick, and they won’t cook evenly. A mandoline helps.
Can I make it without cheese?
Yes, but it becomes more of a creamy potato bake. You can also use dairy-free cheese.
What pairs well with this dish?
It’s great with roasted meats, green salads, or even eggs for brunch.
