Garlic Herb Au Gratin Potatoes
Garlic Herb Au Gratin Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy side dish bursting with fresh garlic and herbs. This classic comfort food offers a perfect balance of smooth, savory, and slightly crispy textures, making it an irresistible accompaniment to any main course. Easy to prepare and customizable, it suits family dinners, holiday feasts, and dinner parties alike.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Potatoes
- 4 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
Garlic and Herbs
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Dairy and Fats
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- Prep the Potatoes: Peel and slice 4 pounds of Russet potatoes into thin, even rounds about 1/8 inch thick to ensure even cooking and optimal absorption of the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic and Herbs: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley) and gently sauté until fragrant but not browned, releasing their flavors into the butter.
- Assemble Layers: Butter a baking dish thoroughly. Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly. Pour half of the garlic-herb butter over the potatoes, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses. Season with salt and black pepper. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, garlic-herb butter, cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Pour Cream and Bake: Slowly pour 2 1/2 cups of heavy cream over the layered potatoes until they are nearly covered. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45 minutes.
- Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling, creating a crispy, classic au gratin crust.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniform potato slices and even cooking.
- Arrange potatoes in a single layer per layer to avoid overcrowding.
- Always use fresh herbs for vibrant, natural flavors.
- Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to help it set and slice cleanly.
- Mix sharp cheddar with Gruyère for a rich and complex cheese flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Garlic Herb Au Gratin Potatoes, creamy potatoes, cheesy potatoes, comfort food, side dish, baked potatoes, holiday side, vegetarian side