This potato gratin is a super easy recipe that's perfect for a dinner party, or just for a night in with the family. It's super simple and you prepare it by layering potatoes, garlic cream mixture, Gruyere cheese, and salt + pepper. Simple as that! You can get it kiddos involved to help with the layering and then you have the perfect dinner dish.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Butter a 2-quart casserole dish with the 2 tablespoons room-temperature butter and rub with 1 of the garlic cloves. Discard the clove.
- Combine the milk and cream in a large saucepan. Add the salt and taste to be sure it tastes salty. Add the remaining 3 garlic cloves and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer 5 minutes, being careful not to let the mixture boil over.
- Meanwhile, peel and rinse the potatoes. Pat dry. Using a mandoline, slicer, or knife, cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices. For an extra twist, use a crinkle cutter for ruffled potatoes. Making a circular pattern, overlap the slices to cover the bottom of the casserole.
- Top with 1/4 cup of the milk mixture and a few grinds of pepper, a sprinkle of salt, and 3/4 cup of the cheese. Repeat this layering, reserving 1/2 cup of the cheese, until you have only 1/2 inch left at the top of the dish.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the garlic, and pour the remaining milk mixture through a strainer into the casserole until the potatoes are covered. You might not use all the milk. Do not overfill the casserole dish- maintain a 1/2 inch of space at the top of the dish once the milk sinks in. Top with the reserved cheese and scatter the butter pieces over the top.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and place the casserole dish on the sheet. Bake 30 to 45 minutes, until the top is bubbling, the cheese is brown, and a knife easily pierces the potatoes. Let rest 10 to 12 minutes, then serve.