Crunchy Potato Heaven: Parmesan & Gruyère Gratin Recipe

Cheese lovers rejoice over this mouthwatering parmesan and gruyere potato gratin that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Golden-edged potatoes layered with rich, melting gruyere create an irresistible texture that makes every bite extraordinary.

Sliced thin and arranged with precision, these potatoes absorb the decadent cheese mixture like a culinary sponge.

The combination of nutty gruyere and sharp parmesan delivers a sophisticated flavor profile that elevates this classic side dish.

Each layer promises a delightful crunch and creamy interior that melts seamlessly in your mouth.

The aroma of bubbling cheese and tender potatoes will draw everyone to the table, eagerly anticipating this luxurious dish.

Get ready to savor a gratin that turns an ordinary meal into an unforgettable dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Total Time: 21 minutes

Calories: 405 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients to Make Parmesan-Gruyere Potato Gratin

• Heavy Cream: Luxurious base that carries delicate garlic essence and provides silky texture to the gratin.
• Butter: Adds rich golden flavor and helps create perfect caramelization for shallots.
• Gruyere Cheese: Provides nutty, complex flavor with exceptional melting qualities.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, salty note and creates irresistible crispy golden crust.

• Potatoes: Starchy foundation that absorbs cream and creates delectable layered texture.
• Shallots: Offers subtle sweet and mild onion flavor, creating depth in the dish.
• Garlic: Infuses cream with robust, aromatic warmth.
• Fresh Thyme: Introduces earthy, herbal undertones that complement creamy potato base.

• Salt: Enhances and balances overall flavor profile of the gratin.

Equipment to Bake the Crispiest Gratin Ever

• Mandoline Slicer: Essential for cutting potatoes uniformly thin at 1/8 inch thickness.
• Cast Iron Pan (12 inch): Perfect for layering, cooking, and serving the gratin directly from the pan.
• Small Saucepan: Used to simmer cream, salt, and garlic for flavor infusion.
• Tin Foil: Helps cover the pan during initial baking to retain moisture.
• Cheese Grater: Needed to grate Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses for the crispy topping.
• Measuring Spoons: For precise salt measurements.
• Sharp Knife: Helpful for trimming potato edges or slicing shallots if needed.

Steps to Assemble Creamy, Cheesy Gratin

• Oven Prep

Set the oven to a low and steady temperature, creating the perfect environment for your potato masterpiece.

• Flavor Infusion

Heat cream with garlic, allowing the aromatic essence to mingle and develop a rich base for the dish.

• Potato Arrangement

Slice potatoes paper-thin, creating delicate layers that will transform into a creamy, crispy delight.

• Shallot Foundation

Gently caramelize shallots in butter, building a golden, sweet base that will elevate the entire gratin.

• Layering Magic

Spiral the potato slices over the shallots, creating a beautiful pattern, then drench with the infused cream.

• Slow Baking

Cover and let the potatoes bake slowly, allowing them to become tender and absorb all the luxurious flavors.

• Cheese Finale

Sprinkle a mix of Gruyere and Parmesan on top, then broil until the surface becomes a crispy, golden landscape of melted cheese and herb-kissed potato perfection.

• Serving

Pull from the oven and let rest briefly before presenting this stunning, rustic side dish that promises to steal the show at any meal.

Pro Tips for Flavor Depth and Texture

• Replace thyme with fresh rosemary, sage, or tarragon to create exciting new taste dimensions that complement the creamy potato layers.
• Prepare the entire dish up to the final broiling step a day in advance, then quickly finish in the oven for a stress-free entertaining option that saves precious cooking time.
• Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs or crushed nuts between cheese layers to introduce an extra crunch that elevates the gratin's textural complexity.
• Mix in thinly sliced leeks, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic between potato layers to introduce additional depth and richness to the classic potato dish.

Serving Gratin as a Show-Stopping Side

• Pair with Protein Perfection: Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or sliced beef tenderloin to create a balanced and hearty meal that showcases the creamy potato gratin.
• Salad Sidekick: Complement the rich, cheesy potatoes with a light, crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Wine Wonderland: Enhance the dining experience by pairing this gratin with a crisp Chardonnay or a medium-bodied Pinot Noir that will beautifully highlight the nutty Gruyere and creamy texture of the dish.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform this gratin into a stunning brunch centerpiece by topping with a perfectly poached egg, adding a luxurious touch that elevates the entire meal.

How to Save Slices of Potato Gratin

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover potato gratin in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat Gently: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispy edges and creamy texture. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy potatoes.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual portions tightly in aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe containers. Stays delicious for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Portion and Protect: Cut gratin into serving-sized pieces before storing. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain the beautiful presentation.

Golden Parmesan And Gruyere Potato Gratin Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cheesy potato gratin blends classic French culinary techniques with rich, creamy textures. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes meld with nutty parmesan and gruyere, creating a luxurious side dish you’ll crave at every meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 medium Yukon Gold or white potatoes
• 1 cup (240 ml) grated Gruyere cheese
• ½ cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot, diced
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• 2 tsps kosher salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and position rack in the middle of the oven.
2. Cream Infusion: Gently warm heavy cream with kosher salt and minced garlic in a saucepan over low heat for 5 minutes to release aromatic flavors. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Potato Layering: Using a mandoline, slice potatoes into uniform 1/8-inch thick rounds. Melt butter in a 12-inch cast iron skillet and sauté shallots until golden and caramelized.
4. Assembly: Arrange potato slices in an elegant overlapping circular pattern directly over the caramelized shallots, creating a visually appealing spiral design. Pour the infused cream evenly across the potato layers, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Initial Baking: Cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, allowing potatoes to become tender and absorb the cream’s rich essence.
6. Cheese Finishing: Remove foil, sprinkle grated Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses over the surface. Scatter fresh thyme leaves for an aromatic garnish. Switch oven to broil and return skillet to oven.
7. Final Crisping: Broil for 4-5 minutes, vigilantly monitoring until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling, crispy crust. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the gratin to set and stabilize.

Notes

• Slice Precisely: Use a mandoline for uniform 1/8-inch potato slices to ensure even cooking and a professional presentation.
• Infuse Cream Carefully: Simmer garlic in cream on low heat to develop rich, aromatic flavors that will penetrate the entire dish.
• Layer Strategically: Arrange potato slices in an overlapping circular pattern to create an attractive spiral and promote even cooking.
• Watch Broiling Closely: Monitor the cheese topping during the final 5 minutes of broiling to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust without burning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking, Broiling
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 405
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 545 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg