Potato Gratin Recipe That’s Elegant and Creamy

Potato gratin emerges as a culinary masterpiece that elevates simple ingredients into a symphony of flavor and comfort.

Layers of golden, creamy potatoes meld together in a dance of delectable textures that whisper stories of traditional kitchens.

Melted cheese weaves through tender potato slices, creating a luxurious landscape of pure indulgence.

Rich and velvety, this dish transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience that beckons hungry diners.

Aromatic herbs and subtle spices infuse each bite with depth and character, making this gratin more than just a side dish.

The magic lies in its simplicity – a testament to how remarkable food can be when crafted with love and attention.

You’ll fall head over heels for this irresistible comfort classic that promises to become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten Potato Gratin

• Russet Potatoes: Choose firm, smooth-skinned potatoes without green patches or sprouts for best texture and flavor.
• Fennel: Select bulbs with bright white and green parts, crisp texture, and fresh licorice-like aroma.
• Onions: Pick firm, heavy onions with tight, dry outer skins and no soft spots for maximum sweetness.

• Heavy Cream, Gruyère Cheese: Look for fresh, high-quality dairy products with rich, smooth consistency and no sour smell.

• Butter, Olive Oil, Salt, Black Pepper: Select pure, fresh ingredients with robust flavor profiles and no rancid undertones.

Tools Required to Make Ina Garten Potato Gratin

• Oven: Preheating tool for creating golden, crispy dishes.
• 10 x 15 x 2-inch baking dish: Perfect rectangular pan for even cooking and presentation.
• Butter: Used for greasing the baking dish and adding rich flavor.
• Medium sauté pan: Essential for caramelizing fennel and onions.
• Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining potato ingredients.
• Knife: Needed for peeling and thinly slicing potatoes.
• Cutting board: Safe surface for potato preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for folding and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately portion heavy cream and cheese.
• Cheese grater: Required for creating fresh Gruyère cheese shreds.

Instructions for Cooking Ina Garten Potato Gratin

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab a baking dish and give it a generous butter massage to keep things from sticking.

• Craft the Flavor Foundation

Melt butter and olive oil in a pan. Toss in fennel and onions, letting them dance and soften on low heat until they turn silky and translucent.

• Assemble the Potato Symphony

Slice potatoes into delicate whispers. In a big bowl, marry the potatoes with cream, cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until each slice glistens with creamy goodness.

• Weave Vegetable Magic

Tumble the caramelized fennel and onions into the potato mixture. Swirl and fold until the vegetables embrace every potato slice with their rich, golden essence.

• Bake and Transform

Pour the potato mixture into the buttered dish, spreading it like a cozy blanket. Drizzle extra cream and shower with cheese. Slide into the oven and let the magic happen for 1 to 1¼ hours until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and bubbles with excitement.

• Rest and Savor

Pull the gratin from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This moment allows flavors to mingle and settle, creating a dish that’s pure comfort on a plate.

Smart Tweaks for Ina Garten Potato Gratin

Replace Gruyère with sharp cheddar, fontina, or pecorino for different flavor profiles. Each cheese brings its unique tangy or nutty character to the dish.

Sprinkle fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill between potato layers to introduce unexpected aromatic dimensions. Chopped herbs will elevate the gratin’s overall taste experience.

Incorporate crispy bacon bits, diced pancetta, or cooked ham between potato layers for a heartier version. These protein additions transform the side dish into a more substantial meal.

Include thinly sliced leeks, celery root, or parsnips alongside fennel for increased vegetable depth. These root vegetables complement the potatoes’ creamy texture and provide additional nutritional value.

How to Serve Ina Garten Potato Gratin with Ease

• Serve with Roasted Protein: Pair this creamy fennel potato gratin with a succulent roasted chicken, herb-crusted lamb, or pan-seared salmon for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Balance the rich, creamy gratin with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, adding a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy dish.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the gratin's creamy texture and fennel flavor with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Garnish for Extra Flair: Sprinkle some fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.

Storing and Planning Tips for Ina Garten Potato Gratin

• Preserve Peak Flavor: Store leftover potato gratin in an airtight container within the refrigerator, where it maintains deliciousness for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and protect the dish's creamy texture.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or restore the entire dish's crispy top by placing it in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning while ensuring even heating.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap the cooled gratin securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen portions stay fresh for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the original creamy consistency.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking and optimal flavor development.

Elegant Potato Gratin Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s potato gratin combines creamy Gruyère cheese with layers of thinly sliced potatoes for an indulgent side dish. French culinary tradition shines through this rich, comforting recipe sure to impress guests at any dinner table.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (907 g) russet potatoes, peeled
• 2 fennel bulbs, stalks removed
• 1 yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced crosswise
• 2 ½ cups (283 g) Gruyère cheese, grated
• 2 cups + 2 tbsps (480 ml) heavy cream, divided
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps good olive oil
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Heat oven to 350°F and thoroughly butter a 10 x 15 x 2-inch baking dish to ensure smooth release.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a medium pan, combine butter and olive oil to gently caramelize fennel and onions over medium-low heat until softened and translucent, approximately 10 minutes.
3. Potato Preparation: Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice russet potatoes into delicate, uniform pieces and transfer to a large mixing bowl, creating a foundation for the creamy gratin.
4. Cream and Cheese Blend: Lavishly coat potato slices with heavy cream, then generously integrate Gruyère cheese, salt, and black pepper, ensuring each slice is thoroughly seasoned and coated.
5. Combine and Layer: Gently fold sautéed fennel and onions into the potato-cream mixture, then carefully transfer the combined ingredients to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a smooth, inviting surface.
6. Final Touches: Cascade remaining heavy cream over the top and sprinkle reserved Gruyère cheese to develop a luxurious, golden-brown crust during baking.
7. Bake and Rest: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 1 to 1¼ hours, monitoring until the surface becomes rich, brown, and bubbling. After removing, let the gratin rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to harmonize and texture to set before serving.

Notes

• Slice Potatoes Uniformly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create thin, even potato slices, ensuring consistent cooking and a perfect texture throughout the dish.
• Choose Quality Cheese: Select a high-quality Gruyère cheese for maximum flavor and creamy richness, which elevates the entire gratin experience.
• Watch Baking Time Carefully: Monitor the gratin closely during the last 15-20 minutes to prevent burning, aiming for a golden-brown top without overcooking.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the gratin to sit for 10 minutes after baking, which helps the dish set and allows flavors to blend harmoniously.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg