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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Heat oven to 350°F and thoroughly butter a 10 x 15 x 2-inch baking dish to ensure smooth release.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Final Touches: Cascade remaining heavy cream over the top and sprinkle reserved Gruyère cheese to develop a luxurious, golden-brown crust during baking.
- 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