The Golden Dauphinoise Potatoes Recipe by Delia Smith

Delia Smith’s dauphinoise potatoes unveil a luxurious French culinary secret that transforms ordinary spuds into a creamy dream.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes nestle together in a decadent bath of rich cream and subtle seasonings.

Every golden, bubbling forkful whispers tales of countryside elegance and comfort.

The dish marries simplicity with sophistication, creating a side that steals the spotlight from main courses.

Robust dairy notes and delicate herbs intermingle, promising a sensory experience that lingers long after the last bite.

Cheese melts into silky rivers, binding each potato slice in a warm embrace of flavor.

Check out this classic recipe and let your taste buds dance with pure, unapologetic indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 4

Delia Smith Dauphinoise Potatoes: Ingredient Guide

• Potatoes: Select firm, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for creamy, smooth texture without falling apart during baking.
• Garlic: Choose fresh, plump garlic cloves for robust, aromatic flavor that infuses the entire dish.

• Double Cream, Milk: Pick full-fat, fresh dairy for rich, luxurious consistency and deep, velvety mouthfeel.

• Salt, Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and sea salt to enhance natural potato flavors with clean, bright seasoning.
• Butter: Select high-quality, unsalted butter for smooth dish greasing and subtle richness.

Tools Checklist for Dauphinoise Potatoes

• Large Saucepan: Perfect for warming cream and milk mixture evenly.
• Cutting Board: Essential for slicing potatoes with precision.
• Sharp Knife: Helps create thin, uniform potato slices.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring cream mixture gently.
• Shallow Ovenproof Dish: Ideal for layering and baking potatoes.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Butter Knife or Pastry Brush: Used for greasing the baking dish.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot dishes.

How to Cook Delia Smith’s Dauphinoise Potatoes

Craft Heavenly Potato Gratin

Create a mouthwatering potato dish that’ll make everyone swoon at the dinner table. This creamy comfort food brings warmth and joy to any meal.

• Warm Up Your Cooking Space

Fire up the oven to a cozy 350°F. This perfect temperature ensures your potato gratin will turn out dreamy and golden.

• Build the Creamy Foundation

In a large pan, blend garlic, cream, and milk over gentle heat. Let the mixture mingle and warm up without reaching a boil. The key is creating a silky base that’ll make your potatoes sing with flavor.

• Transform Potatoes into Culinary Magic

Slice potatoes into delicate rounds, then bathe them in the cream mixture. Sprinkle salt and pepper to awaken the flavors. Gently coat each slice so they’re ready to absorb all that delicious goodness.

• Create Your Baking Canvas

Butter up an ovenproof dish, creating a non-stick surface that’ll make serving a breeze. This is where your potato masterpiece comes to life.

• Layer and Lavish

Arrange potato slices in elegant layers, drizzling cream mixture between each level. Think of it like building a delectable potato skyscraper – each layer adding more deliciousness.

• Bake Until Perfection Arrives

Slide your creation into the oven and let magic happen. After about 90 minutes, you’ll have a bubbling, golden-brown dish that’s crispy on top and creamy underneath. The potatoes should be tender and practically melting in your mouth.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure culinary delight!

Tips to Elevate Delia Smith’s Potato Dish

• Cheese Lover's Twist: Sprinkle grated gruyère or sharp cheddar between potato layers for an extra melty, tangy punch that elevates the entire dish.
• Herb Garden Boost: Chop fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives and scatter them between layers to infuse rich, aromatic flavors that complement the creamy potatoes.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the cream mixture for a subtle warmth that transforms the classic recipe into something more adventurous.
• Bacon Bliss: Crisp up some chopped bacon and crumble it between potato layers for a smoky, salty surprise that adds incredible depth and texture to the creamy potatoes.

Serving Delia Smith’s Dauphinoise Potatoes

• Pair with Protein Perfection: Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon to create a balanced and satisfying meal that highlights the creamy potato dish's rich flavors.
• Create a Green Companion: Add a fresh side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the potatoes and provide a crisp contrast.
• Garnish for Gourmet Touch: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives, parsley, or thyme on top just before serving to add a burst of color, fresh herbaceous flavor, and a professional chef-like presentation.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the creamy potato dish with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir to enhance the overall dining experience and bring out subtle flavor nuances.

Potato Dish Storage Tips from Delia Smith

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Advance Prep Magic: Slice potatoes and prepare cream mixture up to 24 hours before cooking, storing separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator to save time on busy cooking days.
• Refrigeration Rules: Store leftover potato gratin in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Freezing Friendly: Wrap cooled potato gratin tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven to maintain its creamy texture.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated or thawed potato gratin in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning while restoring its original delicious warmth and creamy consistency.

Silky Delia Smith Dauphinoise Potatoes Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delia Smith’s dauphinoise potatoes blend rich French culinary tradition with creamy potato perfection. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, garlic, cream, and herbs create an irresistible side dish you’ll savor with every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) Yukon potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 300 ml (10.1 fl oz) double cream
• 150 ml (5 fl oz) milk
• 1 tbsp butter, for greasing
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) with the rack centered for uniform heat distribution.
2. Cream Infusion: In a large saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and finely minced garlic. Warm the mixture gently until steamy, avoiding boiling, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Potato Layering: Wash and slice potatoes into thin, uniform 1/8-inch (3 millimeters) rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife. Generously butter a 9-inch by 13-inch (23 centimeters by 33 centimeters) ovenproof ceramic or glass dish.
4. Assembly and Baking: Create alternating layers of potato slices, pouring the fragrant cream mixture between each layer to ensure complete flavor saturation. Fill the dish, ensuring the final potato layer is fully covered with cream. Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender and the surface develops a golden-brown, crispy crust.
5. Resting: Remove from the oven and let the gratin rest for 10 minutes, allowing the cream to set and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

• Slice Precisely: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform 1/8-inch potato rounds, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Prevent Boiling: Warm the cream and milk mixture until steamy, avoiding boiling to maintain a smooth, silky consistency and prevent curdling.
• Layer Strategically: Arrange potato slices in slightly angled, overlapping layers, generously drizzling cream between each layer for maximum flavor absorption and creamy richness.
• Rest and Settle: Allow the gratin to rest for 10 minutes after baking, letting the cream set and flavors meld, resulting in a more cohesive and delectable side dish.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: UK

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg