Introduction
Indulge in the savory delight of cheesy potato gratin stacks, a dish that perfectly marries comfort and sophistication. These gratin stacks, layered with starchy potatoes, creamy garlic goodness, and rich Gruyère cheese, are ideal for any occasion. Whether you serve them as a side dish, a breakfast accompaniment to eggs and bacon, or as finger food at a gathering, their delightful textures and flavors will leave everyone craving more.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Oil spray
1.2 kg (2.4 lb) starchy potatoes, large and long
30g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/2 cup heavy (thickened) cream
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 3/4 tsp dried)
1/2 tsp salt
Black pepper
75g (2.5 oz) Gruyère cheese, sliced into 12 squares to fit into muffin tin (or other melting cheese)
3/4 cup Gruyère cheese (or other melting cheese), shredded
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Enjoy creating these delicious cheesy potato gratin stacks; they are sure to impress your family and friends!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin
Melt 30g (2 tbsp) of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Lightly spray or brush the muffin tin holes with some of the melted butter to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Make the Cream Mixture
In the saucepan with the remaining melted butter, add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 20 seconds. Then, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 tsp of salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it simmer for 30 seconds before removing it from the heat. Keep it warm.
Step 4: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the 1.2 kg (2.4 lb) starchy potatoes. Trim the base of each potato to ensure they can stand upright. Cut the potatoes into cylinder shapes that will fit into the muffin tin. Using a mandolin or sharp knife, slice the cylinders into 2mm (1/10 inch) thick rounds.
Step 5: Assemble the Potato Stacks
Place the potato slices into the muffin tin holes, filling them halfway. Aim to match the slices by size to create neat stacks.
Step 6: Add the Cream Mixture
Drizzle each stack of potato slices with 1 teaspoon of the prepared cream mixture.
Step 7: Add Cheese
Top each stack with a square of sliced Gruyère cheese.
Step 8: Complete the Stacks
Add the remaining potato slices on top so that the height of the stack is about 1cm (1/3 inch) above the rim of the muffin tin. Drizzle the remaining cream mixture over the top and sprinkle most of the fresh thyme leaves, reserving a small amount for garnish.
Step 9: Bake Covered
Cover the muffin tin loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. The potatoes should be cooked through; a small sharp knife should go through them without resistance.
Step 10: Add Shredded Cheese and Bake Again
After 40 minutes, remove the muffin tin from the oven and sprinkle the stacks with 3/4 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden.
Step 11: Garnish the Stacks
Once baked, garnish the potato stacks with the reserved thyme.
Step 12: Let Stand and Serve
Allow the stacks to stand for 5 minutes. Carefully remove them from the muffin tin using a tablespoon or a butter knife before serving.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy potato gratin stacks can be served as a side dish, enjoyed for breakfast with eggs and bacon, or even as finger food for a party.
Cheese Options
While Gruyère cheese is recommended for its melting properties, other types of melting cheese can also be used as a substitute.
Potato Choices
Starchy potatoes, like Russet or Yukon Gold, work best for achieving a creamy texture in the stacks.
Cook techniques
Oil Spraying
Oil spraying is an efficient way to evenly coat surfaces or ingredients with oil while minimizing excess. A light spray helps to reduce the amount of fat used in cooking, keeping dishes healthier.
Butter Melting
Melt butter over medium heat to achieve a smooth consistency. Be cautious not to let it brown, as this can alter the flavor and intended use in the dish.
Garlic Infusion
To infuse flavor, quickly sauté minced garlic in melted butter. This method releases garlic’s essential oils and aromas, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Simmering Cream
Bringing cream to a simmer allows flavors to meld without boiling over. Simmer gently to maintain a thick texture, ideal for rich sauces and dishes.
Uniform Potato Cutting
Slice potatoes into even cylinder shapes and thin rounds to ensure consistent cooking. Using a mandolin or sharp knife allows precision, critical for achieving a uniform texture in baked dishes.
Layering Ingredients
Layering potato slices creates a structured dish with distinct flavors in each bite. Aim for neat stacks for presentation and even cooking.
Drizzling Technique
Drizzling cream mixture between layers ensures even distribution of flavors and moisture, making sure each potato slice is adequately coated.
Baking with Foil
Covering dishes loosely with foil during baking retains moisture while allowing some air circulation. This method helps cook the potatoes through without drying them out.
Cheese Topping
Adding shredded cheese in the final baking stage allows it to melt beautifully on top of the dish, creating a golden and appetizing finish.
Resting Time
Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps set the layers, making it easier to remove from the muffin tin without falling apart.
FAQ
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Gruyère cheese with other melting cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for different flavors.
What should I serve with cheesy potato gratin stacks?
These stacks can be served as a side dish, with eggs and bacon for breakfast, or as finger food for parties.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can slice the potatoes and prepare the cream mixture ahead of time. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
How do I know if the potatoes are fully cooked?
A small sharp knife should easily penetrate the potatoes without resistance to indicate they are fully cooked.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of starchy potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be used, but they may alter the flavor and texture of the dish slightly.
What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
You can use a similar baking dish, but adjust the cooking time as needed based on the size and depth of the dish.
Conclusion
These cheesy potato gratin stacks are a delightful addition to any meal. Their crispy, cheesy exterior combined with the tender potato layers creates a delicious harmony of flavors. Whether served as a side dish, a hearty breakfast, or a fun finger food for gatherings, they are sure to impress your guests and family alike.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cheesy Potato Waffles
Combine shredded potatoes with cheese and spices to create delicious waffles that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Make a creamy garlic mashed potato dish using similar ingredients, but blend the potatoes with heavy cream, butter, garlic, and thyme for a sumptuous side.
Potato and Cheese Casserole
Layer sliced potatoes with cheese, cream, and seasonings in a baking dish for a comforting casserole that can feed a crowd and is simple to prepare.
Potato-Stuffed Mushrooms
Use a mixture of mashed potatoes, garlic, and Gruyère cheese to stuff mushroom caps, then bake for a rich and savory appetizer.
Potato Gratin with Herbs
Elevate traditional potato gratin by incorporating various herbs like rosemary and parsley along with cheese for a fresh flavor twist.
Cheesy Potato Soup
Make a creamy soup using diced potatoes, garlic, cheese, and heavy cream, puréed to a smooth consistency for a cozy and warming dish.
