Introduction
Discover a delicious and visually stunning potato dish that combines the flavors of creamy cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfect as a side dish, for breakfast alongside eggs and bacon, or as finger food for parties, these stacked potato muffins are sure to impress. With the rich taste of Gruyère cheese and the fragrant notes of thyme, every bite is a culinary delight.
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
Approximately 20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Yield: Serves 6-8
These potato stacks not only elevate any meal but also add a touch of sophistication to your dining experience. Follow the simple steps to bring this delightful dish to life. Enjoy the combination of textures and flavors with friends and family!
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 of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Lightly brush the holes of the muffin tin with some of the melted butter.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
To the remaining melted butter in the saucepan, add 2 finely minced garlic cloves. Cook for 20 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Cream Mixture
Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 tsp of salt to the saucepan, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for 30 seconds, then remove from heat and keep warm.
Step 5: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the large starchy potatoes and trim the base so they can stand upright. Cut the potatoes into cylindrical shapes that fit into the muffin tin. Slice the cylinders into 2mm (1/10 inch) thick rounds using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin
Place the potato slices into the muffin tin holes, filling them halfway. Try to match the slices by size for neat stacks.
Step 7: Add Cream to the Stacks
Drizzle each stack of potato slices with 1 teaspoon of the cream mixture.
Step 8: Add Cheese Slices
Top each stack with a slice of Gruyère cheese, making sure it fits within the muffin tin hole.
Step 9: Stack More Potatoes
Add remaining potato slices on top of the stacks, ensuring that the height is about 1 cm (1/3 inch) above the rim of the muffin tin, as they will sink while baking.
Step 10: Final Cream Drizzle and Thyme
Drizzle the remaining cream mixture over the potato stacks. Sprinkle most of the fresh thyme leaves on top, reserving some for garnish.
Step 11: Cover and Bake
Cover the muffin tin loosely with foil and bake for 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are fully cooked (a small sharp knife should pierce through without resistance).
Step 12: Add Shredded Cheese
Remove the muffin tin from the oven and sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese over the top of each stack. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden.
Step 13: Garnish
Once out of the oven, garnish the stacks with the reserved thyme leaves.
Step 14: Cool Before Serving
Allow the stacks to stand for 5 minutes. Use a tablespoon or butter knife to help remove the stacks from the muffin tin.
Step 15: Serving Suggestions
Serve the potato stacks as a delectable side dish, an accompaniment to breakfast items like eggs and bacon, or as finger food for parties.
Notes
Potato Selection
Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Idaho for the best texture and flavor.
Cheese Variations
Feel free to substitute Gruyère cheese with other melting cheeses such as Swiss or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Serving Size
This recipe makes approximately 12 individual stacks, serving about 6 people as a side dish. Adjust quantities as needed for larger gatherings.
Cook techniques
Oven Preheating
Preheating the oven at the correct temperature ensures even cooking. For this recipe, set your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Butter Melting
Melt unsalted butter over medium heat to enhance flavor. Use it to lightly brush the muffin tin for easy removal of the potato stacks.
Garlic Cooking
Cook minced garlic for a short time to prevent burning while infusing flavor into the butter.
Cream Simmering
Simmer heavy cream with garlic and salt to create a rich sauce. This step enhances the cream’s flavors, making it more integral to the dish.
Potato Slicing
Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to slice the potatoes into uniform 2mm (1/10 inch) thick rounds. Consistency in size helps with even cooking and presentation.
Layering Ingredients
Layer the potato slices in the muffin tin, drizzling with cream mixture and adding slices of cheese to ensure each bite contains rich flavors.
Covering and Baking
Cover the muffin tin loosely with foil during the first part of baking to allow steam to cook the potatoes thoroughly.
Finishing Uncovered
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and bake uncovered to achieve a golden, crispy finish on the cheese.
Cooling and Removing
Let the stacks cool for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin to maintain structure. Use a utensil to assist in the process.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Gruyère with other melting cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or fontina based on your preference.
What should I do if I don’t have a mandoline?
If you don’t have a mandoline, a sharp knife will work as well; just be sure to slice the potatoes as evenly as possible for uniform cooking.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes are done when they are tender and a sharp knife can easily pierce through them without resistance.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the potato stacks up to a day in advance. Store in the refrigerator and bake before serving.
What can I serve with these potato stacks?
These stacks make a great side dish alongside eggs and bacon for breakfast or can serve as finger food at parties.
Conclusion
The combination of starchy potatoes, rich cream, and melting Gruyère cheese creates a delightful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The layering of flavors and the crispy top from additional cheese make it an irresistible choice for both casual meals and special gatherings. This dish is versatile and can be paired with various mains, enhancing your dining experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
For a twist, try adding **cooked bacon** between the potato layers for a smoky flavor burst.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Incorporate **sautéed mushrooms** with the garlic for an earthy depth to the dish.
More recipes suggestions and combination
For a Mediterranean flair, add some **chopped sun-dried tomatoes** and **fresh basil** along with the thyme.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Swap out Gruyère for **feta** for a tangy flavor that pairs nicely with the potatoes.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Add a pinch of **nutmeg** to the cream mixture to elevate the richness with a warm spice.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Serve with a side of **steamed broccoli** or a **simple salad** to balance the richness of the dish.
More recipes suggestions and combination
For a heartier option, layer in **cooked chicken** or **ground beef** between potato slices.
