Cheese Herb Potato Gratin

There’s nothing quite like the perfect balance of crispy and creamy in a Cheese Herb Potato Gratin. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with rich cream, fragrant herbs, and plenty of cheese to create an irresistible side dish. With golden, bubbly edges and a soft, melt in your mouth center, this gratin is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.

Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, a cozy family dinner, or just looking for a delicious way to use up potatoes, this dish is a must-try. The combination of Gruyère, Parmesan, and fresh thyme infuses every bite with bold flavors, while the crispy top adds the perfect contrast to the creamy layers beneath. Serve it with roasted meats, a fresh salad, or simply enjoy it on its own – this gratin is always a hit!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, thinly sliced

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a cast-iron skillet or baking dish with butter.

2. In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

3. Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in the skillet, standing upright in a circular pattern.

4. Pour the cream mixture evenly over the potatoes, ensuring they are well-coated.

5. Sprinkle Gruyère cheese over the top, followed by Parmesan.

6. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

7. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle fresh thyme and parsley on top before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 65 minutes | Total Time: 80 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 6

Cheese Herb Potato Gratin: The Ultimate Comforting Side Dish

Few dishes bring warmth and comfort to the table like Cheese Herb Potato Gratin. This indulgent, creamy, and golden-baked masterpiece is the perfect side dish for holidays, family gatherings, or even a cozy weeknight meal. With its layers of tender potatoes bathed in a rich, herb-infused cream sauce and topped with bubbling, golden-brown cheese, this dish is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

But what makes this gratin so special? It’s the perfect blend of simple ingredients, classic French techniques, and rich flavors that come together in a single baking dish. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone looking to impress guests with a restaurant-quality dish, Cheese Herb Potato Gratin is an excellent recipe to master.

A Classic French Dish with a Twist

Gratin, a culinary term derived from the French word “gratter” (meaning “to scrape”), refers to a dish that is baked or broiled until a delicious crust forms on the top. Traditionally, gratins were made with breadcrumbs or cheese, giving them their signature crispy, golden-brown finish. One of the most famous variations is Gratin Dauphinois, a classic French potato gratin made without cheese but with plenty of cream and butter.

This modern version, however, takes things up a notch by incorporating cheese, fresh herbs, and a touch of garlic to enhance the flavors. By using varieties like Gruyère and Parmesan, the gratin develops a deep, nutty richness that pairs perfectly with the natural starchiness of the potatoes. Meanwhile, fresh herbs like thyme and parsley add an aromatic brightness that prevents the dish from feeling too heavy.

The result? A dish that is creamy yet crispy, rich yet balanced, and indulgent yet refined.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. It’s a Show-Stopping Side Dish

Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a simple Sunday dinner, Cheese Herb Potato Gratin is guaranteed to steal the show. The beautiful layers of golden-baked potatoes create a visually appealing dish that looks as good as it tastes.

2. Simple Ingredients, Gourmet Flavor

This gratin proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create a gourmet dish. Potatoes, cream, cheese, and a few fresh herbs are all you need to make something truly special.

3. Perfect Texture Combination

One of the best things about this dish is its contrast in textures. The top layer becomes crispy and golden as it bakes, while the inside stays soft, creamy, and melt in your mouth tender.

4. Customizable to Your Taste

While this recipe features Gruyère and Parmesan, you can easily swap in your favorite cheeses. Cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or even blue cheese can add a different flavor twist. You can also mix in other herbs like rosemary or sage for a more earthy aroma.

5. Great for Meal Prep

Potato gratin isn’t just delicious fresh out of the oven it tastes even better the next day. The flavors meld together beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

Choosing the Right Potatoes for the Perfect Gratin

The type of potatoes you use plays a crucial role in the final texture of the dish. Ideally, you want a potato that holds its shape but also absorbs the creamy sauce well.

• Yukon Gold Potatoes: These are the best choice for gratin because they are naturally creamy and hold their shape when baked. They provide a buttery texture that pairs beautifully with the cheese and cream.

• Russet Potatoes: While they are starchier and softer, russets create a more delicate and fluffy gratin. They tend to break down more easily, giving the dish a slightly more mashed texture inside.

• Red Potatoes: These are waxier and don’t absorb cream as well, so they aren’t the best option for gratin. However, if you prefer a firmer texture, they can still work.

Regardless of your choice, make sure to slice the potatoes as thinly as possible. A mandoline slicer works best to ensure uniform, paper-thin slices that cook evenly.

The Secret to the Ultimate Crispy Top

One of the defining characteristics of a good potato gratin is the crispy, golden brown crust on top. Here’s how to achieve it every time:

1. Use a mix of cheeses – Gruyère provides great meltability, while Parmesan gives that perfect crisp finish.

2. Don’t cover the gratin for the full baking time – Covering it for the first part keeps the potatoes moist, but removing the foil toward the end allows the top to crisp up beautifully.

3. Broil for the last few minutes – If you want an extra crispy top, broil the gratin for 2-3 minutes at the end. Just watch it closely to avoid burning!

4. Use a cast-iron skillet or shallow baking dish – A wider surface area helps ensure more of the top gets that desirable crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Cheese Herb Potato Gratin is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with many main courses. Here are a few delicious serving ideas:

• With Roasted Meats: Serve it alongside roast chicken, beef tenderloin, lamb chops, or pork loin for an elegant dinner.

• As a Holiday Side Dish: This is a must have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter dinners. It complements turkey, ham, and other festive meats perfectly.

• With a Fresh Salad: Balance out the richness by serving it with a crisp, tangy green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette.

• As a Standalone Meal: Who says you need a main course? Enjoy a generous portion of gratin with a side of crusty bread for a comforting, vegetarian meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), here’s how to store and reheat them properly:

• Refrigeration: Store the gratin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze baked gratin for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and store it in a freezer safe container.

• Reheating: To retain the crispy top, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the potatoes soggy.

Conclusion

Cheese Herb Potato Gratin is the ultimate comfort food, blending creamy potatoes, rich cheese, and fragrant herbs into one irresistible dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a special holiday meal or simply craving something warm and satisfying, this gratin never disappoints.

With its crispy top, creamy interior, and deep, savory flavors, this dish is more than just a side it’s the star of the table. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd pleaser, Cheese Herb Potato Gratin is a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.