Roasted Garlic Potatoes Gratin

A warm, golden-brown dish emerges from the oven, filled with layers of perfectly roasted garlic potatoes blanketed in creamy goodness and melted cheese. Roasted Garlic Potatoes Gratin is a deliciously indulgent side that takes about 1.5 hours from start to finish and combines the savory flavor of roasted garlic with the comforting texture of baked potatoes. The magic lies in slowly roasting the garlic, which transforms its sharpness into a sweet, buttery essence that elevates the entire dish.

This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or cozy dinners when you want something scrumptious and satisfying. You can prepare it ahead of time by assembling it a day before, then simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The creamy texture combined with melted cheese creates a rich, satisfying bite.
• Roasting the garlic enhances its flavor, providing a sweet undertone to the dish.
• Layering the potatoes ensures every bite is uniformly cooked and packed with flavor.
• The golden cheese topping gives a visually appealing finish and a delightful crunch.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to create this mouthwatering dish.

For the Potatoes

• 8-9 medium starchy potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1.2kg)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic and Cream Mixture

• 1 head garlic, cut the top off
• 1 cup heavy cream (250 ml)
• 1/4 cup whole milk (60 ml)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the baking dish
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/3 tsp dried thyme)
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided (40g)

For the Cheese Topping

• 2 cups shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese (about 220g)
• Fresh chives, for garnish

Use more or less salt and pepper according to your taste.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half.
• Gruyère can be swapped for cheddar.
• Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried herbs.
• Starchy potatoes can be replaced with Yukon Gold.

How to Make It

Let’s dive into this delightful recipe with straightforward steps.

Preheat

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Roast Garlic

Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Place the garlic head on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt. Wrap the foil around the garlic and roast it in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden. Once roasted, allow the garlic to cool slightly before handling.

Grease Dish

While the garlic is roasting, grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and set aside.

Slice Potatoes

Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. I recommend using a mandoline slicer for even slices.

Arrange Potatoes

Take a stack of potatoes and arrange them upright in layers within the dish. Continue layering until all potatoes are used.

Make Cream Mixture

In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, butter, half of the grated parmesan cheese, thyme, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and the ingredients are well combined; do not let it boil.

Mash Garlic

Once the garlic is roasted, squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them into a paste. Stir the roasted garlic paste into the cream mixture until well combined.

Pour Cream

Pour the creamy mixture over the potatoes in the baking dish, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the dish tightly with kitchen foil.

Bake

Bake the potatoes au gratin in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.

Add Cheese

Remove the foil and top the potatoes with the shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.

Brown Cheese

Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown and the potatoes are fork-tender.

Cool and Garnish

Once done, remove the potato au gratin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives and enjoy!

How to Store It

Fridge: Store for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: No, cream will separate when thawed.
Reheat: Microwave on medium for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure to slice the potatoes uniformly for even cooking.
• Use a mandoline slicer for perfect thickness.
• Don’t skip the cooling time; it helps the gratin set properly.
• Experiment with cheese combinations for varied flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside roasted meats for a hearty meal.
• Pair with a fresh green salad for balance.
• Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.