– **Title**: Au Gratin Potatoes for Two
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing the dish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a small baking dish (approximately 2-cup capacity) with the butter.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the heavy cream, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes.
5. Sprinkle half of the Gruyère cheese over the cream mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, cream mixture, and top with the Parmesan cheese.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Let the dish sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Au Gratin Potatoes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes give a creamy texture, while Russet potatoes are fluffier. I prefer Yukon Gold for a smooth bite, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, half-and-half or a mix of milk and butter can work. Just keep in mind it won’t be as rich, but it’s a great option if you’re looking to cut calories.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and Gruyère adds depth. I often toss in some Parmesan for that extra kick! If you’re dairy-free, look for plant-based cheese alternatives.
Garlic and Onion Powder: If you have fresh garlic or onion, feel free to use those instead. A clove of garlic or a small onion finely chopped will enhance the flavor even more.
Butter: Just about any oil can substitute for greasing the dish, including olive oil or cooking spray if you’re looking for a healthier or dairy-free option.
How Do I Slice Potatoes Evenly for Layering?
Slicing potatoes evenly is key to ensuring they cook uniformly. Using a mandoline slicer can help you achieve that perfect thickness of about 1/8 inch. However, if you don’t have one, simply use a sharp knife and try your best to keep the slices even. Practice makes perfect!
- Peel the potatoes first, then slice them into rounds. Keep them about the same thickness for even cooking.
- To prevent browning, place sliced potatoes in a bowl of water until you’re ready to layer them.
How to Make Au Gratin Potatoes For Two
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 2 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-50 minutes to bake. You’ll spend those first minutes peeling and slicing the potatoes, mixing the creamy goodness, and layering everything together. After that, it’s all about waiting for it to bake to perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
First things first, set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat. While it’s warming up, take a small baking dish and grease it with the butter. This will help keep your delicious potatoes from sticking.
2. Slicing the Potatoes:
Next, peel your medium potatoes and slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. Try to keep the slices even so they cook nicely. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer if you have one!
3. Mixing the Creamy Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, pour in the heavy cream. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk these together until well combined—you want all that flavor to come together beautifully!
4. Layering the Potatoes:
Now it’s time to start layering! Take half of your sliced potatoes and arrange them in the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly. This helps with even cooking and makes it look lovely.
5. Adding Cream and Cheese:
Pour half of the creamy mixture over your first layer of potatoes. Then sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top. This makes a rich, cheesy layer that is going to be amazing!
6. Second Layer:
Now, add the remaining potato slices in another layer, just like you did before. Pour the rest of the cream mixture over the top, ensuring every potato gets some of that rich sauce.
7. Finishing with Cheese:
Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of everything to create a delicious cheesy crust. You can never have too much cheese, right?
8. Baking Time:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven. Let it bake for 30 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil so you can let that cheese bubble and get golden brown. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until it looks irresistible!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This waiting time helps the layers set. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle some fresh thyme or parsley on top for a touch of color and flavor if you like. Now it’s time to dig in and enjoy your delicious Au Gratin Potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic choice, you can mix it up with other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or even parmesan for a unique flavor. Just keep in mind that different cheeses melt differently, so adjust your cooking time if necessary.
Can I Substitute Milk for Heavy Cream?
You can use whole milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the dish might be less rich and creamy. If you choose to use milk, consider adding a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce, and keep an eye on the baking time as it might need to cook a little longer.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout. You can also reheat in the microwave, though the texture might not be as crispy.
What’s a Good Side Dish to Serve with Au Gratin Potatoes?
These rich potatoes pair perfectly with light salads or steamed vegetables to balance the heaviness of the dish. Grilled or roasted meats, like chicken or steak, also make for a wonderful main course alongside these cheesy potatoes.
