Description
Creamy, cheesy roasted garlic potatoes layered with tender sliced Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, infused with sweet roasted garlic, and baked until bubbling and golden. This rich au gratin dish delivers ultimate comfort food, perfect as a side for holidays or special dinners.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2½ lbs Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, thinly sliced
Roasted Garlic
- 1 whole head garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Cream Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh)
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
Cheeses
- 1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Roast the garlic: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the garlic head, drizzle it with olive oil, wrap tightly in foil, and roast for 35–40 minutes until the cloves are soft and aromatic.
- Prepare the cream sauce: Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out into a bowl and mash into a smooth paste. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then add the heavy cream, milk, roasted garlic paste, salt, black pepper, thyme, and nutmeg. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, making sure the mixture does not boil.
- Assemble the dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom. Pour half of the cream and garlic sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle with half of the Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat layering with the remaining potatoes, cream mixture, and cheese.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbling top.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
Notes
- Slice potatoes evenly to ensure consistent cooking throughout the dish.
- Gruyère cheese can be substituted with Swiss cheese or white cheddar for a different but complementary flavor.
- For a crispier golden top, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
