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Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin

With layers of tender potatoes enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin is a classic comfort food that never fails to delight.
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: French
Keyword: potato

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme plus more to finish
  • 2 garlic cloves chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • unsalted butter
  • 2 pounds russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan plus more for topping

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • In a saucepan, heat up the cream gently with the bay leaves, thyme, garlic, nutmeg and some salt and pepper.
  • While the cream is heating, butter a casserole dish.
  • Use a slotted spoon to remove the bay leaves and thyme from the cream.
  • Coat the bottom of the dish with a small amount of cream. Pour the remaining heated cream into a large bowl with the potato slices. Mix gently to coat the potatoes. Then select an approach for assembling.
  • Option 1: Rustic approach. Sprinkle the Parmesan & Cheddar over the potatoes. Season with a dash of salt and pepper. Mix to gently incorporate. Spoon the potatoes into the prepared dish. Level out the potatoes for uniform cooking time. Pour the remaining cream at the bottom of the bowl over the top. Top with more Parmesan and fresh thyme leaves. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, but poke holes in the foil for the steam to escape. Bake for about 40 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
  • Option 2: Controlled approach. Create a base layer of potatoes slightly overlapping in the prepared casserole dish. Season lightly with salt & pepper. Sprinkle lightly with Parmesan & Cheddar cheese. (Do not cover potatoes completely with cheese or it will be oily! Just a gentle sprinkle of cheese on each layer will do.) Spoon a bit of cream over potatoes using your judgement on portioning for each layer. Repeat (about 4 layers?) layering potatoes, seasoning, cheeses and cream, ending with pouring any remaining cream over the top. Top with more Parmesan and fresh thyme leaves. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, but poke holes in the foil for the steam to escape. Bake for about 40 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Notes

This can be made in one casserole dish or in individual gratin dishes.