Potatoes, cream and cheese - need I say more? Classic combo that is much easier to make than most people think. In France, this is a family dinner staple that is named "Gratin Dauphinois." This dish originated in the southeastern part of France called the "Dauphiné" region which is near Switzerland, hence the name and is made typically with milk. However, I like the richness of cream so that is what I use. Feel free to use half/half or straight up whole milk. You want to Americanize it? Use Colby Jack cheese. That's way yummy too.
View the video tutorial HERE.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs Idaho Russet potatoes (don't substitute this with any other type - it's inexpensive and the dry and starchy texture is what holds the dish together)
- 1 Tablespoon garlic, peeled and chopped
- 4 Tablespoon butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 Cup Swiss cheese, grated
- 1 Cup hot whole milk or 1 1/2 Cup heavy cream
Procedure:
- Preheat oven to 425º F
- Peel the potatoes and reserve in cold water to keep them from oxidizing or browning.
- Rub the inside of a baking dish that is 9-10 inches and about 2 inches deep with the 2 Tablespoons of the butter. If baking dish has a cover - even better.
- Slice the potatoes thin. About 1/8 of inch. I use a mandolin I bought at an Asian grocery store for this (be careful!). As you slice the potatoes, tile them in your buttered dish so they are even along the bottom of the dish. At this point, only slice half of the potatoes and proceed to the next step.
- Pour half the milk or cream, sprinkle half the salt, pepper, garlic and grated Swiss cheese on top.
- Repeat the steps 3 and 4 again.
- Cut the remaining butter into small cubes and dot the top of the potatoes.
- Cover tightly with foil or a lid for casserole.
- Bake for about 35 minutes and pull the cover off. Bake for another 15-20 minutes until potatoes are cooked through (test with a fork like you would a baked potato). The top should be golden brown.
- Let rest for 10 minutes to let everything meld and settle. Ready to eat!