Dauphinoise Potatoes

There is almost nothing better than a dish that combines cheese and potatoes. These deliciously creamy dauphinoise potatoes do just that. Ready in under an hour, this dish works as a hearty comfort food side dish or something indulgent to elevate your meal.

From the thinly sliced potatoes to the creamy cheese sauce, this classic French potato dish will impress and fulfill any hungry diner. 

If you're looking for a dish that is easy to make and will elevate your meal, these delicious dauphinoise potatoes are it. Tasty, indulgent, and fulfilling, they'll have everyone wanting more.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This Potatoes au Gratin recipe succeeds on multiple fronts, making it a standout choice for home cooks and culinary enthusiasts alike. Its simplicity ensures easy preparation, requiring little more than some straightforward steps to achieve delicious results. Moreover, its versatility shines through as it effortlessly pairs with a wide array of main courses, from hearty roasts to delicate seafood dishes, adding a touch of comfort and sophistication to any meal.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its adaptability and customizability, allowing endless variations to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences. Whether experimenting with different cheeses, herbs, or spices or opting for dairy-free alternatives, this recipe provides a canvas for culinary creativity, promising a delightful dining experience every time.

Ingredients

Potatoes:

Opt for starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds, as they hold their shape well and offer a creamy texture when cooked. Slice the potatoes uniformly with a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, ensuring even cooking throughout the dish.

Heavy Cream:

Heavy cream is used in dauphinoise potatoes because of its rich and creamy texture, which helps create the dish's luxurious characteristics. If you prefer to avoid heavy cream or are looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can substitute it with various plant-based options. Coconut, cashew, soy, and almond creams are all excellent options for achieving delicious and creamy Potatoes au Gratin.

Evaporated Milk:

Evaporated milk is used in this recipe because of its reduced water content, which prevents curdling during baking and ensures a smooth texture. If unavailable, consider substituting with a mixture of whole milk and heavy cream in equal parts, or explore dairy-free alternatives like coconut or cashew cream.

Seasonings:

Aromatics like garlic, thyme, or rosemary are added to the cream mixture for depth of flavor. However, you can experiment with other seasoning elements like parsley, chives, basil, sage, tarragon, paprika, or cumin.

Cheddar Cheese:

While this recipe uses cheddar to provide the cheesy finish, you can experiment with various cheeses. Gruyere, Emmental, Fontina, parmesan, manchego, asiago, and even blue cheeses are all tasty options that bring their unique characteristics to the dish.

How to Make These Creamy Dauphinoise Potatoes

Step One: 

Prepare your potatoes by peeling and thinly slicing them.

Step Two: 

Add heavy cream, evaporated milk, garlic, rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, chili flakes, mustard, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and 1 cup of cheese to a pot over medium heat and stir to incorporate.

Step Three: 

Add the potatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring consistently to avoid burning.

Step Four:

Simmer for 5-10 minutes, then remove the sprigs and bay leaf. Transfer to an oven-safe casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.

Step Five: 

Bake for 45 minutes at 350F.

Step Six: 

Remove from the oven and give your dauphinoise potatoes 5-10 minutes to rest.

Step Seven: 

Serve with your favorite mains, and enjoy!

Tips

• When transferring your potatoes to an oven-safe dish, spoon them out and arrange them layered and overlapping slightly to create a dense, cohesive structure. Then, pour the cream mixture on top. This helps the potatoes hold their shape and absorb the cream mixture evenly.
• Cover the baking dish with foil for the first part of the baking process to prevent the top layer of potatoes from drying out. Remove the foil towards the end to allow the top to brown and become crispy.
• Garnish the finished dish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a burst of color and freshness. Alternatively, a sprinkle of grated cheese or a drizzle of truffle oil can add an extra layer of indulgence.

What to Serve With Dauphinoise Potatoes

Dauphinoise potatoes complement a wide range of main dishes and side accompaniments, making them a versatile addition to any meal. Pair them with succulent roasted meats such as herb-crusted lamb, juicy roast chicken, or tender beef tenderloin for a hearty and satisfying feast. For a lighter option, serve alongside grilled or pan-seared fish like salmon or halibut, allowing the creamy potatoes to balance the flavors of the seafood.

Vegetarian options like roasted vegetables or a crisp garden salad make excellent side dishes, providing contrasting textures and vibrant flavors to complement the rich and creamy dauphinoise potatoes.

Looking for more ideas? Check out What To Serve With Dauphinoise Potatoes for 18 delicious recipes.

FAQs

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

It's a matter of personal preference. While some prefer the texture of peeled potatoes, others enjoy the added rustic feel of leaving the skins on. If you choose to leave the skins on, make sure you scrub them well to remove any dirt.

Can I make vegan dauphinoise potatoes?

Yes, you can make vegan dauphinoise potatoes by substituting dairy cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream, using vegan cheese, adding flavor with nutritional yeast and herbs, thickening the cream mixture with cornstarch or flour, and adjusting seasoning to taste.

For how long can leftover dauphinoise potatoes be kept fresh?

Leftover dauphinoise potatoes can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer-term storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, freezing may affect the texture.

More Potato Recipes

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