- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized gratin dish with butter.
- Prepare the Cream Mixture:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg.
- Heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Gratin:
- Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice.
- Pour about 1/3 of the cream mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle with 1/3 of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers twice more, ending with the remaining cheese on top. Dot the top layer with the small pieces of butter.
- Bake the Gratin:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the gratin from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to slice.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
- Serve warm as a side dish to your favorite main courses.
CONCLUSION
Potato gratin is a delicious and comforting dish that’s sure to impress your family and guests. The creamy layers of tender potatoes and rich cheese create a mouthwatering combination that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, this gratin is the ultimate side dish for a memorable meal. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this classic potato gratin!