CHEESY STACKED GRATIN DAUPHINOIS
- WineCheeseScallops
- Aug 23, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 14, 2024
Looking for a show-stopping side dish that combines the elegance of a French classic with the comfort of cheesy goodness? Our Cheesy Stacked Gratin Dauphinois is the perfect blend of sophistication and flavor, making it an ideal choice for any dinner gathering or special occasion.
Imagine layers of tender, thinly sliced russet potatoes, infused with a creamy garlic sauce and stacked to perfection. Topped with rich, sharp white cheddar cheese and baked until golden brown, each bite is a delicious mix of crispy edges and soft, savory potato goodness. The finishing touch? A sprinkle of fresh chives to elevate the dish with a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Not only is this dish visually stunning, but it's also incredibly versatile. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, celebrating a holiday, or simply looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, this Gratin Dauphinois will impress your guests and delight your taste buds.
Plus, we've made it convenient for you! Prepare the stacks ahead of time and reheat them just before serving. While they’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, reheating them still yields a delicious result—perfect for when you need a little extra time to focus on your main course.
The term "Dauphinois" comes from French cuisine and is derived from the Dauphiné region in southeastern France. The word is often associated with "Gratin Dauphinois," a classic French dish made with thinly sliced potatoes baked in milk or cream, sometimes with garlic and other seasonings.
Etymology:
Dauphinois: Refers to something that is from or related to the Dauphiné region.
Gratin Dauphinois: The dish itself, which translates roughly to "Dauphiné-style gratin," has become widely known as a method for preparing potatoes in a creamy, baked casserole.
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The Dauphiné region is located in the French Alps, and its cuisine reflects the hearty, rustic nature of the area, with the Gratin Dauphinois being one of its most famous culinary exports. The dish dates back to at least the 18th century and is celebrated for its simplicity and rich, comforting flavors.
Why Our Cheesy Stacked Gratin Dauphinois is the Ultimate Side Dish
Elegant Presentation: Individually stacked potato slices in muffin cups create a visually stunning dish that impresses with its sophisticated appearance.
Rich, Cheesy Flavor: The combination of sharp white cheddar and creamy sauce delivers a rich, decadent taste that cheese lovers will adore.
Perfectly Tender Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes are baked to fork-tender perfection, ensuring each bite is soft, savory, and satisfying.
Easy Portion Control: Serving in muffin cups allows for easy portioning, making it a breeze to serve at dinner parties or special occasions.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the stacks ahead of time and reheat them before serving, giving you more time to focus on the main course or other dishes.
Versatile Side Dish: Whether paired with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or a simple salad, this Gratin Dauphinois complements a wide range of main courses.
Classic French Inspiration: The recipe brings the timeless elegance of French cuisine to your table, adding a touch of gourmet flair to any meal.
Easy to Customize: The addition of truffle butter (optional) or other herbs allows you to tailor the dish to your taste or add a hint of luxury.
Crispy, Golden Top: The melted cheddar creates a beautifully golden, crispy top layer, adding texture and an irresistible cheesy finish.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: This dish combines the best of comfort food with a gourmet twist, making it a hit with family and friends alike.
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Ingredients:
Vegetable oil spray
2 Tbsp salted butter
1 Tbsp truffle butter (optional)
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup heavy cream
¾ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 lbs small to medium russet potatoes, scrubbed
1½ cups grated sharp white cheddar cheese (about 6 oz)
1 Tbsp chopped chives, for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spray twelve 2½-inch muffin cups with vegetable oil.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until tender and fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the cream, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat.
Peel the potatoes and slice them very thinly using a mandolin, food processor with a slicing disc, or a sharp chef’s knife. Place the slices in a large bowl. Pour the cream mixture over the potatoes and gently toss to coat (using clean hands works better than a spoon).
Stack the potato slices in the prepared muffin cups. Spoon any remaining cream mixture evenly over the stacks. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven and carefully take off the foil. Top each stack with cheddar cheese. Return the pan to the oven and bake uncovered until the cheese is golden brown and the potatoes are fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Let the stacks rest for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped chives and serve warm.
Store leftover potato stacks in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven.
Tip: We prepared these the night before for a gathering, leaving them covered in the muffin pan in the fridge overnight. The next day, we reheated them at 300°F until warmed through. While reheating works, these are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven!
We’re so excited for you to try this recipe! To make it even easier, we’ve put together a list of our favorite kitchen tools that are super helpful for this recipe. By using our affiliate links below, you’ll not only be getting top-notch products but also supporting our blog, Wine Cheese Scallops. Thank you so much for your support—happy cooking!
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