This rich and creamy potato dish is a perfect side for special occasions or a comforting meal at home. With layers of melted cheese and perfectly cooked potatoes, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- Butter: 2 tablespoons (plus extra for greasing the baking dish)
- White Onion: 1/2, minced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground
- Chicken Stock: 1/2 cup
- Heavy Cream: 1 1/4 cups (you may need more to adjust the consistency)
- Russet Potatoes: 1 1/2 pounds, peeled and sliced 1/8-inch thick
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, grated
- Provolone Cheese: 3/4 cup, grated
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish
Preparation:
Preheat Oven:
- Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and help with easy serving.
Cook Onions and Garlic:
- In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent. This brings out the natural sweetness of the onion.
- Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release the garlic’s fragrance.
Simmer Potatoes:
- Pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream, then add the sliced potatoes.
- Bring the mixture to a low simmer, being careful not to let it boil to avoid curdling the cream.
- Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. The potatoes should become tender, and you can adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Assemble and Bake:
- Transfer the potato mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Evenly sprinkle the grated cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown, creating a crispy, delicious crust.
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve the gratin hot as a side dish with steak, chicken, or any of your favorite mains.