Sunday Creamy Potato Gratin

Name: Sunday Creamy Potato Gratin
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese; 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon butter for greasing the baking dish

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making creamy potato gratin for Sunday family dinners. The layers of tender potatoes enveloped in rich cream and cheese create the perfect side dish. Every time I prepare it, the aroma fills the kitchen, and I can’t help but feel excited to serve it. The best part is that it’s easy to customize with herbs or different cheeses, making each meal unique. This comforting dish quickly becomes a family favorite, whether paired with a roast or enjoyed on its own.

Created by

Keira Dalton

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:04:19.756Z

When I first tried making potato gratin, I was amazed at how simple yet rewarding it is to bake layers of creamy goodness. I experimented with various cheeses, and I discovered that a mix of Gruyère and sharp cheddar adds a delightful complexity to the flavor profile. It’s become a staple at our Sunday meals because it complements hearty dishes perfectly while being rich enough to be a star on its own.

One essential tip I learned is to let the gratin rest before serving; it holds together better and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Now, each time I prepare it, I can see my family eagerly waiting for that first creamy bite, turning this dish into a comforting tradition.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Luxurious layers of creamy potatoes baked to perfection
Versatile – easily adjust with your favorite cheeses and herbs
A show-stopping side dish perfect for family gatherings

      

The Magic of Layering

Layering is essential to achieving the signature texture of creamy potato gratin. Each layer of thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes melds beautifully with the cream and cheese, creating a delightful contrast between tender potatoes and the rich, gooey topping. When layering, ensure even distribution of the seasonings and garlic, so every bite has a burst of flavor. This technique not only enhances taste but also affects the final texture, providing a satisfying mouthfeel that's characteristic of a high-quality gratin.

For optimal layering, slice your potatoes uniformly using a mandoline or sharp knife. This ensures they cook evenly, preventing any undercooked, crunchy bites. If you find some potatoes are browning too quickly while prepping, place them in a bowl of cold water with a touch of lemon juice to prevent oxidation. Drain and pat dry before layering them in the dish.

Cheese Choices and Enhancements

The choice of cheese is paramount in this dish, and while Gruyère and sharp cheddar create a delightful combination, you can explore various options to elevate your gratin. For a subtler flavor, consider using Monterey Jack or mild Gouda; for a stronger taste, a blue cheese can add a bold punch. Mixing in a bit of Parmesan on top can enhance that golden, crispy finish. Just remember to balance strong flavors with enough cream to prevent overpowering the dish.

Herbs like fresh thyme play a crucial role in enhancing the overall flavor profile. If you're aiming for a different taste, try experimenting with sage or rosemary. Just remember to chop them finely, as their boldness can easily take over if left in larger pieces. Incorporating these variations not only keeps the gratin fresh and exciting but also allows you to personalize it to your family’s preferences.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage

If you want to ease the preparation process, potato gratin can be assembled ahead of time. After layering the potatoes and cream mixture, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready to bake, simply remove the wrap and cover with foil, following the baking instructions as usual. You might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time, depending on how cold the dish is from the fridge.

Leftover gratin can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. To achieve that perfectly creamy texture, consider adding a splash of cream before warming it up. If freezing is necessary, cut the gratin into portions, wrap well, and store in the freezer for up to three months. Reheat directly from frozen, allowing additional time in the oven.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start for a smooth cooking process.

Ingredients

2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter for greasing the baking dish

Ensure that you have everything measured and ready to go.

Instructions

Preheat your oven and get your baking dish ready.

Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.

Layer the Potatoes

Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish. Season with salt, pepper, and half of the minced garlic.

Add Cream and Cheese

Pour half of the heavy cream over the potato layer, then sprinkle with half of the Gruyère and cheddar cheeses.

Repeat Layers

Layer the remaining potato slices, seasoning again with salt, pepper, and the remaining garlic. Pour the rest of the cream over, and top with the remaining cheeses and thyme.

Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

Cool and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the gratin cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy potato gratin with your favorite main dish!

Let the gratin rest before cutting. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an even richer flavor, consider adding some crumbled bacon or sautéed onions between the layers.

Perfect Pairings

Creamy potato gratin makes an excellent side for numerous main courses. When serving with a roast chicken or beef, the richness of the gratin complements the savory flavors beautifully. Consider pairing it with a fresh salad for contrast; a peppery arugula salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance to the dish's heaviness. The acidity from the vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess, making each bite feel lighter.

For a vegetarian twist, serve the gratin alongside grilled vegetables or a hearty mushroom risotto. The earthy flavors of mushrooms combined with the rich gratin create a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

It's not uncommon for gratin dishes to turn out watery if the potatoes release too much starch during baking. To combat this, use dry Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, and ensure they are thinly sliced to aid in even cooking. If the top isn’t browning sufficiently, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.

If you find your gratin has a gritty texture, this could be due to using pre-grated cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents. For the creamiest outcome, always grate your cheese fresh from the block; this enhances meltability and flavor. If you experience curdling of the cream during baking, try reducing the oven temperature slightly and covering the dish initially to create steam, helping the cream to cook gently and evenly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the gratin a day ahead, cover it tightly, and bake it when you're ready to serve.

→ What type of potatoes works best?

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for gratin due to their creamy texture and flavor, but you can also use Russets.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it doesn't include any flour or gluten-containing ingredients.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.