French Gratin Dauphinois

Gratin dauphinois is a traditional French dish made with thinly sliced potatoes, and oozing with creamy and heart-warming flavors.

A couple of weeks ago, I was asked to prepare a French signature dish at the International Home + Houseware Show of Chicago. I was there as a chef, working together with French company Peugeot Saveurs. Eventually, I went for the traditional gratin dauphinois, for which I received so much positive feedback that I decided to share the recipe with you.

Served either as a main or as a side, gratin dauphinois is a pretty common dish in France. I realized, however, that I hadn’t made it myself for years! The recipe itself is very basic, with just a few ingredients, and it seems that every French guy knows how to make it. Except of course that everyone has a different version of the recipe. So there I am! Because it’s been almost 10 years since I moved abroad and it was time to go back to French classics!

When moving abroad, most people actually miss home food, and this is true for all nationalities. French people in particular tend to miss all the good stuff you find from France, like smelly cheese (so cliché, I know!). Anyway, the thing is that I do not belong to this category. After so many years abroad, I discover that I’m always curious to new food experiences rather than missing home food. That’s who I am and who I’ve always been: food is to me a wonderful journey to the unknown.

Don’t get me wrong, I do like French food, but I like to explore further, going outside my comfort zone when cooking. All that to say that a gratin dauphinois never really came to my mind before. But eh, for you dear readers, French food might as well be exotic and if not, I’m pretty sure you are always up for comfort food.

A quick, easy, and cheap recipe

As I said, there are many different gratin dauphinois recipes and it can sometimes be overwhelming. I do not pretend to know the best of them all, but the one I suggest you today is a honest one. First of all, you will be surprised by its simplicity, with just a few ingredients (and no garlic). Then, note that the recipe is on the cheap side. Finally, it’s the perfect dish to feed a crowd!

Of course, peeling and slicing the potatoes can take a little bit f effort. In order to make your job easier, you can always use a potato slicer or mandoline. It enables you to get very thin potato slices, which is perfect for this recipe. Indeed, potato slices are soaked and baked in a creamy mixture until soft and tender. The thinner the potato slices, the better.

I usually serve my gratin dauphinois as a main, with a side of greens, as I tend to be on the vegetarian side. But you could also serve it as a side dish to a meat dish. I prepared the dish in my new Appolia ceramic round form, which is pure magic when it comes to cleaning. Nothing sticks to it! Now without any further ado, here’s the recipe for you. Enjoy!

French Gratin Dauphinois

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• Author: Delphine Fortin
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 50 mins
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Savory
• Cuisine: French

Gratin dauphinois is a traditional French dish made with thinly sliced potatoes, and oozing with creamy and heart-warming flavors.

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Ingredients

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• 5–6 medium-size potatoes
• 3/4 cup (18–20 cl) heavy liquid cream
• 3/4 cup (18–20 cl) milk (whole or reduced-fat)
• 1 Tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (3.5 ounces / 100g) Gruyère cheese, grated
• Nutmeg
• Salt and pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 430°F (220°C) and grease the bottom and the sides of a 9-inch (25 cm) gratin dish with butter.
2. Mix together milk and cream in a measuring cup. Set aside.
3. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Layer half the potato slices in the dish in an even layer. Season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle some nutmeg over. Add tiny pieces of butter all over, then cover with a thin layer of grated cheese.
4. Add the remaining layer of potato slices. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg, then pour over the milk-cream mixture not higher than the upper layer of potato slices. Cover with grated cheese.
5. Bake for about 50-60 minutes. The gratin is ready when it is golden-brown in surface and potates are fork tender. Serve warm or lukewarm with a side of lettuce.

Family-Friendly, Gluten-Free, Main Dishes, Sides, Vegetarian, Year Round

Did you make this recipe?

Lastly, if you make this French Gratin Dauphinois, be sure to leave a comment and give this recipe a rating, letting me know how you liked it. And of course, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Thank you and enjoy!