Garlic Potato Gratin

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Golden, cheesy, and rich with flavor, Garlic Potato Gratin is the kind of side dish that never goes unnoticed. Each layer of thinly sliced potato is infused with roasted garlic, blanketed in a velvety cream sauce, and baked to bubbly perfection. With its irresistible crust and melt-in-your-mouth interior, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both weeknight dinners and holiday feasts.

Whether you’re preparing a cozy family meal or aiming to impress guests, this dish adds comforting sophistication to any table. The crisped top and creamy inside create a texture contrast that keeps every bite exciting. Plus, it pairs beautifully with everything from roast chicken to grilled vegetables.

---

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Potato Gratin

• Rich, creamy texture with a crispy, golden crust
• Infused with aromatic roasted garlic for deep flavor
• Easy to make ahead for stress-free entertaining
• Feels elegant but uses simple ingredients
• A versatile side dish for any season or occasion

---

What Kind of Potatoes Work Best for Gratin?

For a classic gratin texture, choose starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russets. Yukon Golds hold their shape beautifully while still becoming tender and creamy, whereas Russets are ultra-soft and soak up the cream sauce for a silkier finish. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or fingerlings, as they won’t break down as well and may leave the dish feeling dense.

---

Ingredients for the Garlic Potato Gratin

This dish calls for just a few simple but powerful ingredients that build layers of rich flavor. Here’s what you need and why it matters:

• Yukon Gold Potatoes – Their creamy texture and buttery flavor make them ideal for gratin, holding shape without becoming mushy.
• Heavy Cream – Adds richness and helps form that silky, luscious sauce that binds the dish together.
• Garlic Cloves – Roasted or sautéed for a mellow, deep garlic flavor that infuses every bite.
• Butter – Used for greasing the dish and dotting over the layers for added richness and browning.
• Gruyère Cheese – Melts beautifully and adds a slightly nutty, sophisticated taste.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential to bring out the flavor of the potatoes and balance the creaminess.
• Fresh Thyme (optional) – A sprinkle on top for aroma and a pop of color.

---

How To Make the Garlic Potato Gratin

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Peel and thinly slice the Yukon Gold potatoes to about 1/8-inch thick. A mandoline makes this step quick and uniform, ensuring even cooking.

Step 2: Infuse the Cream

Warm the heavy cream in a saucepan with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the garlic flavor fully infuses the cream. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Grease a baking dish with butter. Start layering the potatoes in overlapping rows. Pour a bit of the garlic cream mixture over each layer, sprinkle a handful of Gruyère cheese, and repeat until everything is used.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Dot the top layer with butter and cover with foil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. Then remove foil and bake another 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Let the gratin rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with a few thyme sprigs for a fragrant finish.

---

How to Serve and Store Garlic Potato Gratin

This Garlic Potato Gratin is rich, hearty, and satisfying—perfectly suited as a side dish for both casual and formal meals. It generously serves 6 to 8 people, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or festive gatherings.

To serve, spoon out portions with a large serving spatula to capture both the crisp top and creamy inner layers. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats or vegetable mains.

For storage, let the gratin cool to room temperature. Cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to restore its golden top.

---

What to Serve With Garlic Potato Gratin?

Roast Chicken

A juicy roasted chicken and creamy gratin make the ultimate comfort food duo.

Seared Steak

Pair the richness of the gratin with a perfectly cooked steak for a steakhouse-style dinner at home.

Grilled Vegetables

The smoky flavor of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus balances out the creaminess of the dish.

Baked Salmon

The buttery flavor of baked or poached salmon complements the garlicky potatoes beautifully.

Braised Short Ribs

Melt-in-your-mouth beef and gratin? A match made in slow-cooked heaven.

Garden Salad

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette adds refreshing contrast and lightens up the plate.

Garlic Green Beans

For a double garlic delight, serve with sautéed green beans tossed in olive oil and garlic.

Herbed Pork Tenderloin

Savory pork with fresh herbs makes a flavorful companion to the creamy gratin.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Garlic Potato Gratin ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just assemble, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as instructed—you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time straight from the fridge.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the result will be lighter and less creamy. Whole milk is a better substitute than low-fat milk, and you may need to add a bit of flour to help thicken the sauce.

What cheese can I substitute for Gruyère?
Comté, Emmental, or even sharp white cheddar work well if you can’t find Gruyère. Each brings its own twist on flavor and meltability.

How do I keep the potatoes from turning gray?
If you’re prepping in advance, keep the sliced potatoes submerged in cold water. Drain and pat dry before layering to prevent excess moisture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you stick to the classic cream-based version without adding any flour or breadcrumbs, it’s naturally gluten-free.

---

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can come back to it any time.
Follow me on Pinterest for more Life With Livia recipes!
Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add fresh herbs or maybe a cheesy topping twist?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better and smarter.

---

Conclusion

Garlic Potato Gratin is the kind of recipe that elevates simple ingredients into something truly special. Creamy, savory, and golden-topped, it brings rustic elegance to any table. Whether it’s the centerpiece of a cozy family dinner or a side dish for a festive gathering, this gratin is bound to be a favorite. Give it a try and make it your own—this dish is as flexible as it is delicious.

---

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?