Cheesy Garlic Potatoes Gratin

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Golden, crispy, creamy—Cheesy Garlic Potatoes Gratin is everything you want in a comfort food dish. The thinly sliced potatoes are layered in a rich garlic cream sauce and topped with melted cheese that bubbles to golden perfection. Each bite delivers velvety potato layers with just the right balance of garlic and cheesy indulgence.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or looking for a hearty side for a holiday spread, this dish never fails to impress. The crispy top, tender interior, and savory aroma of garlic and thyme make it a show-stopper on any table.

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What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?

For the best texture, use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. Their starch content helps create that luscious, creamy consistency while still holding their shape. Avoid waxy potatoes—they tend to stay firm and won’t give you the same melt-in-your-mouth layers.

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Ingredients for the Cheesy Garlic Potatoes Gratin

Potatoes: The star of the show. Sliced thinly, they stack into beautiful, creamy layers that absorb all the garlicky flavor.

Garlic: Infuses the entire dish with savory depth. Use fresh garlic cloves for a rich, robust flavor.

Heavy Cream: Creates the silky base of the sauce and binds everything together as it bakes.

Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharpness and melty goodness. You can also mix in Gruyère or mozzarella for more complexity.

Butter: Enhances the richness and helps the top layer brown perfectly.

Fresh Thyme: Adds earthy aroma and brightness to the heavy flavors.

Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of the dish.

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How To Make the Cheesy Garlic Potatoes Gratin

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a medium-sized baking dish to prevent sticking and create that golden crust.

Step 2: Create the Garlic Cream Mixture

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, minced garlic, a few sprigs of thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until the flavors infuse. Remove thyme sprigs before using.

Step 3: Slice the Potatoes

Using a mandoline or sharp knife, thinly slice the potatoes (about 1/8-inch thick). Uniform slices ensure even cooking and beautiful layering.

Step 4: Layer the Dish

Start with a layer of potatoes, slightly overlapping. Pour a spoonful of garlic cream mixture over the top, sprinkle some shredded cheese, and repeat until you’ve used all the ingredients. Finish with a generous layer of cheese and small pats of butter.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 20 minutes or until the top is bubbling and golden brown.

Step 6: Let it Rest

Remove from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.

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Serving and Storing the Cheesy Garlic Potatoes Gratin

Serve this dish hot out of the oven as a comforting side or even the main event with a green salad. It pairs perfectly with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or a holiday ham. For a vegetarian dinner, serve it alongside sautéed greens or roasted vegetables.

To store leftovers, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve the texture. You can also freeze individual portions; just thaw overnight and reheat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the potatoes from turning gray?

Once sliced, keep the potatoes submerged in cold water if you’re not layering them immediately. Drain and pat dry before using.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the gratin, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time.

What cheeses work best in gratin?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but Gruyère, mozzarella, or a touch of parmesan bring extra depth and gooey texture.

How do I know it’s done baking?

The top should be golden and bubbling, and a knife should slide easily through the potato layers with no resistance.

Can I add onions or other vegetables?

Yes! Thinly sliced onions, leeks, or even mushrooms can be layered in for more flavor.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe contains no flour or breadcrumbs. Just double-check your cheese and cream for any additives if needed.

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Want More Side Dish Ideas?

If you’re into cheesy, savory bakes like this one, you’ll love these other delicious recipes on the blog:

• Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole for a veggie-packed twist.
• Honey Butter Skillet Corn if you love sweet-savory combinations.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for a one-pan dinner with major flavor.
• Funeral Potatoes that hit all the creamy, crunchy notes.
• Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes and Veggies for a rustic sheet pan favorite.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you use a mix of cheeses? Add caramelized onions or a sprinkle of chili flakes?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better, one creamy layer at a time.

✨ Find more of my daily recipes over on Pinterest: Life with Nina

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