Cheesy Dauphinoise Potatoes are the ultimate indulgent side dish, combining tender, thinly sliced potatoes with a rich, garlicky cream sauce and layers of melted cheese. As they bake, the potatoes absorb the creamy goodness, while the top turns beautifully golden and crisp, creating an irresistible contrast of textures.
This classic French dish may look elegant, but it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast, a dinner party, or just a cozy night in, its velvety, cheesy flavor makes every meal feel special.
Get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as comforting as it is luxurious!
Ingredients and Tools
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about ⅛ inch thick)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or a blend of Gruyère and Parmesan)
- Butter for greasing the dish
Tools:
- Mandoline slicer (optional but recommended)
- Large mixing bowl
- Oven-safe baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions of Cheesy Dauphinoise Potatoes
1 – Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter a large baking dish generously to prevent sticking.
- Peel the potatoes and slice them very thin—about ⅛ inch thick. A mandoline works best for this, but a sharp knife will do the trick.
2 – Make the Cream Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of heavy cream, 2 finely minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Add 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme and stir well.
3 – Layer the Potatoes
- Arrange a single layer of sliced potatoes in the baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice.
- Pour a small amount of the cream mixture over the potatoes, just enough to coat them.
- Sprinkle a light layer of grated Gruyère cheese over the cream.
- Repeat the layers—potatoes, cream, cheese—until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
4 – Bake to Perfection
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the dish cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect Pairings of Cheesy Dauphinoise Potatoes
Cheesy Dauphinoise Potatoes are a rich, indulgent side dish, so they pair beautifully with lean proteins like roasted chicken, seared steak, or baked salmon. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creaminess.
Garnishing Ideas of Cheesy Dauphinoise Potatoes
Elevate the dish by sprinkling fresh thyme, chopped parsley, or even a pinch of truffle salt on top before serving. This adds a pop of color and enhances the earthy, savory flavors.
Presentation Tips
For a rustic presentation, serve the potatoes straight from the baking dish at the center of the table. Alternatively, you can plate individual portions, showing off those beautiful, creamy layers with a clean slice.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes! Yukon Golds are ideal because they’re creamy and hold their shape well, but russet potatoes can also work. Just keep in mind that russets might be slightly starchier.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate it, unbaked, for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
What other cheeses can I use?
Gruyère is traditional for its nutty, melty goodness, but you can also use Comté, Emmental, or even sharp cheddar. For a more luxurious touch, mix in a bit of Parmesan with the Gruyère.
Summary
Cheesy Dauphinoise Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food—creamy, rich, and irresistibly golden on top. With layers of thinly sliced potatoes nestled in a garlicky cream sauce and finished with bubbling, melted cheese, this dish delivers pure indulgence in every bite.
Whether you’re making it for a holiday spread or a simple weeknight dinner, this classic French recipe never fails to impress. Pair it with your favorite protein, sprinkle on some fresh herbs for a burst of flavor, and enjoy a side dish that’s as elegant as it is satisfying.
Give it a try and let us know how it turns out—share your cheesy Dauphinoise potato creation with us!
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Cheesy Dauphinoise Potatoes
Few side dishes are as decadent and comforting as Cheesy Dauphinoise Potatoes. This classic French dish features thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, garlicky cream sauce and topped with golden, bubbling cheese. The potatoes become perfectly tender, soaking up all that creamy, cheesy goodness, while the top layer turns irresistibly crisp. It’s a luxurious yet simple recipe perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or any cozy meal.
Equipment
- Mandoline slicer (optional but recommended)
- Large mixing bowl
- Oven-safe baking dish
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and thinly sliced (about ⅛ inch thick)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese or a blend of Gruyère and Parmesan
- Butter for greasing the dish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter a large baking dish generously to prevent sticking.
- Peel the potatoes and slice them very thin—about ⅛ inch thick. A mandoline works best for this, but a sharp knife will do the trick.
- Make the Cream Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of heavy cream, 2 finely minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Add 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme and stir well.
- Layer the Potatoes
- Arrange a single layer of sliced potatoes in the baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice.
- Pour a small amount of the cream mixture over the potatoes, just enough to coat them.
- Sprinkle a light layer of grated Gruyère cheese over the cream.
- Repeat the layers—potatoes, cream, cheese—until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Bake to Perfection
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the dish cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Perfect Pairings
Dauphinoise potatoes pair beautifully with lean proteins like roasted chicken, seared steak, or baked salmon. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Garnishing Ideas
Sprinkle fresh thyme, chopped parsley, or a pinch of truffle salt on top before serving. This adds a pop of color and enhances the earthy, savory flavors. Presentation Tips
Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic, family-style presentation. Alternatively, plate individual portions, showing off those creamy, cheesy layers with a clean slice.
Perfect Pairings
Dauphinoise potatoes pair beautifully with lean proteins like roasted chicken, seared steak, or baked salmon. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Garnishing Ideas
Sprinkle fresh thyme, chopped parsley, or a pinch of truffle salt on top before serving. This adds a pop of color and enhances the earthy, savory flavors. Presentation Tips
Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic, family-style presentation. Alternatively, plate individual portions, showing off those creamy, cheesy layers with a clean slice.