How to Make Gratin de Pommes de Terre – Classic French Potato Gratin

 

A rich and creamy side dish made with simple ingredients and plenty of flavour

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If you're searching for the perfect comfort food, look no further than Gratin de Pommes de Terre – also known as French potato gratin or dauphinoise potatoes. This beloved French classic layers thinly sliced potatoes with cream, garlic, and cheese, then bakes it all until golden and bubbling. In this article, you'll learn exactly how to make gratin de pommes de terre using British English, with SEO-friendly content under 1000 words.

--- published by foodie Parmod.

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🥔 What is Gratin de Pommes de Terre?

Gratin de pommes de terre is a traditional French side dish featuring sliced potatoes baked in cream, often with garlic and cheese. It’s rich, creamy, and perfect as a side for roast meats, poultry, or even on its own with a green salad. The dish is also commonly referred to as Gratin Dauphinois, particularly when made without cheese.

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

1kg floury potatoes (e.g. Maris Piper or King Edward)

2 cloves garlic, crushed

300ml double cream

100ml whole milk

100g grated Gruyère cheese (or mature cheddar if preferred)

20g unsalted butter, for greasing

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Optional: pinch of nutmeg

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👨‍🍳 How to Make Gratin de Pommes de Terre – Step-by-Step

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan 160°C) / Gas Mark 4. Lightly butter a baking dish (around 25cm x 20cm) and rub the crushed garlic over the base and sides.

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2. Peel and Slice the Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and slice them very thinly (about 2–3mm thick). A mandoline or sharp knife works best for consistent slices. Do not rinse the slices, as the natural starch helps thicken the gratin.

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3. Layer the Dish

Arrange a layer of potato slices in the base of the dish. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg (if using). Repeat in layers until all the potatoes are used.

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4. Add Cream and Milk

In a small saucepan, gently heat the cream and milk together – do not boil. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered potatoes. Press the potatoes gently with a spatula to level them out.

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5. Top with Cheese (Optional)

Scatter the grated cheese over the top. If you’re aiming for a traditional Dauphinois style, you can skip the cheese – but it's highly recommended for added richness.

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6. Bake

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.

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7. Rest and Serve

Let the gratin rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.

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✅ Why You'll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients, big flavour

Creamy, cheesy and satisfying

Perfect for dinner parties or Sunday roast

Can be made ahead and reheated

Naturally vegetarian

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Gratin de pommes de terre pairs beautifully with:

Roast lamb, chicken, or pork

Seared duck breast

Grilled vegetables or mushrooms

Green salad with vinaigrette

It’s also lovely as part of a vegetarian main when served with sautéed greens or ratatouille.

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❄️ Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days

Reheat covered in the oven at 170°C until piping hot

Freezing is not ideal, as the cream may split upon defrosting

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🔄 Recipe Variations

Add thinly sliced onions or leeks between layers

Mix in a handful of grated Parmesan for extra savoury depth

Use half cream, half crème fraîche for a tangier taste

For a rustic twist, leave the potato skins on

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🧀 Fun Fact: What’s the Difference Between Gratin Dauphinois and Pommes de Terre au Gratin?

Gratin Dauphinois is made with cream only, often without cheese.

Pommes de Terre au Gratin may include cheese and eggs for a firmer, quiche-like texture.

In everyday use, the names are often used interchangeably.

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📸 Share Your Gratin!

Tried this gratin de pommes de terre recipe? Share your photo on social media with the hashtag #FrenchPotatoGratin and tag your favourite foodie friends!

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🔗 Related Recipes You’ll Enjoy

[How to Make Tarte aux Poireaux – Leek Tart]

[How to Make Flan de Légumes – Vegetable Flan]

[How to Make Salade de Chèvre Chaud – Warm Goat’s Cheese Salad]

[How to Make Poulet Rôti – French Roast Chicken]

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Bon Appétit! 🇫🇷

Now that you know how to make gratin de pommes de terre, you can enjoy this classic French dish at home any day of the week. Creamy, indulgent, and deeply comforting – it's sure to become a family favourite.

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.