Potato Gratin - Simple and Classic

Featured in Perfect Companion Dishes.

Creamy potato gratin with herb cream cheese and Emmental. 15 minutes preparation, 45 minutes baking time. A classic side dish for 4 people.
Rehan Magic House Recipes
Updated on Fri, 04 Apr 2025 13:17:25 GMT
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Potato gratin: Creamy & crispy
A potato gratin is the epitome of comfort. With its golden cheese crust and tender potato layers, it's a classic that suits any occasion. Since I learned this recipe from my grandmother, it has been a staple of our family Sundays.

Our Basic Ingredients

  • Waxy potatoes: 800g, maintain shape
  • Cooking cream: 200ml, 15% fat
  • French herb cream cheese: 100g, mild seasoning
  • Emmental cheese: 100g, nutty flavor
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Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare potatoes
  • Peel and wash
  • Slice into 2-3 mm thick pieces
Prepare baking dish
  • Grease the dish
  • Layer potatoes in a shingle pattern
Create cream mixture
  • Mix cream with cream cheese
  • Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg
Add cheese and butter
  • Sprinkle Emmental on top
  • Distribute small pieces of butter
Bake in oven
  • 45 min. at 180°C fan oven
  • Cover with aluminum foil if needed

Serving Ideas

  • With roasted chicken
  • Steamed spinach with garlic
  • Caramelized onions and bacon

Variations for Every Taste

  • Vegetarian: Mushrooms & truffle oil
  • Low Carb: Sweet potatoes
  • Kid-friendly: Gouda instead of Emmental
  • Gourmet: Blue cheese
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Storage and Reheating

  • 3 days in the refrigerator
  • Freeze in portion containers
  • Reheat for 20 min. at 150°C

This potato gratin is more than a recipe – it's a piece of home. Every bite reminds of cozy family evenings and the joy of eating together.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use waxy potatoes?
They hold their shape during baking and don't become too mealy. This keeps the gratin nicely layered.
→ How thick should the potato slices be?
2-3mm is ideal. Cut too thick they won't cook through, too thin they fall apart.
→ Can I prepare the gratin ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and store covered in the refrigerator. Increase the baking time slightly.
→ What other cheeses work well?
Comté or Gruyère are traditional. Gouda or mountain cheese also work well.
→ Do I need to pre-cook the potatoes?
No, they cook in the cream. Just make sure to slice them thin enough.

Classic Potato Gratin

Classic potato gratin with cream and cheese. A simple recipe for the popular side dish or as a vegetarian main course.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Reham

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: French

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main ingredients

01 800g medium-starch potatoes (waxy to all-purpose potatoes)
02 200ml heavy cream (15% fat)
03 100g herbed soft cheese (like Boursin or similar French herb cheese)
04 100g Emmental cheese, freshly grated

→ Seasonings & fats

05 20g butter, cut into small pieces
06 1 teaspoon butter for greasing the dish
07 1 teaspoon sea salt
08 ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
09 ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 355°F (180°C) with fan/convection. Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly into 2-3mm rounds, using a sharp knife or mandoline for even thickness.

Step 02

Grease a baking dish with the teaspoon of butter. Arrange the potato slices in the dish in overlapping rows, similar to roof shingles, creating a beautiful pattern.

Step 03

In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, herbed soft cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth. Pour this luxurious mixture evenly over the arranged potatoes, making sure it seeps between the layers.

Step 04

Dot the top with small pieces of butter and sprinkle evenly with the grated Emmental cheese. Bake on the middle rack for approximately 45 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbling. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil for the remaining cooking time.

Notes

  1. For best results, use medium-starch potatoes that will hold their shape while becoming creamy when baked.
  2. If you notice the top browning too quickly, simply cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing the potatoes to continue cooking.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking dish (approximately 9.5 inches/24cm round or 10×8 inches/26×20cm rectangular)
  • Sharp knife or mandoline slicer for thin, even potato slices
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cream, cheese, and butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Total Fat: 24 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 12 g