Creamy Potatoes au Gratin – A Cheesy Classic with a Fiery Twist That Melts in Your Mouth

Golden, gooey, and bubbling with cheese – Creamy Potatoes au Gratin is the ultimate comfort food that’s rich, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make. This beloved French-inspired dish features thinly sliced potatoes baked slowly in a luscious blend of full cream, milk, garlic, butter, and spices, then topped with melty mozzarella cheese. What makes this version special? A hint of cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick that cuts through the richness, making every bite irresistibly satisfying. Whether served as a festive side or the star of a cozy dinner, this gratin delivers flavor in every creamy layer.

Potatoes au gratin, or “gratin dauphinois” in French, hails from the Dauphiné region in southeastern France and has long been a staple of European comfort cuisine. While the original French version relies heavily on cream and garlic, this recipe gets a delicious upgrade with mozzarella cheese and a touch of spice. The result? Creamy, cheesy, spicy, and deeply satisfying layers that are perfect for special occasions or hearty weeknight meals. I love using mozzarella here for its mild flavor and perfect melt – it creates that gorgeous, golden-brown top we all crave. The trick to getting the texture just right? Thinly sliced potatoes (3mm is ideal) and a long, slow bake to bring everything together. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dish and stores well for leftovers. Let’s dive in and master this cheesy masterpiece!

---

Key Ingredients & Their Roles

• Potatoes → The starchy base that becomes tender and creamy when baked slowly. Look for starchy or all-purpose varieties like Sebago or Yukon Gold.
• Full cream & milk → These provide the rich, velvety base of the dish. Using both ensures a balanced creaminess without it being too heavy.
• Minced garlic & melted butter → Add aromatic depth and savory richness. Garlic infuses the dish while butter enhances flavor and aids even browning.
• Mozzarella cheese → Offers a stretchy, melty texture and mild cheesy flavor. Perfect for that signature gratin top.
• Cayenne pepper → A unique twist! Adds just a hint of heat that balances the richness beautifully.
• Dried thyme → Lends a subtle earthy aroma that complements the potatoes and cream.

---

Creamy Potatoes au Gratin Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes |  Cuisine: French-inspired, Western | Calories: Approx. 380 kcal per serving |  Serving Size: 6–8 servings

 

📝 Ingredients:

• 1.3 kg potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (approx. 3mm)
• ¾ cup (180ml) full cream (Heavy/Thickened cream)
• ¾ cup (180ml) milk
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon chicken powder (or bouillon granules)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 cups (270g) mozzarella cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Fresh spring onion, chopped (for garnish)

 

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cream Mixture
• In a jug, combine melted butter, garlic, full cream, and milk. Stir until well mixed.
2. Preheat Oven
• Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F.
3. Make the Seasoning Mix
• In a small bowl, combine salt, chicken powder, black pepper, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.
4. Slice the Potatoes
• Peel the potatoes and slice them into 3mm (⅛-inch) rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife.
5. Layer the Gratin
• Lightly grease a baking dish.
• Spread 1/3 of the potato slices evenly on the bottom.
• Pour 1/3 of the cream mixture over the potatoes.
• Sprinkle with 1/3 of the seasoning mix and 1/3 of the mozzarella.
• Repeat the layers two more times, but do not add cheese on the top layer yet.
6. Bake Covered
• Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes.
7. Add Final Cheese & Finish Baking
• Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
8. Garnish & Serve
• Let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh spring onion before serving.

---

Tips & Ingredient Substitutions

✔ Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk (like oat or soy), vegan cheese, and olive oil instead of butter.
✔ Cheese Swap: Gruyère or cheddar work beautifully if you want a sharper flavor.
✔ Make Ahead: Prepare up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh before serving.
✔ Add Veggies: Thin layers of sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, or mushrooms add extra flavor and nutrition.
✔ Speed Tip: Use a food processor or mandoline slicer for fast, uniform potato slices.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep and assemble the dish a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Q: What kind of potatoes are best for gratin?
Use starchy or all-purpose varieties like Sebago, Russet, or Yukon Gold. Avoid waxy potatoes like Red Delight.

Q: Can I freeze potatoes au gratin?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers. Cool completely, portion, and store in airtight containers for up to 1 month.

Q: Is there a cheese-free version?
Yes, simply skip the cheese layers or use nutritional yeast for a savory, dairy-free substitute.

Q: Why is my gratin watery?
This could be due to using low-starch potatoes or not baking long enough. Make sure to bake covered for at least 90 minutes to allow proper starch release and thickening.

---

Wrap-Up

Creamy, comforting, and with just the right hint of heat – this Potatoes au Gratin recipe is one of those dishes that instantly makes any meal feel special. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying leftovers the next day, it never disappoints. 💛
Have you tried adding your own twist to gratin before? Share your variations or favorite toppings in the comments below!
And if you loved this recipe, don’t miss my Crispy Potato Chips & Cheese stuffed Balls – another cozy favourite!

---

Keywords (키워드):

potatoes au gratin, creamy gratin recipe, easy potato bake, cheesy potato recipe, oven baked potatoes, scalloped potatoes, comfort food recipe, side dish ideas, how to make potatoes au gratin, mozzarella gratin, 감자 그라탕, 치즈 감자 요리, 오븐 감자 요리, 감자 베이크, 그라탕 레시피, 부드러운 감자 요리, 간단한 감자 반찬, 서양식 감자요리, 치즈 오븐요리, 감자 요리법