By Ole & Shaina Olmanson
Every year for holiday celebrations there are certain dishes that just must make an appearance. One of my favorites is a huge pan of au gratin potatoes. No matter which house we’re celebrating at, the creamy, cheesy goodness is there. My aunts make them; cousins bring them; my mother-in-laws cooks hers in a crock-pot. Something about au gratins just says holidays.
These creamy and cheesy potatoes are baked with fresh herbs for a glorious-smelling dish that tastes like the comfort food of your childhood.
Cheesy Herbed Potatoes au Gratin
Ingredients
- 4 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 3 tablespoons fresh herbs (rosemary, oregano, parsley), finely chopped
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- cream
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350º F. Rub the crushed garlic around the inside of the baking dish or dishes. You can choose to use a 2-quart dish or individual dishes for single-serve options. Set aside garlic. In the dish, place potatoes in a single layer. Sprinkle lightly with rosemary, salt and pepper and then about 1 tablespoon of the Parmigiano-Reggiano. Continue layering up the dish: potatoes, herbs and salt, cheese.
- When all potatoes are layered evenly, pour cream over until it just comes to hit the very top of the top layer. You want the potatoes to be covered with cream, but they should not be floating. Place in the oven at 350º F and bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until top is crispy and brown and cream has become creamy pockets and is no longer pooling. Smaller dishes will need slightly less baking time, approximately 20 minutes less. Halfway through the baking time, open the oven and push potatoes down under the cream again with the back of a spoon to ensure the cream is evenly distributed while baking. Remove from oven and allow to stand for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Makes 6 servings.
Food , Recipes
