Save Transform your dinner table with this Creamy Smashed Potato Gratin, a decadent twist on a beloved French classic. This recipe swaps traditional thin slices for golden, crispy smashed potatoes, creating a unique texture that perfectly captures the rich cream and melted cheese. Infused with aromatic garlic, thyme, and rosemary, it is the ultimate side dish for those seeking comfort and elegance in every bite.
Save The secret to this dish is the high-heat roasting of the smashed potatoes before they are layered with the sauce. This step ensures that the potatoes maintain their structure and crunch even after being bathed in the luxurious herb-infused cream. It is a foolproof way to bring gourmet flair to a humble staple like the Yukon Gold potato.
Ingredients
- Potatoes: 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) small Yukon Gold or baby potatoes, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cream Mixture: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried), 1/2 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg.
- Cheeses: 1 cup (100 g) grated Gruyère, 1 cup (100 g) grated mozzarella, 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan.
- Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or parsley.
Instructions
- 1. Preheat and Boil
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Boil the whole potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–18 minutes.
- 2. Smash and Roast
- Drain the potatoes and transfer them to the baking sheet. Use a potato masher or the bottom of a glass to gently smash each potato to 1 cm (1/2 inch) thick. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 20 minutes until golden.
- 3. Infuse the Cream
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the heavy cream, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and nutmeg. Heat gently until warmed and fragrant; do not let it boil.
- 4. Layer the Gratin
- Arrange half the roasted smashed potatoes in a buttered baking dish. Pour over half the cream mixture and sprinkle with half of the Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- 5. Final Bake
- Add the remaining potatoes, top with the rest of the cream and cheeses, and bake at 220°C (425°F) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and brown.
- 6. Rest and Serve
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with fresh chives or parsley and serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To get the best results, ensure your potatoes are relatively uniform in size so they boil and roast evenly. When smashing them, try to keep the potato intact rather than pulverizing it, as this creates the best surface for the cheese to cling to. Using a flat-bottomed glass often provides more control than a standard masher.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra depth, you can layer in caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms between the potatoes. If you prefer a different cheese profile, swap Gruyère for Emmental or use Fontina instead of mozzarella. For a slightly lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the final sauce will be less thick.
Serviervorschläge
This luxurious gratin is a fantastic accompaniment to roasted meats such as beef tenderloin, roast chicken, or lamb chops. For a complete vegetarian meal, serve a generous portion alongside a crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese and cream.
Save With its bubbling cheese crust and herb-scented interior, this Creamy Smashed Potato Gratin is sure to become a repeat favorite. It offers a wonderful balance of rustic charm and culinary sophistication. Enjoy sharing this decadent dish with your friends and family!
Recipe Guide
- → What type of potatoes work best?
Small Yukon Gold or baby potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape when smashed.
- → How do you achieve the crispy edges?
Roasting the smashed potatoes with olive oil at high heat before layering helps develop golden, crispy edges.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses?
Yes, Gruyère can be replaced with Emmental and mozzarella with Fontina without sacrificing flavor.
- → Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?
You can assemble the layers in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to maintain freshness.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor?
Fresh thyme, rosemary, and chives add fragrant notes that complement the creamy and cheesy components.