Side dishes

Gratin dauphinois

⏱ 80 min🍳 60 min👤 4 pp★☆☆☆☆

There are some dishes that manage to win people over at any time of the year, no matter what the occasion, whilst others seem designed to best appeal during the winter months, and in particular at the magical period of Christmas. So what do we have hiding in the saucepan today, friends of ‘My Italian Recipes’? Well, a lovely gratin dauphinois - a potato gratin – whereby the combination of cheese and fresh cream makes it ideal as an accompaniment to both meat and fish dishes. The gratin of the Dauphiné region, from where this dish originates, is particularly well-known and widespread in North America and Canada. Beware of recipes that require you to pre-cook the potatoes: for a perfect gratin dauphinois, the potatoes should be sliced paper thin and cook directly in the oven.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving

Protein
18g
Carbohydrates
48g
Fat
28g
Fiber
4g

* approximate values per serving

Information
80 minutes Preparation time
60 minutes Cooking time
Serves 4 persons
★☆☆☆☆ Easy

Preparation

Peel the potatoes and cut into slices as thin as possible. Butter a baking sheet and rub a clove of garlic over it, so that it transfers some of its aroma. In a large bowl, mix the potato slices with the grated cheese, egg, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Arrange the potatoes neatly in the baking dish. In a separate bowl mix the cream with the milk. Pour the cream mixture over the potatoes. Finish by dotting with some flakes of butter. Bake for 50 minutes at 180°C and then another 10 minutes at 200°C.

Tips
To best enjoy a dish of gratin dauphinois you should open a bottle of white wine of Savoie.
Trivia
To prepare the gratin dauphinois, in general, use Gruyere cheese: as an alternative to the latter, you could try Emmental mixed with Parmesan.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
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Additional information

Gratin Dauphinois with Gruyère cheese

One of the tastiest variations of Gratin Dauphinois is certainly the one with the addition of Gruyère cheese. This cheese, with its intense and slightly nutty flavor, pairs perfectly with potatoes, creating a combination of flavors that enriches the dish. To prepare this variation, simply grate the Gruyère and mix it with the sliced potatoes, along with other ingredients like cream and milk. The crust that forms on the surface during cooking makes the gratin even more inviting and crunchy. This preparation is perfect for accompanying meat or fish main courses, making every meal a special occasion.

French-style Gratin Dauphinois

Gratin Dauphinois is a traditional dish of French cuisine, originating from the Dauphiné region. The original preparation involves using only simple ingredients, such as potatoes, cream, garlic, and butter, without the addition of cheese. The slow cooking technique in the oven allows the potatoes to absorb all the flavors and become very tender, while the cream reduces and creates a creamy sauce. This dish is often served as a side, but it can also be an excellent main course, thanks to its richness and heartiness. Try preparing it following the traditional recipe for an authentic taste of French cuisine!

Light Gratin Dauphinois without cream

For those looking for a lighter version of Gratin Dauphinois, it can be made without cream, substituting it with a mix of milk and Greek yogurt. This light variation maintains the creaminess of the original dish but significantly reduces calories and fat. The potatoes remain the undisputed star of the dish, while the yogurt adds a note of freshness and a slightly tangy flavor. Moreover, by using a low-fat cheese like Grana, the recipe can be further lightened without compromising taste. This version is ideal for those who want to enjoy a rich dish while keeping an eye on health and weight.

Benefits of potatoes in Gratin Dauphinois and calories

Potatoes, the main ingredient in Gratin Dauphinois, are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. They are rich in potassium, which helps maintain blood pressure under control, and contain vitamin C, essential for the immune system. Additionally, potatoes are naturally fat-free and cholesterol-free, making them a nutritious and versatile food. Regarding calories, a serving of traditional Gratin Dauphinois can contain about 300-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. By choosing lighter variations, it is possible to reduce this value while still enjoying a delicious dish.

Can Gratin Dauphinois be frozen?

Freezing Gratin Dauphinois is possible, but there are some precautions to follow to preserve its quality. It is advisable to freeze the gratin before cooking, in order to keep the flavors and texture intact. Once assembled, you can cover the dish well with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the freezer. When you want to consume it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator for a few hours and then bake it in the oven as per the recipe. If you have already cooked the gratin, you can freeze it, but you may notice a slight change in texture upon reuse. In any case, it is a great solution to have a ready dish in case of need!