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After a recent trip to France where I fell in love with French Gratins, I've discovered how to make a classic French gratin recipe.  These Potatoes au Gratin are simple and follow easy steps to customize to them into a full meal.  A number of ingredients can be added including ham, bacon, goat cheese, egg, the sky is the limit.
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French Gratin Recipe - Potatoes au Gratin

After a recent trip to France where I fell in love with French Gratins, I've discovered how to make a classic French gratin recipe.  These Potatoes au Gratin are simple and follow easy steps to customize to them into a full meal.  A number of ingredients can be added including ham, bacon, goat cheese, egg, the sky is the limit.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Entree, Main Course
Cuisine: French
Keyword: french gratin recipe, french potatoes dishes, potatoes au gratin, potatoes au gratin recipe
Servings: 1 person
Calories: 542kcal
Author: Barbara

Ingredients

  • 1/4 - 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 3/4 to 1 cup cooked potatoes, peeled and sliced thin (see below)
  • 1/4 cup additional ingredients (ham, bacon, chicken, goat cheese, mixed veggies, etc.)
  • Salt
  • Garlic Powder
  • 2 slices Emmental, Gruyere or Swiss Cheese (shredded can be used too)
  • Herb de Provance

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 9-inch gratin dish(s) with nonstick cooking spray, or do as the French and butter generously with softened butter.
  • Pour 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream in the bottom of the dish.
  • Add cooked potatoes and additional ingredients; salt generously. Mix ingredients with clean hands.
    After a recent trip to France where I fell in love with French Gratins, I've discovered how to make a classic French gratin recipe.  These Potatoes au Gratin are simple and follow easy steps to customize to them into a full meal.  A number of ingredients can be added including ham, bacon, goat cheese, egg, the sky is the limit.
  • Sprinkle the top generously with garlic powder. If the mixture looks dry, add more cream until it is almost to the top of the potato layer.
    After a recent trip to France where I fell in love with French Gratins, I've discovered how to make a classic French gratin recipe.  These Potatoes au Gratin are simple and follow easy steps to customize to them into a full meal.  A number of ingredients can be added including ham, bacon, goat cheese, egg, the sky is the limit.
  • Layer cheese slices over the top so that the entire gratin is covered. Sprinkle generously with Herb de Provence.
    After a recent trip to France where I fell in love with French Gratins, I've discovered how to make a classic French gratin recipe.  These Potatoes au Gratin are simple and follow easy steps to customize to them into a full meal.  A number of ingredients can be added including ham, bacon, goat cheese, egg, the sky is the limit.
  • Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until bubbly and hot.
    After a recent trip to France where I fell in love with French Gratins, I've discovered how to make a classic French gratin recipe.  These Potatoes au Gratin are simple and follow easy steps to customize to them into a full meal.  A number of ingredients can be added including ham, bacon, goat cheese, egg, the sky is the limit.
  • Broil, watching closely, for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden brown.
    After a recent trip to France where I fell in love with French Gratins, I've discovered how to make a classic French gratin recipe.  These Potatoes au Gratin are simple and follow easy steps to customize to them into a full meal.  A number of ingredients can be added including ham, bacon, goat cheese, egg, the sky is the limit.
  • Let sit for a minimum of 10 minutes before serving.
    After a recent trip to France where I fell in love with French Gratins, I've discovered how to make a classic French gratin recipe.  These Potatoes au Gratin are simple and follow easy steps to customize to them into a full meal.  A number of ingredients can be added including ham, bacon, goat cheese, egg, the sky is the limit.

Notes

  • This recipe uses a 9 inch gratin dish.  Use a bigger dish if needed, just adjust the amounts of ingredients and cooking times accordingly.  
  • I like to use Yukon Gold potatoes but other varieties will work.  To prep, boil unpeeled until fork tender, immediately submerge in cold water.  This allows the peel to come right off.  Slice thin.
  • You can make these plain potatoes au gratin without any additional ingredients, or make it a full meal by adding your favorite additions.  Some options are shredded chicken, bacon, ham, goat cheese crumbles, cooked vegetables, egg, etc.).
  • Emmental is the traditionally cheese used; in the bistro, they use thin slices and they cover the entire casserole.  Gruyere or Swiss cheese can be used, and shredded cheese is acceptable too. 
  • Herbs de Provence is what makes this recipe so special, but if you don't have any or can't find it, use dried thyme, rosemary, fennel, bay leaf, or marjoram. 
  • Don't forget salt! Potatoes need salt for flavor.  Be sure to salt the potato cream layer. 
  • Love French food? Try this French dinner salad recipe. 
  • The nutritional information below is auto-calculated and can vary depending on the products used.

Nutrition

Calories: 542kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 504mg | Potassium: 844mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1160IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 363mg | Iron: 2mg