Name: Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 8-9 medium starchy potatoes, thinly sliced; 1 head garlic; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup whole milk; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided; 2 cups shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh chives, for garnish

If you adore the magical union of creamy potatoes, silky cheese, and rich, nutty roasted garlic, then Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is bound to become your new obsession. This dish transforms simple pantry staples into something spectacularly luxurious, layering thinly sliced potatoes with a luscious roasted garlic cream and a shower of golden, bubbling cheese. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or looking for an unforgettable side for a holiday feast, this recipe strikes the ideal balance between comfort food and showstopper. Let’s dive in and discover how Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin can bring pure joy to your table!

Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of classic ingredients, you’ll create a dish that feels extravagant. Each component has a special role to play, from the robust garlic flavor to the beautifully melted cheeses, making these Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin truly irresistible.

Starchy potatoes: Choose a starchy variety like Russets or Yukon Gold for the creamiest, most tender layers without excess moisture.
Garlic: Roasting a whole head of garlic deepens its flavor and provides a subtle, nutty sweetness that infuses the entire gratin.
Heavy cream / double cream: This is what gives the gratin its luxurious, velvety texture.
Whole milk: Balances out the richness of the cream for a perfectly pourable sauce.
Unsalted butter: Adds silkiness and flavor, and is also used to generously butter the baking dish so nothing sticks.
Fresh thyme leaves (or dried): Thyme brings an aromatic freshness that cuts through the cheese and cream.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch elevates the cream sauce with delicate, warming undertones.
Parmesan cheese: Divided for layering and topping, it brings sharp, salty richness and helps achieve that iconic golden crust.
Gruyère or mozzarella cheese: Melty, gooey, and flavorful—these cheeses are what make the topping irresistibly bubbly and browned.
Salt and pepper: Simple yet essential, they bring everything into perfect balance.
Fresh chives: For a bright, colorful finish and a gentle, oniony counterpoint to the creaminess.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the top off a whole head of garlic, drizzle it with olive oil, and wrap it snuggly in foil. Place it directly on the oven rack and roast for about 30 minutes until the cloves become soft, sweet, and caramelized—this mellow, aromatic garlic will form the backbone of your gratin’s flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

While the garlic works its magic in the oven, peel and thinly slice your potatoes. Using a mandoline makes this step super easy and ensures uniform, tender layers that cook evenly. Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a generous buttering to prevent sticking and to impart a subtle richness with every serving.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes

Grab handfuls of those lovely potato slices and start arranging them upright in the buttered dish. Pack them together, fanning and layering to create plenty of nooks and crannies for the creamy, cheesy sauce to seep into. This arrangement not only looks impressive but ensures every bite is perfectly cooked.

Step 4: Make the Roasted Garlic Cream

In a saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream, milk, butter, half of the parmesan, thyme, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper, stirring until well combined but not boiling. Once the garlic has cooled slightly, squeeze those caramelized cloves from their skins and mash them into a paste. Whisk this glorious roasted garlic paste into your warm cream mixture, infusing it with irresistible flavor.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the garlic-infused cream all over your layered potatoes, making sure to coat them evenly. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and pop it into the oven for 40 minutes, letting the potatoes soak up every bit of luscious flavor as they soften and meld together.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Once the timer dings, remove the foil and generously scatter the Gruyère or mozzarella and remaining parmesan over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for another 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbling, golden, and forms a tempting crust. Your Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin are ready when they’re fork-tender and gloriously aromatic.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Let your gratin cool for a few minutes out of the oven. This resting time helps everything set just enough to cut clean slices. Finish with a confetti of fresh chives to add color and a subtle bite that perfectly complements the richness below.

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin

Garnishes

Nothing tops off Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin better than a sprinkling of freshly snipped chives. For even more flair, consider a light dusting of extra parmesan or some crispy fried shallots to add crunch and flavor contrast. Plating each portion with a pop of green draws the eye and invites you to dig in.

Side Dishes

This gratin shines as a side to perfectly roasted meats like chicken, beef, or lamb. But it also holds its own with lighter mains such as baked salmon or a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. If you’re going for a vegetarian-friendly meal, pair it with sautéed greens or grilled seasonal veggies for extra color and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking your Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin in individual ramekins for elegant, personal servings at dinner parties. Or, use a cast iron skillet for a rustic table presentation—the skillet will keep the gratin warm and looking irresistible. For holidays, arrange the potatoes in concentric circles for a floral centerpiece effect that will wow your guests before they even take a bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin are a treat all on their own. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer slices to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days—the flavors deepen and meld together, making every leftover bite even more delicious.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead on meal prep (or just save a portion for a rainy day), you can freeze the cooled gratin. For best results, wrap individual servings tightly in foil and pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the creamy texture.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered loosely with foil to prevent the top from over-browning. If you’re in a hurry, a few minutes in the microwave works, too—just cover the portion and reheat on medium power until steaming. Either way, the flavors and textures hold up beautifully and taste just as comforting the next day.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While Gruyère offers a classic, nutty character, mozzarella brings great meltiness. You can experiment with sharp cheddar, fontina, or even a smoked cheese for your own signature twist on Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin.

How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick. Thinner slices ensure the potatoes cook evenly and absorb the creamy, garlicky sauce throughout. A mandoline makes quick work of this, but a sharp knife and a steady hand work just as well.

Can I prepare Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the gratin, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if starting from cold, and you’ll have a hot, bubbling dish ready with no last-minute stress.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, with a few swaps! Use unsweetened almond or oat milk in place of the cream and milk, vegan butter, and your favorite plant-based cheeses. While the flavor and texture will be a little different, you’ll still have a comforting, creamy result.

What’s the best way to get that golden crust on top?

Be generous with cheese in the final bake, and bake uncovered for the last half hour so the top can turn bubbly and golden. If your oven’s broiler is reliable, you can broil for its last 1-2 minutes—just keep a close eye to prevent burning!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that brings both comfort and wow factor, Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is simply unmatched. It’s surprisingly easy, deeply flavorful, and guaranteed to impress everyone at the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how blissful each bite can be!