Golden Crispy Kartoffelgratin: A Classic & Creamy German Potato Gratin Recipe!

Tracing its roots back to the culinary heartland of France, Kartoffelgratin, also known as Potato Gratin, has become a universally beloved comfort food. Known for its creamy, cheesy goodness accentuating the humble potato, this dish never fails to warm hearts and fill bellies. It has been subsequently adopted and adapted by many cultures around the world, yet the classic style remains a favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 kilogram of potatoes, peeled and finely sliced
• 300 milliliters of heavy cream
• 200 milliliters of milk
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
• 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter for greasing
• 1 teaspoon of Nutmeg, grated
• 150 grams of Gruyère cheese, grated
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper for seasoning

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Base:

   Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (356°F). While it's heating up, butter an ovenproof dish generously. In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream, milk, crushed garlic, grated nutmeg, and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix them well. Now add the sliced potatoes to this creamy mixture and stir until all the slices are well coated. Then carefully transfer the potatoes to the buttered dish, spreading them evenly and pouring over any remaining cream mixture. Finally, sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top.

   Place the dish in the center of the preheated oven and bake for about 1-1.5 hours or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife and the top is golden and bubbly.

2. Serve and Garnish:

   Once the Kartoffelgratin is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to settle and enhances the flavors. Cut it into squares, serve warm and garnish with a little extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Tip:

For an even richer flavor, you can cook the cream and garlic together in a saucepan for a few minutes before adding it to the potatoes. Allow it to cool slightly before using. Although it’s a small step, it takes the flavor of Kartoffelgratin to a whole new level by infusing the garlic flavor into the cream!