Potatoes au Gratin with Chives and Gruyère Recipe

Potatoes au Gratin with Chives and Gruyère Recipe

This Potatoes au Gratin with Chives and Gruyère is a creamy and cheesy recipe, which is made with nutty Gruyère and fresh chives. It’s the perfect holiday side dish, a rich, decadent, and foolproof crowd-pleaser, ready in about an hour and a half.

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Potatoes au Gratin with Chives and Gruyère Ingredients

A classic combination for the ultimate rich and cheesy potato side dish.

  • Salted butter, for the baking dish
  • 2 1/2 lb. Russet potatoes (about 4), peeled and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 1 1/3 cups heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 bunch scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup roughly chopped fresh chives, plus more for topping
  • 1 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese

How To Make Potatoes au Gratin with Chives and Gruyère

A step-by-step guide to this classic comfort food dish.

  1. Prep the Oven and Sauce: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Butter an 8-inch square baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk the heavy cream, milk, flour, salt, and a few grinds of pepper until the flour is completely incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
  2. Combine and Layer: Add the sliced potatoes, scallions, chives, and thyme to the cream mixture and stir gently to coat all the potato slices.
  3. First Bake (Covered): Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish and press the potatoes down until they are mostly submerged in the cream. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
  4. Second Bake (Uncovered): Remove the foil and continue baking for about 20 more minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has reduced and thickened, clinging to the potatoes.
  5. Add Cheese and Finish: Sprinkle the grated Gruyère over the top and continue baking for 5 to 7 more minutes, until the cheese is beautifully browned and bubbly. Top with more fresh chives before serving.
Potatoes au Gratin with Chives and Gruyère Recipe
Potatoes au Gratin with Chives and Gruyère Recipe

Recipe Tips

For the creamiest, most delicious potatoes au gratin.

  • How to get the creamiest sauce without lumps? Whisking the flour into the cold cream and milk mixture is the key. This allows the flour to dissolve completely before it ever gets heated, preventing any lumps from forming in your sauce as it bakes.
  • What are the best potatoes for gratin? Starchy potatoes like Russets are a great choice because they release starch as they cook, which naturally helps to thicken the cream sauce, making it extra rich and velvety.
  • Can I slice the potatoes ahead of time? If you slice the potatoes in advance, be sure to keep them submerged in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from oxidizing and turning brown. Drain and pat them very dry before adding them to the cream mixture.
  • Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this is an excellent make-ahead holiday side dish. You can assemble and bake the casserole completely. Let it cool, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then reheat, covered, in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly.

What To Serve With Potatoes au Gratin

Classic main courses that pair perfectly with this rich side dish.

This decadent potato dish is a holiday and steakhouse favorite. It pairs wonderfully with:

  • A perfect roast chicken or holiday ham
  • Pan-seared steak or a beef roast
  • Simple roasted pork loin or lamb chops
  • Steamed green beans or a simple green salad to balance the richness

How To Store Potatoes au Gratin

Keeping your leftovers creamy and delicious.

  • Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container or covered tightly with foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat: For the best results, reheat the gratin in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, until warmed through and bubbly.

Potatoes au Gratin with Chives and Gruyère Nutrition Facts

An estimated guide per serving.

  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Fat: 34 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

What’s the difference between scalloped potatoes and potatoes au gratin?

The main difference is cheese. A classic “gratin” specifically refers to a dish with a browned crust, which is traditionally made with cheese and/or breadcrumbs. Scalloped potatoes are typically simpler, baked in just a cream or milk sauce. This recipe is a true gratin.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

For Russet potatoes, peeling is highly recommended as their skin is thick and can be tough. If you choose to use a thin-skinned potato like Yukon Golds, you can leave the skin on for a more rustic texture—just be sure to scrub them very well.

My sauce seems thin after baking. What can I do?

If the sauce seems a bit thin, it may just need a few more minutes in the oven, uncovered, to reduce. Also, letting the gratin rest for 10-15 minutes after it comes out of the oven is a crucial step that allows the sauce to thicken and set up properly.

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Potatoes au Gratin with Chives and Gruyère Recipe

Recipe by MarryCourse: Side DishCuisine: French-AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 

10

minutes
Calories

480

kcal

A rich and elegant Potatoes au Gratin with layers of tender potatoes, a savory cream sauce infused with chives and thyme, and a bubbly, golden-brown Gruyère cheese crust.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 lb. Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

  • 1 1/3 cups heavy cream

  • 1/3 cup whole milk

  • 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese

  • 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced

  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh chives

  • 1 tsp. fresh thyme

  • 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

  • Salted butter, salt, and pepper

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Butter an 8-inch square baking dish.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, flour, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Add the sliced potatoes, scallions, chives, and thyme to the cream mixture and stir to coat.
  • Pour into the prepared baking dish and press the potatoes down until mostly submerged.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
  • Uncover and bake for another 20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened.
  • Sprinkle the Gruyère cheese over the top and bake for 5-7 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Let the dish rest for at least 10 minutes before garnishing with more chives and serving.

Notes

  • A mandoline slicer is the best tool for getting uniform, thin potato slices that cook evenly.
  • Letting the finished dish rest is a crucial step for the sauce to set up and thicken properly.
  • This is a perfect make-ahead side dish for the holidays. Simply reheat and enjoy.
  • Grating your own cheese from a block will result in the creamiest, smoothest melt.

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