Creamy Cheesy Potato Gratin
Homemade Delight: A Rich and Savory Cheese Potato Gratin Recipe
Indulge in the rich, savory flavor of a thick, creamy sauce perfectly complementing tender, soft potatoes. This gratin is a delightful dish that fills your mouth with its deep, satisfying taste. It’s perfect as a hearty meal or a special addition to your home entertaining.
Ingredients- 1 medium potato
- 1 strip bacon
- 150ml milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- 100g shredded mozzarella cheese (or pizza cheese)
- 100g shredded cheddar cheese (or half a slice of cheddar cheese)
- 1.5 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of dried parsley (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by washing the potato thoroughly and peeling it. Slice it thinly, about 3mm thick. Finely chop the onion and cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Prepping the ingredients like this will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Sautéing the onions first enhances their natural sweetness, adding more depth to the gratin’s flavor.
Step 3
Once the onions are translucent, add the cut bacon to the pan and cook together. The bacon will render its fat, contributing a delicious savory aroma. Continue to cook until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.
Step 4
When the bacon is nicely cooked, add the sliced potatoes to the pan and stir-fry them together. Sautéing the potatoes lightly in the rendered fat will help them cook more evenly and become tender. Stir-fry until the potatoes start to look slightly translucent.
Step 5
When the potatoes are about halfway cooked, pour in 150ml of milk. While many gratin recipes use a combination of heavy cream and milk, using just milk works perfectly well. You can adjust the thickness and richness later with the cheddar cheese.
Step 6
Bring the milk to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pan or leave it uncovered and let it simmer until the potatoes are completely tender. You can check for doneness by piercing a potato slice with a fork; it should go through easily.
Step 7
Once the potatoes are fully cooked and tender, stir in half a slice of cheddar cheese (or 100g shredded cheddar) and 1.5 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses are melted and well incorporated, creating a creamy sauce. The cheese will thicken the sauce and add a wonderful savory note.
Step 8
Taste the sauce and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper as needed. Be mindful that bacon and cheese are already salty, so it’s best to add seasoning gradually until you reach your desired flavor.
Step 9
Transfer the creamy potato mixture into your prepared gratin dish. Distribute it evenly, making sure not to overfill the dish.
Step 10
Now for the best part – the topping! Generously sprinkle 100g of shredded mozzarella cheese all over the surface. Using plenty of cheese will ensure a beautifully melted and bubbly crust.
Step 11
Place the gratin dish into a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) and bake for about 10 minutes. Cooking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. If using an air fryer, bake at 180°C (350°F) for 7-8 minutes.
Step 12
Once the cheese is beautifully golden and melted, carefully remove the gratin from the oven. Sprinkle a pinch of dried parsley over the top for a touch of color and freshness. Your delicious cheesy potato gratin is now ready to be enjoyed!
