Julia Childs Inspired Au Gratin Potatoes

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave a dish so comforting it feels like a warm hug? I am too! This recipe for julia child au gratin potatoes is exactly that.

It's cheesy, creamy, and totally divine, perfect for lifting your spirits.

Brief Overview

Hailing from France, the Classic Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients. This version takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to make, and serves about 6-8 people.

It's not super difficult, but does require some patience. Think of it as a sophisticated side dish to impress your friends!

Main Benefits

Honestly, this recipe is pure comfort food. The Creamy Potato Gratin Recipe provides energy. Its richness also makes it perfect for Sunday dinners or special occasions.

It is one of my favourite Comfort Food Potato Recipes

Ready to transform some humble potatoes into a culinary masterpiece? I thought so!

Ingredients for Your New Favorite Side

To start, you will need 2.5 lbs of Yukon Gold potatoes. Then you'll need 2 cloves garlic, 2 cups heavy cream and 1 cup whole milk.

Don't forget 4 tbsp unsalted butter, nutmeg, thyme, and 1 cup Gruyère cheese. Salt and pepper are always essential. You can substitute Fontina cheese for Gruyère.

Gruyere Cheese Potato Bake is a delightful treat and is perfect alongside roast chicken.

Ingredients & Equipment for Julia Child Au Gratin Potatoes

Right, let's talk about what you'll need to nail this classic au gratin potatoes recipe . Honestly, it's not rocket science, but good ingredients make all the difference.

Think Mary Berry approved quality. We're aiming for Julia Child Potatoes Au Gratin level goodness.

Main Ingredients for Your Creamy Potato Gratin Recipe

• 2.5 lbs ( 1.13 kg ) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled. Go for firm, smooth potatoes. No sprouts, alright?
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is best.
• 2 cups ( 475 ml ) heavy cream. Don't even THINK about using anything less.
• 1 cup ( 235 ml ) whole milk. Makes the sauce perfectly creamy.
• 4 tbsp ( 57 g ) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing.
• 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg. Seriously, freshly grated!
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme. Adds a lovely herby touch.
• 1 cup ( 100 g ) grated Gruyère cheese. Gruyere Cheese Potato Bake is the best!

Seasoning Notes: Elevating Your Julia Childs Potato Gratin

Honestly, a pinch of nutmeg transforms the entire dish. Thyme is also your friend here. A dash of white pepper instead of black can add a subtle warmth without the harshness.

This is also a great way to create Comfort Food Potato Recipes .

For seasoning, don't be shy with salt and pepper. Taste as you go. Remember, the cheese is salty too!

Equipment You'll Actually Need

You don't need fancy gadgets, trust me. This can be a fantastic and simple French Potato Side Dish !

• Mandoline or very sharp knife. I prefer my knife!
• 9x13 inch ( 23x33 cm ) baking dish.
• Large saucepan.
• Whisk.
• Grater.

Don't stress if you don't have a mandoline. Just slice the potatoes as thinly as possible. Uniformity is key for even cooking.

I learned that the hard way the first time I tried this.

Now you are ready to bake Potatoes Dauphinoise Julia Child style!

Cooking Method: Mastering Julia Child's Au Gratin Potatoes

Honestly, who doesn't love a good potato dish? And when it comes to classic au gratin potatoes recipe , nobody did it better than Julia Child .

It is a creamy potato gratin recipe . We're diving deep into the technique that makes her Julia Child au gratin potatoes legendary.

Think of this as our little culinary adventure, à la Julia , but with my own little twists.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

Okay, first things first: get organized! This is the essential mise en place . Peel 2.5 lbs of Yukon Gold potatoes.

Next, mince 2 cloves of garlic. Get your 2 cups of heavy cream , 1 cup of milk, 4 tbsp of butter, nutmeg, thyme, and 1 cup of Gruyère cheese ready.

Thinly slice the potatoes about 1/8 inch thick. A mandoline helps, but a sharp knife works too. Pro tip : uniform slices cook evenly.

I have cut myself a couple of times and is not a pretty scene.

step-by-step: Au Gratin Adventure

1. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) .
2. Melt 4 tbsp of butter in a saucepan. Saute minced garlic for about 30 seconds.
3. Stir in the 2 cups of heavy cream , 1 cup of milk, nutmeg, and thyme. Simmer gently, but don't boil!
4. Layer sliced potatoes and cream sauce in a greased baking dish.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove foil, sprinkle with 1 cup of Gruyère cheese , and bake uncovered for 20- 30 minutes . The potatoes should be tender. The cheese golden.
7. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Au Gratin

Want to take your Julia Childs potatoes au gratin to the next level? Use Yukon Gold potatoes for that extra creaminess.

Don’t skimp on the Gruyère it's what makes it sing. Another tip: I usually add a bit of Parmesan for an extra cheesy kick.

Avoid overcrowding the dish, as it might take more time in the oven.

Avoid this common mistake: undercooking the potatoes. Ensure they are fork tender before removing from the oven. A good Julia Childs Potato Gratin is a labor of love, a delicious French Potato Side Dish , a true comfort food potato recipes , and the epitome of "Mary Berry approved" home cooking.

Enjoy this creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-cheesy dish. Potatoes Dauphinoise Julia Child , is the ultimate indulgence.

Recipe Notes: Elevate Your Julia Child Au Gratin Potatoes

Want to make your Julia Child Potatoes Au Gratin truly magnifique ? Here are some little extras from my kitchen.

I’ve learned a thing or two over the years making this Classic Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe and trust me, there were a few potato-y disasters along the way!

Serving Suggestions: Make 'Em Look Fancy, Darling!

This French Potato Side Dish is basically a blank canvas. Plating wise, individual ramekins look super posh. Think about a sprig of fresh thyme for garnish.

Honestly, though, a dollop of sour cream never hurt anyone. As for what to serve it with? Roasted chicken is chef's kiss .

A simple green salad balances the richness. A glass of crisp white wine like Chardonnay? Absolute perfection.

Storage Tips: Keep Those Spuds Fresh

Leftover Julia Childs Potato Gratin is almost better the next day. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days .

To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but honestly, it loses some of that creamy magic.

Freezing this Creamy Potato Gratin Recipe isn't ideal, as the cream can separate. It's best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

Variations: Tweak It to Your Taste, Luv!

Want to mix things up? For a dairy-free version, use cashew cream or coconut cream. It won't be exactly the same, but still delicious.

Seasonally, swap the thyme for fresh rosemary in the autumn. For a Gruyere Cheese Potato Bake , try adding some cooked bacon for a smoky twist.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff (and the Not-So-Good)

Let's be real, this isn't exactly health food. But hey, sometimes you need some Comfort Food Potato Recipes ! Roughly, you're looking at about 450 calories per serving .

Potatoes give you potassium and some fiber. The cheese and cream add protein and calcium. Everything in moderation, yeah? Potatoes Dauphinoise Julia Child may not be the lightest fare, but it's soul satisfying.

One thing I’ve noticed is that when i try making it lighter, it just takes away from the flavor.

Honestly, making Julia Child's Au Gratin Potatoes is easier than you think. Don't be intimidated! Get in the kitchen, have some fun, and create something amazing. Happy cooking!