Imagine a dish that is both rustic and refined — layers of tender, buttery potatoes infused with fragrant garlic and thyme, bathed in cream, and crowned with a golden, bubbling crust of melted cheese. This Potato Gratin Cake is as visually striking as it is delicious, holding its shape like a cake when unmolded, yet melting in your mouth with every bite.
It’s a versatile recipe that works as a festive side dish for roasted meats, a centerpiece for a vegetarian dinner, or even a luxurious comfort food on a cozy evening.
🍴 Servings & Timing
Serves: 4 people
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
🌿 Ingredients
🥔 800 g potatoes (Charlotte or Amandine varieties work best)
🥛 200 ml heavy cream (full-fat for richness)
🧀 100 g grated Gruyère cheese
🧈 30 g butter
🧄 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
🌿 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or Herbes de Provence)
🧂 Fine sea salt
🌶 Freshly ground black pepper
🥣 Step-by-Step Preparation
1️⃣ Prepare the potatoes
Peel the potatoes and slice them into 3 mm thick rounds using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
Rinse briefly in cold water to remove excess starch, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
2️⃣ Infuse the cream
In a small saucepan, gently bring the cream to a simmer with the chopped garlic and thyme.
Season generously with salt and pepper, then remove from heat to let the flavors mingle.
3️⃣ Prepare the mold
Generously butter an 18 cm (7-inch) cake ring or a small round baking dish. Place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper to catch any drips.
4️⃣ Layer the potatoes
Arrange the potato slices in tightly packed, slightly overlapping layers inside the mold until it is completely filled. This creates the signature “cake” structure.
5️⃣ Add cream and cheese
Pour the aromatic cream evenly over the potatoes, letting it seep between the layers. Sprinkle the grated Gruyère over the top.
6️⃣ Bake to golden perfection
Place in a preheated oven at 180°C / 350°F (fan-assisted) for 35 minutes, until the surface is deeply golden and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
7️⃣ Rest and unmold
Allow the gratin to rest for 5 minutes before carefully removing the mold to preserve its shape.
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