Scalloped Potatoes with Garlic and Swiss cheese (Gratin Dauphinois)

My dad would always make these super rich and flavorful garlic-infused sliced potatoes in a rich heavy cream sauce during holidays, especially Easter as they go well with ham. A food processor makes life so much easier as it slices the potatoes into perfectly uniform slices. The heavy cream and potatoes are layered into a casserole dish, placed in the oven and completely forgotten about until they come out golden brown, delicious and creamy. My dad always used Julia Child’s recipe and I do just the same as there is no one better suited to combining potatoes, milk, butter, and garlic to create a truly sublime dish.



Scalloped Potatoes with Garlic and Swiss Cheese (Gratin Dauphinois)
Serves 6
Adapted from Julia Child
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups milk or heavy cream
- 2 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick
- 1 garlic clove, peeled and sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons butter, plus room temperature butter for coating the pan
- Salt and Pepper
- 1 cup freshly grated Swiss cheese
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees and coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with room temperature butter. Heat milk or heavy cream in a small sauce pan over med-high heat until it just reaches a boil
- Meanwhile, layer half of the potato slices on the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and ½ cup Swiss cheese. Break 1 tablespoon of butter into small bits and sprinkle it over the potatoes.
- Arrange the remaining potatoes on top of the first layer. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and the remaining ½ cup of Swiss cheese. Divide the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter on top. Pour the boiling milk over the potatoes. Cook for 20-30 minutes, until potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
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