Layered potato bakes, or potato gratins, are an elegant and comforting alternative to mashed, baked and roasted potatoes. The simplest dishes consist of potatoes and milk or cream, with a bit of cheese, salt and pepper. More complex potato bakes include various cheeses, onions or shallots, and ham or bacon.
Slicing the Potatoes
A potato bake -- scalloped potatoes -- begins with thinly-sliced potatoes. Allow approximately 1/2 lb. of potatoes per person. Peel and rinse the potatoes before you slice them for a layered potato bake. You can slice potatoes with a sharp kitchen knife, but you'll likely find a food processor is faster and guarantees neat, even slices. For the prettiest presentation, choose potatoes of the same size.
Cream, Cheese and Other Ingredients
Layered potato bakes need something between the layers. Cream or half-and-half is essential, but you can lighten this dish with evaporated skim milk. Allow 1 1/2 to 2 cups of cream for 2 lbs. of potatoes. Warm the cream with two or more chopped garlic cloves and grated fresh nutmeg. Grate cheese or slice thinly, opting for a mixture of Swiss, Gruyere and Parmesan if you want a more flavorful dish, or simply a light dusting of Parmesan for a more delicate flavor. Thinly-sliced onions are a traditional addition, along with salt, pepper, thyme and parsley. Add cooked bacon or ham in between the layers, particularly if you'd like to make this a main dish.
Assembling the Potato Bake
Butter a large casserole dish, then lay down a thin layer of potato slices, allowing them to overlap slightly. Pour the heavy cream mixture between the layers of potato slices or dot the layers with butter and sprinkle them with cheese, then pour a mixture of cream or half-and-half over the layers. Add fresh herbs, salt, pepper, onion or bacon between the layers. Continue layering until you've used all of the potato slices. Top with cream sauce and cheese.
Baking
Cover the layered potato bake with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated 350-degree F. oven for 45 minutes, then uncover and sprinkle with additional cheese. Return to the oven for an additional 25 to 30 minutes. The potatoes should be tender. Allow the potato bake to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
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