Description
Who could say no to tender, delicate, richly flavored potatoes with crunchy, crispy top edges? The mix of red, white, and sweet potatoes is wonderfully wintery without being too sweet, and the onions and fennel caramelize in the oven and their flavors go from pungent and intense to rich, mellow, and slightly sweet. The mix of cheeses adds a salty, nutty richness, and the sage, thyme, and garlic make this dish the perfect side to any winter meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup, grated (alternatives: Gruyere or Emmental) Comte Cheese
- ½ cup, grated Parmesan Cheese:
- 2 cups heavy cream:
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons, ground Black Pepper
- 4 cloves, minced or crushed garlic
- 1 ½ tablespoons, finely chopped fresh sage
- 2 teaspoons, finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1 lb red potatoes
- 1 lb white potatoes
- 1 ½ lbs sweet potatoes
- 1 large or 2 small (about ½ to ¾ lb) fennel bulbs
- 2 small to medium (about ½ lb) onions
- 2 tablespoons, softened butter
Instructions
- Prep Oven and Cheeses:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix comte and parmesan cheeses, setting aside 1/3 for topping. In the larger cheese portion, mix in cream, salt, pepper, garlic, sage, and thyme.
- Slice Vegetables:
- Slice potatoes, fennel, and onions using a mandoline for even thickness. Combine in a large bowl.
- Combine with Cream Mixture:
- Toss vegetables with cream and cheese mixture, ensuring each slice is coated.
- Prepare Baking Dish:
- Butter a large casserole dish or 12″ cast iron skillet. Neatly stack potato, onion, and fennel slices in the dish vertically.
- Bake:
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 30 minutes. Sprinkle with reserved cheese and bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes more.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the gratin rest for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Cheese Choice: The nutty flavor of Comte or Gruyere adds depth.
Mandoline Use: Ensure uniform thickness for even cooking.
Seasoning: Don’t shy away from the salt; it’s crucial for flavoring this hearty dish.
Resting Time: Allows the gratin to set and flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 90 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Oven Baking
- Cuisine: American