Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin: A Creamy and Flavorful Potato Side Dish

Potatoes are a beloved ingredient around the world, thanks to their versatility and ability to absorb the flavors they are paired with. Whether mashed, roasted, or baked, potatoes can easily transform into a comforting side dish or a delicious main course. One of the most indulgent ways to prepare potatoes is by making Potatoes au Gratin, a dish that layers thinly sliced potatoes with a creamy cheese sauce and bakes them to perfection. The result? A rich, flavorful casserole that everyone loves.

But today, we’re going to elevate this classic dish by adding a delightful twist — Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin. The addition of roasted garlic brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish, which takes it from delicious to extraordinary. If you’re looking for a dish that will impress your family and friends, this creamy and savory recipe is the one to try.

In this article, we’ll walk you through every step of the recipe, from roasting the garlic to layering the potatoes and baking them to golden perfection. Along the way, we’ll also share tips, variations, and reasons why this dish is perfect for any occasion. So, if you’re a fan of garlic roasted potatoes, baked potato casserole, or simply looking for an unforgettable potato recipe side dish, this recipe is for you.

Why Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin?

Before diving into the ingredients and the step-by-step process, let’s discuss why Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is such a standout dish.

One of the best things about this recipe is the addition of roasted garlic. Roasting garlic brings out its natural sweetness and softens its sharp, pungent flavor. The cloves become tender and golden, with a caramelized, almost nutty flavor that’s much milder than raw garlic. When mixed with the creamy cheese sauce, roasted garlic transforms this dish into something truly special.

Another reason why Potatoes au Gratin is such a fantastic choice is its creamy texture. The thinly sliced potatoes absorb the sauce, and when baked, they soften and become tender, with a rich, velvety texture. The cheese melts into the sauce, creating a luxurious coating that makes each bite feel indulgent.

Plus, this dish is incredibly versatile. It can be made ahead of time, adapted with a variety of cheese choices, and even customized with other ingredients, como oatmeal and zucchini, to suit different tastes. Whether you’re looking for a dish that complements a simple roast chicken or something more decadent to serve with steak, Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin fits the bill.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make potatoes au gratin but haven’t gotten around to trying it, this recipe is the perfect place to start. It’s simple yet flavorful, and the addition of roasted garlic adds an irresistible twist. Let’s dive in and see how to make this dish from scratch!

Ingredientes

To make Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin, você vai precisar dos seguintes ingredientes:

For the Roasted Garlic:

1 bulb of garlic (whole, unpeeled)
2 colheres de azeite (for drizzling)
Sala gosto

For the Gratin:

4-5 medium potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and thinly sliced (choose waxy potatoes for a smoother texture)
2 xícaras de creme de leite (you can substitute with whole milk for a lighter version)
1 xícara de leite integral
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
½ Xícara de queijo Parmesão ralado
2 colheres de sopa de manteiga
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
Sal e pimenta do reinoa gosto
1 small zucchini (optional addition, thinly sliced)
1/2 cup oatmeal (optional, for added texture)
Salsinha fresca, for garnish (optional)

Equipment Needed:

Mandolin slicer (optional but helpful for uniform potato slices)
Small baking sheet for roasting the garlic
Casserole dish (9×13-inch works well)
Saucepan for preparing the cream sauce
Whisk ou spatula for stirring

Passo-a-Passo

Step 1: Roasting the Garlic

Roasting garlic is a simple process that will elevate the flavor of this dish. Here’s how to do it:

Pré-aqueça o forno a 400°F (200°C).
Cut the top off the garlic bulb, exposing the individual cloves. Drizzle with azeite de oliva and sprinkle with a pinch of sal.
Wrap the garlic bulb in aluminum foil and place it on a small baking sheet.
Roast the garlic in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the cloves are soft, golden, and caramelized.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Squeeze the roasted garlic out of the skins and set aside. You should have a soft, buttery paste that you can easily incorporate into your sauce.

Step 2: Preparing the Cream Sauce

The creamy sauce is what makes Potatoes au Gratin so indulgent. Here’s how to prepare it:

In a medium saucepan, melt manteiga over medium heat.
Adicione o creme de leite e whole milk to the saucepan. Whisk together until smooth and combined.
Adicione o roasted garlic paste to the cream mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to mash the garlic into the sauce, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Stir in tomilho, sale pimenta to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly.
Remove from heat and add the ralado e queijo cheddar e queijo Parmesão ralado. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Step 3: Preparing the Potatoes and Zucchini

The key to the perfect Potatoes au Gratin is to slice the potatoes thinly. This allows the potatoes to cook evenly and absorb the rich cream sauce.

Descasque as batatas and slice them as thinly as possible, about 1/8-inch thick. You can use a mandolina for uniform slices, which is ideal for a perfect texture.
If you’re using abobrinha, slice it into thin rounds as well. Zucchini will add a fresh, light flavor to balance the richness of the cream.
Se você está adicionando aveia for extra texture, sprinkle a few tablespoons of aveia between the potato layers as you assemble the casserole.

Step 4: Assembling the Gratin

Now it’s time to bring everything together:

Lightly grease a casserole dish (9×13-inch) with butter or cooking spray.
Layer the sliced batatas in the dish, overlapping them slightly.
If you’re using abobrinha, layer it between the potatoes.
Pour a generous amount of the prepared cream sauce over the potatoes and zucchini. Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated with the sauce.
Repeat the layering process, adding another layer of batatas, abobrinhae cream sauce until all ingredients are used. The top layer should be a final layer of sauce.
Sprinkle any remaining queijo on top for a golden, cheesy crust.

Step 5: Baking the Potatoes

Pré-aqueça o forno a 375°F (190°C).
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning.
Bake for 45-50 minutes. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork.
After 50 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Let the gratin cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes it easier to slice.

Step 6: Garnishing and Serving

Uma vez que seu Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is out of the oven, it’s time to make it look as good as it tastes:

Garnish with freshly chopped salsinha for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve the gratin alongside your favorite main dish. This dish pairs beautifully with roast chicken, steak, or a hearty vegetable stir-fry.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Any Occasion

Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is not just a side dish – it’s a showstopper. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a family meal, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe will always be a crowd-pleaser. The addition of roasted garlic adds complexity to the dish, making it stand out from your typical potato casserole.

Tips for Perfecting Your Gratin

Choose the Right Potatoes: Waxy potatoes, like Yukon Gold or Red Bliss, work best for this recipe as they hold their shape and don’t become too mushy. Russet potatoes can work too, but they tend to break down more.
Faz Frente: This gratin can be made ahead of time! Simply assemble the casserole and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Customize the Cheese: While cheddar and Parmesan are classic choices, feel free to get creative. Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a sharp blue cheese will bring a unique flavor to your gratin.
Adicionar Proteína: You can make this dish a complete meal by adding cooked frango ou bacon in between the layers of potatoes. It’s a great way to make this gratin even more filling.

Conclusion: A Dish You’ll Love to Make Again and Again

Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a flavorful, creamy side dish that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add a twist with oatmeal and zucchini, this dish is guaranteed to impress. The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with the roasted garlic makes every bite a true indulgence.

This dish is not only a great addition to your holiday table, but it also works well for any weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s easy to customize and perfect for feeding a crowd. Serve it alongside steak, roast chicken, or even a vegetarian main dish to create a well-rounded meal. If you’re a fan of potato recipes side dishes, this one should be at the top of your list.

So go ahead, try out this recipe, and enjoy the warmth, flavor, and comfort that Roasted Garlic Potatoes au Gratin brings to the table. You’ll never look at potatoes the same way again!