Potato Gratin with Cheese

In our Group of the WhatsApp, and get the recipes cool on your phone!

Cheese gratin potatoes are an irresistible dish, perfect to accompany meat, poultry or even to be served as a main course at a special dinner. Its combination of soft potatoes, covered in a creamy cheese sauce and gratin until golden brown, creates a mouth-watering texture and flavor. If you are looking for an easy recipe that will impress your guests, this is the right choice. Let's learn how to make a gratin potato that will make them jealous!

Ingredients:

• 1 kg of potatoes (preferably English potatoes)
• 200g grated mozzarella cheese
• 100g grated parmesan cheese
• 1 carton of cream (200g)
• 1 cup of milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped or crushed
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• Nutmeg to taste (optional)
• Chopped parsley or chives for garnish

Directions:

1. Preparing the Potatoes:

1. Start by washing the potatoes well and, if you prefer, you can leave them with the skin on. If you prefer, you can peel them, but the skin helps to preserve the flavor and texture. Cut the potatoes into thin slices, about 0.5 cm thick, so that they cook evenly and remain soft.
2. In a large pot, add water and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium heat. When the water starts to boil, add the sliced potatoes and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, until they are slightly al dente (not too soft). They will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the potatoes and set aside.

2. Preparing the Cheese Sauce:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until golden brown and giving off a delicious aroma.
2. Add the milk and cream to the pan, stirring well to combine the ingredients. Heat until it starts to boil, but do not let the liquid boil completely, so that the sauce does not curdle.
3. Once the milk and cream are heated, add the grated mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring constantly until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper and nutmeg to taste.

3. Assembling the Dish:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (medium-high oven).
2. Grease a baking dish with a little butter and then make a layer of cooked potatoes, distributing them evenly.
3. Drizzle some of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Continue alternating layers of potatoes and sauce until you run out of ingredients, with the last layer being sauce.
4. Sprinkle a little more mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top of the last layer of sauce to ensure the gratin is golden brown and crispy.

4. Gratinating in the Oven:

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. For an extra touch, you can turn on the broiler (if your oven has this function) for the last 5 minutes of baking to make the crust extra crispy.

5. Finishing and Serving:

1. Carefully remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the dish firm up a bit, making it easier to cut.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives to add a touch of freshness and color to the dish.

Tips for a Perfect Dish:

• Cheeses: For a more intense flavor, try using cheeses like gouda, cheddar, or gruyere. They melt well and add a distinctive flavor to the recipe.
• Potatoes: If you prefer, use small potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a more gourmet touch and a different flavor.
• Creamy or Crunchy: If you like a crispier gratin, you can add a layer of grated cheese on top halfway through the baking time and let it brown a little more. If you prefer it creamier, just remove it from the oven a little before it browns too much.
• Add-ons: You can add sautéed ground beef, shredded chicken, or even vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms to the dish to make it even more complete and flavorful.