Potato gratin

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This delicious cheesy potato gratin is simple to make and makes the perfect side dish. There’s something irresistibly comforting about a classic gratin: thin slices of potato baked slowly in a rich, creamy sauce until they’re silky, indulgent, and beautifully golden on top. It’s the kind of side that feels elegant yet wonderfully simple, turning even the most ordinary meal into something special.

Whether you’re serving it with a Sunday roast, a festive spread, or a cosy midweek dinner, this creamy, cheesy bake is a true crowd‑pleaser that never goes out of style.

Serving Suggestions for Potato Gratin

  • Roast Chicken — lemony or herb‑roast chicken is the perfect classic pairing.
  • Steak (Ribeye, Sirloin, Fillet) — rich meat + creamy gratin = restaurant‑level comfort.
  • Pork Chops — especially with mustard or apple sauce to cut through the richness.
  • Gammon or Ham Steaks — salty, sweet ham works beautifully with creamy potatoes.
  • Lamb Chops — charred, savoury lamb balanced by the gratin’s softness.
  • Sausages — pork, chicken, or herby; simple and cosy.
  • Gravy — beef, chicken, or onion gravy adds savoury depth and ties the whole plate together.
  • Green Vegetables — peas, green beans, tenderstem broccoli for freshness.
  • Roasted Root Vegetables — carrots, parsnips, or beetroot for sweetness and colour.
  • Crisp Green Salad — sharp vinaigrette to balance the creaminess.
  • Caramelised Onions — sweet, sticky onions complement the gratin’s richness.
  • Grilled Mushrooms — earthy, savoury and great with creamy potatoes.
  • Garlic Butter Prawns — surprisingly lovely; the garlic and butter echo the gratin’s flavours.

Potato gratin

Cook Time 35 minutes
Course Sides
Cuisine French
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 450 g potatoes, sliced
  • pinch of salt
  • 150 ml double cream
  • 90 ml semi-skimmed milk
  • 100 g cheddar cheese
  • salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 200ºc / Gas 6.  Peel the potatoes, then using a food processor or a mandolin, slice the potatoes so they are even.  Bring a pan of lightly salted water to the boil and cook the potato slices for 8-10mins, or until tender.  Drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix together the double cream and milk. 
  • Grate the cheese and set aside.
  • In a shallow baking dish, place a layer of potatoes, then sprinkle some cheese, salt and pepper and then repeat until all the potatoes and cheese have been used and ending with cheese on top.
  • Carefully pour the milk mixture over the top.  Bake in the oven for around 20mins or until golden brown on top.  Serve hot.