Potato Gratin | Easy Creamy Potato Gratin Recipe

Potato gratin
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.

Variations for Potato Gratin

  • Cheesy Potato Gratin — Add extra Gruyère, Cheddar, or Comté for a richer, more indulgent bake with a golden crust.
  • Garlic Potato Gratin — Infuse the cream with garlic for added depth and savoury flavour throughout the dish.
  • Potato and Leek Gratin — Layer softened leeks between the potatoes for sweetness and extra texture.
  • Bacon Potato Gratin — Add crispy bacon lardons for a smoky flavour that pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes.
  • Potato and Onion Gratin — Include thinly sliced onions for a deeper, sweeter flavour profile.
  • Mustard Potato Gratin — Stir Dijon or wholegrain mustard into the cream for a subtle tangy kick.
  • Potato and Mushroom Gratin — Layer sautéed mushrooms throughout for earthy flavour and a heartier finish.
  • Blue Cheese Potato Gratin — Crumble Stilton or another blue cheese into the sauce for a bold, creamy variation.
  • Herb Potato Gratin — Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for an aromatic twist.
  • Smoked Cheese Potato Gratin — Use smoked Cheddar for a delicious smoky flavour throughout the dish.
  • Potato and Spinach Gratin — Layer wilted spinach between the potatoes for added colour and nutrition.
  • Potato and Cauliflower Gratin — Combine potato slices with cauliflower florets for extra texture and vegetable goodness.
  • Potato and Ham Gratin — Add diced cooked ham to transform the gratin into a substantial main meal.
  • Parmesan Potato Gratin — Finish with Parmesan for a crisp, golden topping and nutty flavour.
  • Truffle Potato Gratin — Add a few drops of truffle oil for a luxurious variation that’s perfect for special occasions

Potato gratin

Potato Gratin layers tender sliced potatoes in a rich, creamy sauce with a golden baked topping, creating a comforting and indulgent side dish for any meal.
Cook Time 35 minutes
Course Sides
Cuisine French
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Mandoline
  • Oven proof dish

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.