Creamy Boursin Potato Gratin
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of our Creamy Boursin Potato Gratin, a decadent dish that transforms simple red potatoes into a rich and creamy side that’s perfect for special occasions. This velvety gratin combines tender slices of unpeeled red potatoes drenched in a luscious blend of heavy cream and herbed Boursin cheese, elevating your dinner table with its gourmet touch. Whether it's a holiday feast or a date night, this dish will impress your guests and leave them craving more.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
red potatoes
3 lbs (unpeeled, sliced into quarter-inch rounds)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
heavy cream
1 pint (for the sauce)
Boursin cheese
1 (5 ounce) package (to be melted into the cream)
fresh chives or parsley
for garnish (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, slice the red potatoes into quarter-inch rounds and season them generously with salt and pepper.
3
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and Boursin cheese. Heat over low heat, stirring gently, until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to boil.
4
In a deep casserole dish, create a layer of half the seasoned potato slices, evenly spread them out to cover the bottom of the dish.
5
Pour half of the creamy Boursin cheese mixture over the first layer of potatoes, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
6
Add the remaining potato slices on top of the first layer, then pour the rest of the cream and cheese mixture over the top, covering the potatoes completely.
7
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, until the potatoes are tender.
8
After baking, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
9
Garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Boursin Potato Gratin?
Creamy Boursin Potato Gratin is a decadent side dish featuring sliced red potatoes layered with a rich sauce made from heavy cream and herbed Boursin cheese.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include 3 lbs of red potatoes, salt, black pepper, 1 pint of heavy cream, a 5-ounce package of Boursin cheese, and fresh chives or parsley for garnish.
What type of potatoes work best for this gratin?
This recipe specifically calls for red potatoes, which hold their shape well, but Yukon Gold potatoes are also a great alternative for a buttery texture.
Do I need to peel the red potatoes?
No, the recipe suggests leaving the red potatoes unpeeled, which adds color and texture to the dish.
What is Boursin cheese?
Boursin is a brand of Gournay cheese that is creamy, crumbly, and typically flavored with herbs and garlic.
How thick should I slice the potatoes?
Potatoes should be sliced into quarter-inch rounds to ensure they cook evenly within the specified baking time.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for the best results.
How long does it take to bake the gratin?
The dish takes a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes: 1 hour covered with foil and an additional 10-15 minutes uncovered.
Why is the dish covered with aluminum foil during baking?
Foil traps steam to help the potatoes soften and cook through without the top burning or the cream drying out.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich than the original heavy cream version.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve approximately 8 people.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed (potatoes, cream, Boursin cheese, and herbs), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly side dish as it contains no meat products.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze Boursin potato gratin?
Freezing is not recommended because the cream-based sauce may separate and the potato texture can become grainy upon thawing.
What is the best way to reheat the gratin?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use a microwave for individual portions.
Can I add other vegetables like onions to the gratin?
Yes, thinly sliced onions or leeks can be layered between the potatoes for added depth of flavor.
What garnish is recommended for this dish?
Freshly chopped chives or parsley are recommended to add a pop of color and freshness.
How do I prevent the cream and cheese sauce from curdling?
Melt the Boursin into the cream over low heat and avoid letting the mixture reach a hard boil.
Can I use a different type of cheese if I don't have Boursin?
You can use Alouette or a similar garlic-and-herb spreadable cheese as a substitute.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the dish and keep it in the fridge until ready to bake, or bake it fully and reheat it before serving.
What size baking dish should I use?
A deep casserole dish or a 9x13 inch baking pan is suitable for 3 lbs of potatoes.
Why are my potatoes still hard after an hour?
This usually happens if the slices are too thick. Ensure they are sliced to a quarter-inch and that the dish is tightly sealed with foil.
How do I get a golden top on my gratin?
Removing the foil for the final 10-15 minutes of baking allows the top layer to brown and become bubbly.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday dinners?
Yes, its gourmet touch and decadent flavor make it perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter.
Can I add extra garlic to the recipe?
While Boursin is already garlicky, you can definitely add minced fresh garlic to the cream mixture for more intensity.
Should I season every layer of potatoes?
The recipe suggests seasoning the sliced potatoes in a bowl first to ensure every piece is evenly coated with salt and pepper.
Can I use Yukon Gold potatoes instead of red?
Absolutely. Yukon Golds are an excellent choice for gratins because of their creamy texture.
Is Boursin cheese salty?
Boursin contains some salt, so be sure to taste your potato seasoning to avoid over-salting the dish.
What main dishes pair well with this side?
It pairs wonderfully with roast beef, grilled steak, roasted chicken, or holiday ham.