Creamy Goat Cheese and Garlic Yukon Gold Potato Gratin
Indulge in this rich yet lighter take on a classic potato gratin, featuring layers of tender Yukon Gold potatoes infused with the tangy flavor of crumbled goat cheese and enhanced by the aromatic warmth of garlic. This dish is the perfect centerpiece for any meal, offering a delightful combination of creamy textures and savory flavors that will leave your family and guests raving. Ideal for holidays, gatherings, or as a comforting side dish, this gratin strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and lightness, all while being simple to prepare.
9
Servings
200
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
half-and-half
1 cup (divided)
flour
1 tablespoon
crumbled goat cheese
1 cup
1% low-fat milk
1 cup
salt
1 teaspoon
black pepper
3/4 teaspoon
ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon
garlic
1 clove (minced)
Yukon gold potatoes
5 cups (thinly sliced and peeled)
cooking spray
(for coating baking dish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of half-and-half with the flour until smooth, creating a thickening base.
3
Add the remaining half-and-half, crumbled goat cheese, 1% milk, salt, black pepper, ground nutmeg, and minced garlic to the bowl. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined.
4
Coat an 11x7 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5
Layer half of the sliced Yukon Gold potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
6
Pour half of the cheese and milk mixture over the first layer of potatoes, making sure to stir the mixture before pouring to ensure even distribution.
7
Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes and the remaining cheese and milk mixture.
8
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
9
After 40 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is beautifully golden brown.
10
Let the gratin rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving for the best texture.
Nutrition Information
5g
Protein
93mg
Sodium
15mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this potato gratin different from traditional versions?
This recipe is a lighter take on the classic gratin, using 1% milk and half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and features tangy goat cheese instead of traditional Gruyere or cheddar.
What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended because they have a naturally buttery flavor and hold their shape well while becoming tender during the long baking process.
Do I need to peel the potatoes before slicing?
Yes, for the best texture in this specific gratin, the Yukon Gold potatoes should be peeled and then thinly sliced.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 9 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving of this potato gratin contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
Why is flour used in this recipe?
A small amount of flour is whisked with the half-and-half to create a thickening base, ensuring the sauce reaches the right consistency during baking.
How much goat cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of crumbled goat cheese.
What size baking dish should I use?
An 11x7 inch baking dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
Can I use whole milk instead of 1% milk?
Yes, you can substitute 1% milk with whole milk for a richer result, though it will increase the fat content slightly.
How long does the gratin need to bake?
The total baking time is 70 minutes: 40 minutes covered with foil and 30 minutes uncovered.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this creamy goat cheese and garlic potato gratin is a vegetarian dish.
What purpose does the nutmeg serve?
Ground nutmeg adds a subtle, aromatic warmth that enhances the savory flavors of the cheese and garlic.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
Coat the 11x7 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the potatoes and cheese from sticking.
Why is the dish covered with foil for part of the baking time?
Covering the dish with foil for the first 40 minutes traps steam, which helps the potatoes become tender without the top browning too quickly.
When do I remove the foil?
Remove the foil after the first 40 minutes of baking to allow the top to become golden brown during the final 30 minutes.
How do I know when the gratin is fully cooked?
The gratin is ready when the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is a beautiful golden brown.
Is it necessary to rest the gratin before serving?
Yes, letting the gratin rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven allows the sauce to set for a better serving texture.
Can I use bottled minced garlic?
Yes, you can use one clove of freshly minced garlic or the equivalent amount from a jar.
What is the sodium content per serving?
There is approximately 93mg of sodium in each serving of this dish.
Can I substitute the goat cheese with another variety?
While goat cheese provides a specific tang, you could try feta or a mild blue cheese, though the flavor profile will change.
How much cholesterol is in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 15mg of cholesterol.
Can I add other herbs to this recipe?
Certainly; herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary would pair very well with the garlic and goat cheese flavors.
What is the best way to slice the potatoes?
For even cooking, slice the potatoes thinly and uniformly, ideally using a mandoline or a sharp chef's knife.
Is this dish gluten-free?
No, this recipe contains 1 tablespoon of flour. To make it gluten-free, you would need to use a gluten-free flour substitute.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the layers and keep it refrigerated, then bake it when ready, though you may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the total amount of potatoes needed?
The recipe requires 5 cups of thinly sliced and peeled Yukon Gold potatoes.
Can I use a larger baking dish?
A 13x9 inch dish can be used, but the layers will be thinner and the cooking time may decrease, so monitor the potatoes closely.
Is this dish considered a side dish or a main?
While it is substantial enough to be a centerpiece for a vegetarian meal, it is most commonly served as a comforting side dish.