Creamy Swiss Potato Gratin
This Creamy Swiss Potato Gratin is a delightful twist on Julia Child's classic recipe, featuring layers of tender potatoes combined with the nutty flavor of Swiss cheese, all enveloped in a silky, milk-based sauce. By using skim milk instead of heavy cream, this version remains rich and satisfying while reducing the overall fat content. The dish is enhanced with the aromatic essence of garlic, making it a perfect accompaniment for lunch or a satisfying snack. With a golden, crispy top, each serving offers a delectable balance of flavors and textures that will transport you to the bistros of France.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic
1/2 (unpeeled clove)
Potatoes
3-3.5 (cups, sliced thin (approx. 1 pound))
Vegetable oil
a bit (for greasing the dish)
Salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
Pepper
1/4 (teaspoon)
Swiss cheese
1/2 (cup, grated)
Skim milk
3/4 (cup, boiling (approx.))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), positioning the oven rack in the top third.
2
Prepare a shallow baking dish (preferably oven-safe like Corningware) by rubbing the inside with the cut side of the garlic clove to impart subtle flavor.
3
Lightly grease the baking dish with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
4
Slice the potatoes into 1/8-inch thick rounds for even cooking. Arrange half of the potato slices in the bottom of the dish in an overlapping manner.
5
Sprinkle half of the salt, pepper, grated Swiss cheese, and a few small dots of butter (if desired) over the potato layer.
6
Repeat the layering process with the remaining potato slices and repeat with the remaining seasonings and cheese.
7
Carefully pour the boiling skim milk over the layered potatoes until they are just barely submerged, adjusting according to your baking dish size.
8
Place the baking dish on the stovetop over medium heat. Allow the milk to come to a gentle simmer, which should take a few minutes.
9
Once simmering, transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, the milk has absorbed, and the top is golden brown.
10
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Swiss Potato Gratin?
It is a French-style dish featuring layers of tender potatoes and nutty Swiss cheese in a silky milk-based sauce.
Whose recipe is this dish a twist on?
This recipe is a twist on a classic recipe by Julia Child.
How is this version of gratin made lighter?
It uses skim milk instead of heavy cream to reduce the overall fat content while remaining rich and satisfying.
What type of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for half a cup of grated Swiss cheese.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius.
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
The oven rack should be positioned in the top third of the oven.
How should I prepare the baking dish for flavor?
Rub the inside of a shallow baking dish with the cut side of a garlic clove to impart a subtle aromatic essence.
What is the purpose of vegetable oil in this recipe?
A bit of vegetable oil is used to lightly grease the baking dish to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
How many potatoes are needed?
You will need approximately 3 to 3.5 cups of thinly sliced potatoes, which is about 1 pound.
How thick should the potato rounds be sliced?
The potatoes should be sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds for even cooking.
How do I layer the gratin?
Arrange half the potatoes in an overlapping manner, sprinkle half the seasonings and cheese, then repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
What seasonings are used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Does the recipe include butter?
Yes, you can add a few small dots of butter over the potato layers if desired.
How much milk is required?
Approximately 3/4 cup of boiling skim milk is needed.
Why should the milk be boiling when added?
Boiling milk is poured over the potatoes to help jumpstart the cooking process before the dish enters the oven.
Is there a stovetop step in this recipe?
Yes, the baking dish is placed on the stovetop over medium heat to bring the milk to a gentle simmer before baking.
How long does the dish bake in the oven?
The gratin should bake for 20 to 30 minutes.
How do I know the potatoes are cooked?
The gratin is ready when the potatoes are tender, the milk has been absorbed, and the top is golden brown.
Should the dish rest after baking?
Yes, let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What categories does this recipe belong to?
It is categorized as Lunch or Snacks.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Creamy Swiss Potato Gratin is a vegetarian dish.
What kind of baking dish is best?
A shallow, oven-safe baking dish like Corningware is recommended.
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include gratin, potatoes, swiss cheese, comfort food, and french cuisine.
Can I use a different type of milk?
The recipe specifically calls for skim milk to keep it lower in fat, but other types could be substituted.
What type of garlic is used?
The recipe uses half of an unpeeled garlic clove to flavor the dish.
Does the dish have a crispy texture?
Yes, the dish features a golden, crispy top.
What flavor does the garlic add?
The garlic provides an aromatic essence that enhances the overall dish.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 7 ingredients in total.
How much Swiss cheese is used per layer?
The 1/2 cup of grated Swiss cheese is split between the two layers.