Gourmet Bacon & Sage Potato Gratin
Indulge in this Gourmet Bacon & Sage Potato Gratin, a delightful twist on the classic scalloped potatoes. This luxurious dish layers creamy, perfectly tender potatoes with the sweetness of leeks and the savory crunch of crisp bacon. Infused with fragrant sage and complemented by tangy crème fraîche, it offers a rich and satisfying flavor profile that stands as a meal on its own. Serve it with a light salad for a complete dining experience that is both hearty and elegant, perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners at home.
2
Servings
575
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
700 g (peeled and thinly sliced)
Leeks
3-4 (trimmed and thinly sliced)
Streaky Bacon
6-8 slices (chopped into strips)
Mature Hard Cheese
125 g (grated (cheddar recommended))
Chicken Stock
600-900 ml (heated)
Butter
50 g (divided)
Mustard Seeds
1 tablespoon (mixed with crème fraîche)
Crème Fraîche
4 tablespoons (mixed with mustard seeds)
Sea Salt
to taste
Black Pepper
to taste
Fresh Sage Leaf
1/4 cup (fried until crispy)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Begin by peeling the potatoes, then slice them thinly using a mandolin or sharp knife for even cooking.
3
Rinse the sliced potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
4
Prepare the leeks by trimming off the coarse green tops and slicing them thinly. Rinse to remove any dirt between the layers.
5
Generously butter a gratin dish, then layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom.
6
Distribute the sliced leeks evenly over the first layer of potatoes.
7
Chop the bacon into strips and cook in a skillet over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once done, sprinkle the bacon over the leeks.
8
In the remaining bacon fat, quickly fry the fresh sage leaves until they are crispy and fragrant. Scatter these over the layers of bacon and leeks.
9
Grate the mature hard cheese generously over the entire dish, ensuring an even distribution.
10
Top with the remaining potato slices, layering them neatly.
11
In a pot, heat the chicken stock until warm, then pour it over the potatoes, ensuring the liquid covers the top layer but does not submerge them.
12
Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste, then dot with most of the remaining butter, cutting it into small pieces and distributing it evenly.
13
Take a piece of wax paper, smear the remaining butter on one side, and place it buttered side down on top of the dish to prevent drying.
14
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
15
After 45 minutes, check the potatoes with a skewer to see if they are nearly tender.
16
Combine the mustard seeds with crème fraîche in a small bowl, then pour this mixture over the gratin, spreading it evenly with a rubber spatula.
17
Return the dish to the oven without the wax paper for an additional 15 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and bubbly.
18
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Gourmet Bacon & Sage Potato Gratin immediately!
Nutrition Information
35 g
Fat
48.5 g
Carbs
20 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gourmet Bacon & Sage Potato Gratin?
It is a luxurious twist on classic scalloped potatoes featuring creamy potatoes, leeks, crispy bacon, fragrant sage, and tangy crème fraîche.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 2 people.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
The potatoes should be peeled and sliced thinly using a mandolin or a sharp knife for even cooking.
Why is it necessary to rinse the potatoes?
Rinsing the sliced potatoes under cold water helps remove excess starch, ensuring a better texture.
How do you prepare the leeks for the dish?
Trim the coarse green tops, slice the leeks thinly, and rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt between the layers.
What is the best way to cook the bacon?
Chop the streaky bacon into strips and cook in a skillet over medium heat until it becomes crispy.
How should the fresh sage leaves be handled?
Fry the sage leaves in the remaining bacon fat until they are crispy and fragrant before adding them to the gratin.
What type of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
A mature hard cheese is recommended, with cheddar specifically suggested for its flavor.
What role does chicken stock play in the gratin?
The chicken stock is heated and poured over the layers to provide moisture and flavor during the baking process.
How much chicken stock is required?
You will need between 600-900 ml of chicken stock, depending on how much is needed to cover the potatoes.
Why is wax paper used in this recipe?
A buttered piece of wax paper is placed on top of the dish during the first 45 minutes of baking to prevent the potatoes from drying out.
What is the total baking time?
The gratin bakes for a total of 60 minutes: 45 minutes covered with wax paper and 15 minutes uncovered.
How do I prepare the topping for the final 15 minutes?
Combine one tablespoon of mustard seeds with four tablespoons of crème fraîche and spread it evenly over the gratin.
What are the nutritional values for calories?
Each serving contains approximately 575 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 35 g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving provides 20 g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 48.5 g of carbohydrates per serving.
What should I serve with this potato gratin?
It is recommended to serve this rich dish with a light salad for a complete and elegant meal.
How do I check if the potatoes are cooked?
Check the potatoes with a skewer after the first 45 minutes to see if they are nearly tender.
How much butter is needed in total?
The recipe calls for 50 g of butter, divided for greasing the dish, dotting the top, and smearing on the wax paper.
What type of bacon should I use?
The recipe specifies 6-8 slices of streaky bacon.
What seasonings are used?
Sea salt and black pepper are added to taste.
How much cheese is required?
The recipe uses 125 g of grated mature hard cheese.
How many leeks are needed?
You will need 3-4 leeks, depending on their size.
What weight of potatoes is used?
The recipe requires 700 g of potatoes.
What is the final texture of the dish?
The final dish is golden brown, bubbly, and rich with creamy and crispy textures.
When should I add the mustard seed and crème fraîche mixture?
Add the mixture after the initial 45 minutes of baking, once the wax paper is removed.
Can I use a different type of stock?
While chicken stock is specified, a vegetable stock could be used as a substitute if desired.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its hearty and elegant nature makes it perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners at home.