Heavenly Yukon Gold Potato Gratin
Indulge in the creamy layers of this Heavenly Yukon Gold Potato Gratin, a cherished recipe that has warmed the hearts and appetites of my family for years. Inspired by the original creation published by Martha Stewart in 1994, this dish combines the richness of Gruyere cheese with the earthy flavors of Yukon Gold potatoes and fresh thyme. Perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions, this gratin is both comforting and elegant, offering a delightful balance of flavors without excess fat, allowing the natural taste of the potatoes to shine through.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unsalted Butter
1/2 tablespoon (Softened, for greasing baking dish)
Yukon Gold Potatoes
1 lb (Sliced into 1/8-inch rounds)
Gruyere Cheese
2/3 cup (Grated, high quality)
Olive Oil
1 teaspoon (For coating potatoes)
Fresh Thyme
1 tablespoon (Leaves, or substitute with 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Fresh Ground Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (More if desired)
Low Sodium Chicken Broth
1/3 cup (For moisture)
Fresh Thyme Sprigs
4-5 sprigs (For garnish (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Generously butter a 9-inch round or oval baking dish to prevent sticking.
2
Slice the Yukon Gold potatoes into 1/8-inch thick rounds using a mandoline, slicer, or a very sharp knife. Place the potato slices in a large mixing bowl.
3
Add 2/3 cup of grated Gruyere cheese, olive oil, fresh thyme leaves (or dried thyme), salt, and pepper to the bowl. Gently toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated with the mixture, ensuring each slice is infused with flavor.
4
Begin layering the potato slices in the prepared baking dish in a neat, overlapping pattern, creating an attractive arrangement.
5
Once all the potato slices are layered, pour the low sodium chicken broth evenly over the potatoes to keep them moist during baking. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyere cheese on top.
6
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning, then place it in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden brown and bubbling.
7
Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to become perfectly crispy. Once done, let the gratin rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heavenly Yukon Gold Potato Gratin?
It is a creamy, layered potato dish featuring Yukon Gold potatoes, Gruyere cheese, and fresh thyme, inspired by a classic Martha Stewart recipe.
Who originally published the recipe that inspired this dish?
This dish was inspired by an original creation published by Martha Stewart in 1994.
What are the key ingredients in this gratin?
The main ingredients include Yukon Gold potatoes, Gruyere cheese, unsalted butter, olive oil, fresh thyme, and low sodium chicken broth.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How thick should the potato slices be?
Potatoes should be sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds using a mandoline, slicer, or sharp knife.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the dish?
Generously butter a 9-inch round or oval baking dish before layering the potatoes.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
A high-quality grated Gruyere cheese is recommended for its rich flavor and melting properties.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of low sodium chicken broth to keep the potatoes moist.
Is this potato gratin considered vegetarian?
While categorized as vegetarian in tags, it contains chicken broth; you should substitute with vegetable broth to make it strictly vegetarian.
How long does the gratin need to bake?
Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
Why is the baking dish covered with foil?
The dish is covered loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning while the potatoes cook through.
When should I remove the foil during baking?
Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to become crispy.
How should the potatoes be layered in the dish?
Layer the slices in a neat, overlapping pattern to create an attractive arrangement.
Should the potatoes be tossed with seasonings before layering?
Yes, gently toss the slices in a bowl with 2/3 cup of Gruyere, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper before layering.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of potatoes, typically serving 2 to 4 people as a side dish.
How do I know when the gratin is finished cooking?
The gratin is done when the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is bubbling and golden.
Can I garnish the dish with anything extra?
Yes, you can garnish the finished dish with 4-5 fresh thyme sprigs for an elegant presentation.
Is there a lot of fat in this recipe?
No, it is designed to offer a balance of flavors without excess fat, using only a small amount of butter and olive oil.
What is the purpose of the olive oil?
The olive oil is used to coat the potatoes, ensuring they are infused with flavor and don't dry out.
What tools are recommended for slicing the potatoes?
A mandoline is highly recommended for achieving perfectly uniform 1/8-inch slices.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter for greasing, allowing you to control the sodium content with added salt.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
Use 3/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper, or more to taste.
Is this a side dish or a main course?
It is primarily served as a side dish, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Should I let the gratin rest after it comes out of the oven?
Yes, let the gratin rest for a few minutes before serving to let the layers set.
What is the origin of this style of cooking?
Potato gratin is a classic staple of French cuisine.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yukon Gold is preferred for its texture, but other waxy potatoes could work in a pinch.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including the optional garnish.
What size baking dish is required?
A 9-inch round or oval baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
Is the chicken broth poured on before or after the cheese?
The broth is poured over the layered potatoes, and then the remaining Gruyere is sprinkled on top.