Rich, creamy, and irresistibly comforting, this potato gratin takes a classic dish to the next level with deeply caramelized onions and nutty Parmesan cheese. Each bite is layered with tender potatoes, silky cream, and golden, bubbly goodness—perfect for family dinners, holidays, or when you simply want something indulgent and satisfying.
🕒 Prep Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
🛠️ Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking dish (9×13 inch recommended)
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
- Mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil
🧾 Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), thinly sliced
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra melt)
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Potatoes: Yukon Golds give a creamy texture; Russets make it fluffier
- Onions: Yellow onions caramelize best for deep flavor
- Parmesan: Use freshly grated for the best taste and melt
- Cream: Full-fat cream gives the richest result—avoid low-fat substitutes
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft, golden brown, and sweet. Add garlic in the last 2 minutes and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Mixture
In a bowl, combine heavy cream, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix well.
Step 3: Layer the Gratin
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Grease your baking dish
- Add a layer of sliced potatoes
- Top with some caramelized onions and a sprinkle of Parmesan
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top
Step 4: Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes
- Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes until golden and bubbly
Step 5: Rest & Serve
Let the gratin rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 320–380
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 10g
- Calcium: High (from Parmesan)
💡 Tips for Perfect Gratin
- Slice potatoes evenly for consistent cooking
- Don’t rush caramelizing onions—this builds flavor
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end
- Let it rest before cutting to keep layers intact
🔄 Variations
- Garlic Lover’s Version: Add extra garlic to the cream
- Herb Infused: Use fresh rosemary or thyme
- Cheese Swap: Try Gruyère for a French-style twist
