Julias Gorgeous Garlic Potatoes Au Gratin

Julia Child Au Gratin Potatoes A Gloriously Garlicky Take

By Laura TideSeptember 19, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Ever get that craving for pure, unadulterated comfort food? Honestly, me too! So, are you ready to channel your inner chef? Today we are diving headfirst into julia child au gratin potatoes .

This dish is guaranteed to warm your soul and impress everyone around your dinner table.

Quick Hook

Looking for the ultimate side dish? Julia Child's Classic potato gratin recipe hits the spot. Think creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible. Plus, a hint of garlic makes it extra special.

Brief Overview

This dish is tres bien ! Originating from France as Potatoes Dauphinoise Julia Child elevates, it's a culinary staple. It is relatively straightforward to make.

Budget around 1 hour and 20- 30 minutes in the kitchen. This recipe comfortably serves 6-8 hungry folks.

Main Benefits

Let's get into the reasons why you would want Homemade au gratin potatoes , Gruyere cheese is full of vitamin A, calcium, and zinc.

Perfect for a Sunday roast or a fancy midweek treat. These spuds are special because of the rich flavor and comforting texture.

So what makes this potato gratin so special?

Well, these are inspired by the legendary Julia Child Potatoes Au Gratin . The dish transforms humble potatoes into a masterpiece.

With a garlic infused cream sauce and bubbling cheese topping, oh my gosh!

This gratin is a celebration of simple ingredients done well. I remember the first time I attempted Julia Child Scalloped Potatoes , it was for my Mum's birthday.

I was so nervous! The cream sauce split a little, but everyone still loved it. I learned that even if it's not perfect, homemade always tastes better.

This time, however, we're aiming for perfection, or at least a really delicious attempt. Time to gather your ingredients and preheat that oven! You are on your way to having the Best potato gratin ready to be devoured!.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Right, so you want to make Julia Child au gratin potatoes ? Brilliant! This is the Classic Potato Gratin Recipe , but my take on it.

Don't worry, it's easier than you think. Get ready to unleash your inner chef.

Main Ingredients

Alright, pay attention! For the best Julia Child Potatoes Au Gratin , you'll need:

1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) Russet Potatoes. Go for smooth, firm potatoes.
3 tablespoons (45 ml) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing. Real butter is key!
2 cloves of garlic. Fresh is best.
2 cups (475 ml) whole milk. Full fat makes it creamy.
1 cup (235 ml) heavy cream. Don't skimp on this!
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg. A MUST, trust me.
Salt and pepper. To taste, obviously.
1 cup (100g) Gruyere cheese, grated. It has to be Gruyere
1/2 cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, grated. Adds a salty kick!

Honestly, good ingredients make all the difference. Use waxy potatoes if russets are not available.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

For flavour, it is all about the nutmeg and garlic! I love adding a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper. It doesn't make it spicy, just gives it a little something .

If you do not have nutmeg, mace or cinnamon can be used. Just a little though!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets. Just the basics for these Julia Childs Potatoes Au Gratin .

A mandoline is great, but careful! A sharp knife will do.
9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish. Any similar size will work.
Large saucepan. For the sauce!
Whisk. Get those arms moving.
Chef's knife and cutting board.
Measuring cups and spoons.

No stand mixer needed. This is about good food, not showing off! You can use any gratin dish and will deliver the best Easy au gratin potato recipe and Homemade au gratin potatoes

Making julia child scalloped potatoes is easier than you think!

Alright, let's get our aprons on! Today, we are diving headfirst into a comfort food classic. I’m talking about julia child au gratin potatoes .

This isn’t just any potato dish. Think of it as a hug in food form, right? This is my slightly cheeky take on the iconic Julia Child's Potatoes Au Gratin .

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First, mise en place is key, yeah? Peel and thinly slice 1.5 kg of Russet potatoes . A mandoline makes this a dream.

Honestly, if you're a bit dodgy with knives like I am, a mandoline is your best friend. Mince 2 cloves of garlic .

Grate 1 cup of Gruyere and 1/2 cup of Parmesan . Measure out 3 tablespoons of butter , 2 cups of whole milk , 1 cup of heavy cream , and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg .

Time saving tip: Do all the chopping while the oven preheats! Safety first, folks! Watch those fingers with the mandoline. Seriously, I’ve been there.

Creamy Potato Heaven: The Process

Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add your minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Don't let it burn. No one likes bitter garlic.
Whisk in 2 cups of whole milk , 1 cup of heavy cream , and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg . Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes , stirring now and then. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Layer the sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Slightly overlapping is the way to go. Pour a bit of the cream sauce over each layer. Make sure they are all nice and coated.
Sprinkle the 1 cup Gruyere and 1/2 cup Parmesan evenly over the top.
Bake for 55- 65 minutes . The top should be golden brown and bubbly. Check for doneness by inserting a knife. It should slide in easily.
Let it rest for 10- 15 minutes before serving. I know, it's torture, but trust me. This is important.

Pro Tips for Potatoes Dauphinoise Julia Child Perfection

Don't overcook the sauce! A gentle simmer is all you need. Overheating can make it curdle and nobody wants that.
Julia Child Scalloped Potatoes are all about even cooking. Get those slices uniform!
make-ahead option: You can assemble the Easy au gratin potato recipe ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Add about 10- 15 minutes to the baking time.

Honestly, mastering Homemade au gratin potatoes is such a rewarding experience, and it's guaranteed to make you the star of any potluck.

Experiment with different cheeses for a truly unique Classic potato gratin recipe . You can even substitute Swiss cheese if you don't have Gruyere.

Remember, cooking should be fun, so don't be afraid to make it your own. This could be the Best potato gratin you ever tasted.

Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Julia Child Au Gratin Potatoes!

Alright, let's dive deeper into making these Julia Child au gratin potatoes absolutely perfect . These aren't just any potatoes; they're a tribute to the culinary genius of Julia herself! Let's talk about nailing the recipe and making it your own.

Honestly, mastering this dish is like unlocking a secret level in cooking.

Serving Magnifique Julia Child Potatoes Au Gratin

Think presentation! Dollop a portion next to roast chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. A simple green salad balances the richness.

Try a crisp white wine to complement it. Honestly, you can't go wrong! Serving hot is crucial for maximizing flavor.

Storage Secrets for Your Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Got leftovers of this Best Potato Gratin ? Store them properly! Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) . Avoid microwaving if possible. It can make them a bit mushy.

Freezing isn't ideal. The sauce might separate.

Adaptations: Variations on This Classic Potato Gratin Recipe

Fancy a twist? Try adding some sliced onions or leeks. Sauté them with the garlic for extra flavor. For a lighter version, use half and-half instead of cream.

To make it gluten-free, ensure your cheese is gluten-free. It's actually simple to adapt Julia Childs Potatoes Au Gratin ! Seasonal ingredient swaps would work wonders too!

Nutrition Basics: A Little Indulgence

These Homemade au gratin potatoes are rich in carbs and fats. But they also provide calcium and some protein from the cheese.

Portion control is key! Enjoy it as part of a balanced meal. Everything is better with moderation, you know? Remember, cooking should be fun, not stressful.

So, go ahead and give this Easy au gratin potato recipe a try! Don't be afraid to experiment and add your own touch.

Most importantly, enjoy the process! I'm confident you'll create some truly memorable Potatoes Dauphinoise Julia Child inspired dish!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of potatoes work best for Julia Child au gratin potatoes?

Russet potatoes are the gold standard! Their high starch content helps create that creamy, comforting texture we all crave. Yukon Golds will also work in a pinch. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they won't break down enough to create the desired sauce.

My cream sauce curdled! What did I do wrong, and can I fix it?

Uh oh, curdling is a right pain! It usually happens when the sauce gets too hot too quickly. Make sure to simmer the cream sauce gently over low heat, stirring frequently, and avoid a rolling boil.

Sadly, once it's curdled, there's not much you can do to fully fix it, but you can try whisking in a tablespoon of cold milk to try and smooth it out a bit.

Can I prepare Julia Child au gratin potatoes ahead of time?

Good on ya for planning ahead! You can assemble the potatoes au gratin up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.

You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.

How do I store leftover potatoes au gratin, and how long will they last?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll be good for about 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven for best results (it helps crisp up the top again!), or zap them in the microwave if you're in a hurry. The texture might not be quite as perfect as the first day, but they'll still be tasty!

Can I add different cheeses or other ingredients to my Julia Child au gratin potatoes?

Absolutely! While the classic recipe is divine, feel free to experiment. Cheddar, Fontina, or even a bit of blue cheese can add a unique twist. Some people like to add thinly sliced onions or a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra flavor. Just remember that Julia was all about butter, so don't skip that part!

Are there any tips for making Julia Child au gratin potatoes healthier?

If you're feeling a bit virtuous, you can make a few adjustments. You can substitute some of the heavy cream with half and-half or even whole milk, but be aware that this will affect the richness of the dish. Using a bit less cheese or opting for a lower fat cheese option can also help cut down on calories and fat.

But hey, it's potatoes au gratin a little indulgence never hurt anyone!