The Ultimate Creamy Dauphinoise Potatoes Recipe You’ll Love

Creamy and luxurious dauphinoise potatoes promise a culinary adventure that will delight your taste buds.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes meld with rich cream and fragrant herbs.

Originating from the french region of dauphine, this dish embodies rustic elegance.

Soft, golden edges create a crispy contrast against the silky interior.

Each forkful brings a symphony of textures and deep, comforting flavors.

Mountain cheeses and garlic whisper subtle complexity into every bite.

You’ll find this side dish elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Prepare to be transported by this classic french potato masterpiece.

Ingredients List for Dauphinoise Potatoes by Delia Smith

• Potatoes: Starchy and creamy potatoes that form the base of this classic French dish.
• Milk: Provides a smooth and rich liquid base for cooking the potatoes.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and creates a velvety texture.
• Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a delicious golden crust to the potato layers.

• Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish with aromatic and savory notes.

• Fresh Thyme: Adds a subtle herbal brightness and visual appeal to the finished dish.
• Butter: Used to grease the baking dish and add extra richness.

How to Make Delia Smith Dauphinoise Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Grab a large baking dish and generously coat the inside with butter to prevent sticking and create a delicious golden crust.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Potato Base

• Sliced potatoes
• Minced garlic
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Nutmeg

Gently simmer the mixture until the potatoes start to become tender but aren’t fully cooked.

Step 3: Build First Potato Layer

Carefully arrange the first half of the softened potato slices in the buttered baking dish, creating an even, overlapping pattern. Sprinkle a generous layer of grated Gruyère cheese over the potatoes.

Step 4: Add Second Potato Layer

Repeat the layering process with the remaining potato slices, creating another beautiful, even layer. Top this layer with the remaining Gruyère cheese.

Step 5: Pour Cream Mixture

Slowly pour the remaining cream mixture over the layered potatoes, ensuring it seeps between the layers and covers the entire dish.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges are bubbling with cheesy goodness, typically 40-45 minutes.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 15 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for a fragrant finishing touch.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Dauphinoise Potatoes

• Slice Evenly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes into uniform 1/8-inch thick slices for consistent cooking and elegant presentation.
• Layer Carefully: Arrange potato slices in neat, overlapping rows to ensure even heat distribution and beautiful visual appeal.
• Control Liquid Ratio: Add cream gradually to prevent soggy bottom while maintaining creamy, rich texture throughout the dish.
• Choose Right Cheese: Select high-quality gruyère or emmental for authentic french flavor and smooth melting characteristics.
• Prevent Burning: Cover with foil during last 10 minutes of baking if top browns too quickly to maintain golden color without scorching.

Twist Options for Delia Smith Dauphinoise Potatoes

• Vegan Potato Gratin: Replace dairy cream with coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and add plant-based butter for richness.
• Herb-Infused Version: Incorporate fresh rosemary, sage, and parsley into the cream mixture for an aromatic herb-packed experience.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap potatoes with thinly sliced cauliflower, maintain the creamy sauce and cheese layers for a keto-friendly option.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add diced green chiles, pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle smoked paprika for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

Delicious Pairings for Dauphinoise Potatoes

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the creamy, rich texture of Dauphinoise potatoes.
• Enhance with Roasted Meats: Serve alongside herb-crusted lamb, tender beef tenderloin, or succulent roasted chicken to balance the potato's decadent flavors.
• Brighten with Fresh Salad: Create a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to cut through the dish's heaviness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Elevate with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh thyme or chopped chives on top to add a bright, aromatic element that lifts the potato's creamy profile.

Storing Leftover Dauphinoise Potatoes the Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover dish with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese melts.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when potatoes are steaming hot.

Questions About Dauphinoise Potatoes Answered

• Are Dauphinoise Potatoes difficult to make?

Not at all! The recipe is surprisingly simple and requires basic cooking skills. The key is slicing potatoes thinly and layering them carefully with cream and cheese.

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet work best. They hold their shape well and absorb the creamy sauce perfectly during baking.

• Is this dish considered healthy?

It’s a rich, indulgent side dish with high calories from cream and cheese. While delicious, it’s best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

• How do I get the perfect golden top on my Dauphinoise Potatoes?

Use full-fat cheese and ensure your oven is at the right temperature. The last 10-15 minutes of baking helps create that beautiful golden, crispy surface.

What’s Great About Delia Smith Dauphinoise Potatoes

• Comfort Food Champion: Creamy, rich layers of potatoes that melt in your mouth, delivering pure culinary comfort with every delicious bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or special occasions where you want to impress guests with a classic French-inspired side dish.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels while delivering restaurant-quality results.
• Versatile Companion: Pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or can stand alone as a luxurious vegetarian main course that satisfies hunger and taste buds.

Dauphinoise Potatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy, rich Dauphinoise potatoes from France deliver ultimate comfort with layers of thinly sliced potatoes, heavy cream, and garlic. Cheese-topped and golden-brown, this classic side dish promises indulgent warmth you’ll savor with every luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2.5 pounds (1.13 kilograms) Yukon Gold potatoes
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) whole milk
• 8 ounces (226 grams) Gruyere cheese, grated

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Fats and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by generously coating with butter, ensuring complete coverage for the dauphinoise potatoes.
2. Combine sliced potatoes with aromatic garlic, rich dairy components, and carefully selected seasonings in a simmering liquid until potatoes reach a delicate tenderness.
3. Arrange the first layer of gently cooked potatoes across the buttered dish, creating an even, overlapping surface.
4. Distribute a generous portion of grated cheese evenly over the initial potato layer, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
5. Construct a second identical layer using remaining potato slices, maintaining the precise, slightly diagonal arrangement.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cheese across the top layer, creating a potential golden, crispy crust.
7. Delicately cascade the reserved cream mixture over the entire assembled dish, allowing liquid to permeate between potato layers.
8. Position the dish in a preheated 350°F oven, allowing 40-45 minutes for transformative cooking.
9. Watch for a rich, golden-brown surface and bubbling edges indicating complete preparation.
10. Remove from oven and permit the dish to rest and settle for approximately 15 minutes.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped thyme leaves for an aromatic, elegant finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create thin, consistent potato slices for the best results.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version that’s less caloric.
• Add caramelized onions or crispy bacon bits between potato layers for extra flavor complexity and texture variation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 547
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg