Goat Cheese Potatoes Gratin

 

I learned about this dish when I took a cooking class several years ago. I liked it so much that it has become a staple in our family as one of the more popular sides. I lost the recipe from the class and have developed my own over the years. This is like scalloped potatoes kicked up a few notches.

MISE EN PLACE

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 1/2 Lbs. russet or Yukon gold potatoes (weight after peeling)
  • 2 Cups Half & Half
  • 1 1/2 Cups heavy cream
  • 8 Oz. goat cheese
  • 1 Tbsp. garlic put through a garlic press or finely minced
  • 1/8 Tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/2 Tsp. ground white pepper
  • 4 Tsp. kosher salt
  • Butter to grease your pan

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Peel and thinly slice potatoes into medallions. (If you have a mandoline, that is the best way to get a uniform cut. You can purchase some that are inexpensive and will do the job.)
  • Place the potatoes in a bowl of tap water to keep from discoloring.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the Half & Half, heavy cream, garlic, salt, pepper and nutmeg and whisk well.
  • Crumble the goat cheese into the liquid mixture and whisk well breaking up the cheese as much as possible. There should be small lumps of cheese in the mixture.
  • Generously butter a 13 x 9 casserole dish. It doesn’t have to be exactly that size, but something close to that.
  • Layer sliced potatoes in rows, overlapping them slightly. You should have four rows of potatoes.
  • Stir the liquid mixture well and pour approximately 1/3 of it over the potatoes.
  • Repeat for two more layers, the last one having the remainder of the liquid poured over it.
  • Bake uncovered for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. A fork or knife should be able to be inserted easily with no resistance.
  • Remove from the oven, cover lightly with foil and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes.