Creamy Garlic Herb Red Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Name: Creamy Garlic Herb Red Scalloped Potatoes Recipe (Gratin)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Comfort
Ingredients: 1.2 kg Red new potatoes, scrubbed and sliced 1/8-inch thin (mandoline); 480 ml Heavy whipping cream; 150 g Gruyère or Swiss cheese, freshly shredded; 100 g Sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded; 4 cloves Garlic cloves, finely minced; 5 g + 1g Fresh thyme leaves & ground nutmeg; 15 g + 5g Unsalted butter (for greasing pan) & fine sea salt, black pepper

Jump to Recipe Step-by-Step

Every reliable kitchen repertoire needs a dependable crowd-pleaser like this Creamy Garlic Herb Red Scalloped Potatoes Recipe (Gratin). Built around red new potatoes, scrubbed and 1/8-inch thin, heavy whipping cream and gruyère or swiss cheese, freshly shredded, this dish comes together smoothly in 1 hr, delivering deep comfort, savory depth, and effortless weeknight satisfaction.

Ingredients

8 servings

2.5 lbs (about 6 medium) Red new potatoes, scrubbed and sliced 1/8-inch thin (mandoline)
2 cups Heavy whipping cream
1.5 cups Gruyère or Swiss cheese, freshly shredded
1 cup Sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
4 cloves Garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tbsp thyme, 1/4 tsp nutmeg Fresh thyme leaves & ground nutmeg
1 tbsp butter, 1 tsp salt Unsalted butter (for greasing pan) & fine sea salt, black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a saucepan, heat heavy cream, minced garlic, fresh thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper over medium heat for **4 minutes** until steaming; keep warm.

Grease a 9x13 baking dish. Arrange half the sliced red potatoes in overlapping layers; pour half the warm cream over top and sprinkle with half the cheeses.

Repeat with remaining sliced potatoes, cream, and cheese on top.

Cover with foil; **bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes**. Uncover and **bake for 15 minutes** more until potatoes are tender and cheese is browned and bubbly. Cool 10 minutes before slicing.

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Chef Amara’s Kitchen Secrets & Pro Tips

Let the gratin rest for 10 minutes before cutting so the cream layers set into clean, neat portions.
Rubbing the baking dish with a cut clove of raw garlic before greasing infuses subtle aroma throughout the casserole.

1. Build Deep Flavor from the Fond: When browning ingredients, scrape up the caramelized golden bits (fond) from the pan bottom with a splash of liquid. That concentrated brown crust is where true savory umami lives. 2. Protect Minced Garlic from Burning: Garlic cooks and turns fragrant in just 30 to 45 seconds. Add it toward the end of sautéing onions or aromatics so it perfumes the dish without acquiring a bitter edge. 3. Chef's Kitchen Secret: Let the gratin rest for 10 minutes before cutting so the cream layers set into clean, neat portions.

Chef’s Cooking Guide & FAQs

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Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes

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What if the Sauce for Creamy Garlic Herb Red Scalloped Potatoes Recipe (Gratin) Separates or Feels Greasy?: If a dairy or emulsion sauce breaks, immediately take the pan off direct heat. Vigorously whisk in a tablespoon of hot water, broth, or cream until the velvety sheen re-emulsifies.
How to Rescue a Dish That Tastes Overly Salty?: Dilute with additional unsalted liquid (broth, cream, or water), or splash in a small touch of acid like fresh lemon juice or vinegar to soften sharp salinity.

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Storage, Freezing & Reheating Guidelines

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Store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven or covered skillet over medium-low heat until steaming hot throughout.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, this dish can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance, kept covered in the refrigerator, and baked or cooked when ready to serve.

Q: Can I substitute common pantry ingredients? A: Yes, this recipe is forgiving. Check our substitution notes in the ingredient card for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan alternatives.

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Kitchen Notes & Discussion

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Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 of 8)

280 Calories

24g Carbs 9% DV

8g Protein 16% DV

18g Fat 23% DV

2g Fiber 7% DV

320mg Sodium 14% DV

Carbs 34% Protein 11% Fat 55%

*Percent Daily Values (% DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie reference diet (USDA FoodData Central).

Quick Info

Cuisine Comfort
Dietary Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Total Time 1 hr
Yield 8 servings

Chef Amara

Passionate culinary explorer, recipe tester, and culinary director at YumAroma.

View Full Culinary Bio →

Creamy Garlic Herb Red Scalloped Potatoes Recipe (Gratin)

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat Garlic Cream

Layer Potatoes & Cheese

Add Second Layer