Iconic Julia Child Potato Au Gratin Recipe

Potato au gratin elevates everyday ingredients into a symphony of culinary delight that dances between rustic charm and refined elegance.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes create a luxurious canvas for rich, melting cheese and velvety cream.

Every forkful promises a perfect balance of crispy edges and silky smooth interior.

This classic French dish transforms simple components into a stunning gastronomic experience that speaks volumes about comfort and tradition.

Generations of home cooks have treasured this recipe as a testament to the magic of basic ingredients.

Bubbling golden surfaces and decadent undertones make this dish an instant crowd-pleaser.

Let the tantalizing aroma and promise of pure deliciousness draw you into this irresistible culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients You’ll Need for Julia Child Potato Au Gratin

• Russet Potatoes: Select firm, smooth-skinned spuds with minimal blemishes for the best texture.
• Butter: Choose unsalted, high-quality butter for rich, clean flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Look for fresh, thick cream with no separation for ultimate smoothness.

• Garlic: Pick plump, firm cloves with tight, unbroken skin for maximum pungency.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for even distribution and clean mineral taste.
• Black Pepper: Opt for freshly ground pepper to enhance aromatic complexity.
• Thyme: Select vibrant green, fragrant thyme leaves with no wilting for bright herbal notes.

• Grated Cheese: Choose a melty cheese like Gruyère or sharp cheddar for depth and golden, crispy surface.
• Aluminum Foil: Select heavy-duty foil for effective heat protection during initial baking stage.

Tools to Prep Julia Child’s Potato Au Gratin

• Mixing bowl: Large, spacious container for blending ingredients smoothly.
• Knife: Sharp tool for mincing garlic and slicing potatoes thinly.
• Cheese grater: Perfect for creating light, fluffy cheese topping.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Rectangular pan for layering and baking potatoes.
• Measuring spoons: Essential for precise salt, pepper, and thyme portions.
• Aluminum foil: Covers dish during initial baking to retain moisture.
• Oven: Preheated to 350°F for even, consistent cooking.
• Cutting board: Stable surface for preparing potato slices and garlic.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir cream mixture and distribute ingredients evenly.

How to Make Julia Child’s Classic Potato Au Gratin

• Create Heavenly Cream Sauce

Melt butter in a mixing bowl and whisk in velvety cream with freshly crushed garlic. Blend until silky smooth and aromatic.

• Prep Your Cooking Space

Warm the oven to a cozy 350°F. Gently grease a spacious baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.

• Layer Potato Delights

Spread the first wave of potato slices across the dish’s bottom. Generously drizzle cream sauce, sprinkle salt, pepper, and fragrant thyme. Crown with a delicate layer of grated cheese.

• Build Flavor Dimensions

Repeat the layering magic, creating another scrumptious potato landscape. Distribute remaining cream sauce and seasonings with a loving touch.

• Final Flourish

Top the dish with a final potato blanket. Scatter remaining cheese to create a mouthwatering golden crust.

• Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the warm oven. Bake for approximately 75 minutes until potatoes become tender and dreamy.

• Crisp and Golden Finish

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Let the cheese transform into a bubbling, golden masterpiece for 10-15 minutes.

• Rest and Serve

Allow the gratin to settle for a few moments, letting flavors meld and texture stabilize. Slice and serve this comforting culinary creation.

Tips to Elevate Potato Au Gratin Flavor

• Boost Potato Flavor: Experiment with different cheese types like gruyère, gouda, or sharp cheddar for unique taste profiles.
• Herb Magic: Swap thyme for fresh rosemary or oregano to create exciting flavor variations that complement the creamy potatoes.
• Make-Ahead Masterpiece: Prepare the entire dish up to the final baking stage, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Dietary Twist: Replace heavy cream with lactose-free cream or coconut milk for alternative dietary needs. Switch regular cheese with vegan cheese alternatives to accommodate different nutritional requirements.

Serving Julia Child’s Potato Au Gratin the Right Way

• Pair with Protein Perfection: Serve this creamy potato gratin alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon for a complete and satisfying meal that balances rich flavors.
• Fresh Green Companions: Complement the dish with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to add brightness and balance the gratin's richness.
• Wine Wonderland: Enhance the dining experience by pairing with a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red like Pinot Noir that will beautifully match the creamy, cheesy potato layers.
• Holiday Hero: Showcase this potato gratin as a stunning side dish during thanksgiving, christmas, or family gatherings where its elegant presentation and comforting taste will impress guests.

Storing and Reheating Julia’s Potato Au Gratin

• Preserve Perfectly: Store leftover potato gratin in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The dish maintains its creamy texture and delicious flavor when properly sealed.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or restore the entire dish's crispy top by placing in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap cooled gratin tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain optimal texture and taste.
• Meal Prep Magic: Assemble the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking and perfect potato tenderness.

Rustic Julia Child Potato Au Gratin Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Julia Child’s potato au gratin brings classic French comfort to family dinner tables with creamy, layered potato perfection. Rich cheese and buttery slices meld together, promising delicious memories you will savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg) starchy potatoes, peeled and sliced ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick (russet, sebago, maris piper)
• 2.5 cups (280 g) gruyère cheese, freshly grated (or colby, cheddar, havarti, monterey jack)
• 1.5 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp pepper
• 2 tsps fresh thyme leaves (optional)

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Instructions

1. Creamy Garlic Infusion: Whisk melted butter, heavy cream, and finely chopped garlic in a mixing bowl until thoroughly blended.
2. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C), creating an ideal cooking environment for the gratin.
3. First Potato Layer: Spread one-third of thinly sliced potatoes across a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring complete and even coverage.
4. Initial Seasoning: Drizzle one-third of cream mixture over potatoes, then sprinkle salt, freshly ground black pepper, thyme leaves, and one-third of grated cheese for a robust flavor foundation.
5. Layer Construction: Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes, cream mixture, seasonings, and cheese, building a harmonious and flavorful composition.
6. Moisture Preservation: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a protective seal to maintain potato tenderness during initial cooking.
7. Extended Roasting: Bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender, indicating complete cooking.
8. Crispy Cheese Finale: Remove foil, scatter remaining cheese across the surface, and return to oven for 10-15 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbling crust.
9. Resting Period: Allow gratin to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven, enabling flavors to meld and ingredients to settle before serving.

Notes

• Master Potato Thickness: Slice potatoes uniformly (1/8 inch) to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Prevent Cream Separation: Whisk cream mixture thoroughly to avoid ingredient splitting and guarantee a smooth, cohesive sauce.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Use high-quality, melting cheeses like Gruyère or aged cheddar for maximum flavor complexity and perfect golden-brown crust.
• Moisture Management: Cover with foil initially to trap steam, then uncover to develop a crispy, caramelized top layer that provides textural contrast.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg