Crispy Parmesan and Gruyere Potato Gratin

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If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort dish that feels both fancy and homey, this Crispy Parmesan and Gruyere Potato Gratin is your answer. Golden, bubbling cheese layered between thinly sliced potatoes, all baked to perfection with a creamy, garlicky sauce—this dish is a showstopper. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to something special, it checks all the boxes for indulgence and satisfaction.

Gruyere brings its rich nuttiness to the table, while Parmesan adds that irresistible salty crisp on top. The edges turn beautifully golden and crispy, and the inside stays luxuriously soft. It’s everything you want in a potato side dish and more.


Why You’ll Love This Crispy Parmesan and Gruyere Potato Gratin

This gratin takes humble potatoes and turns them into a dish worthy of a holiday spread or a Sunday supper. It balances rich and creamy with cheesy and crispy, creating the kind of irresistible bite that has everyone reaching for seconds. The layered structure makes each slice aesthetically pleasing on the plate, too. It also reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers.


What Kind of Potatoes Work Best for Crispy Parmesan and Gruyere Potato Gratin?

You’ll want to use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. Russets offer a light, fluffy texture that soaks up the cream mixture well, while Yukon Golds add a natural buttery flavor and hold their shape nicely. Avoid waxy varieties like red potatoes, as they won’t give you the same tender bite.


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Ingredients for the Crispy Parmesan and Gruyere Potato Gratin

Let’s talk about the flavorful cast that brings this dish together. Each ingredient plays a key role in building a savory, creamy, and crispy masterpiece that will make your guests think you cooked for hours.

  • Yukon Gold Potatoes – These have a naturally buttery taste and a firm texture that holds up well in the oven.
  • Gruyere Cheese – Melts smoothly and infuses the dish with nutty richness.
  • Parmesan Cheese – Gives that golden, crispy crust and a sharp, salty depth.
  • Heavy Cream – Adds richness and helps the layers meld into creamy perfection.
  • Garlic – Infuses the cream with bold, savory aroma.
  • Fresh Thyme – Adds herbal freshness that cuts through the richness.
  • Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning every layer to bring out the best in each bite.

How To Make the Crispy Parmesan and Gruyere Potato Gratin

This isn’t just about throwing potatoes in a dish; it’s about layering flavor and baking to golden perfection.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly using a mandoline for uniform slices. Grate both cheeses and mince the garlic. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Step 2: Infuse the Cream

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Layer the Gratin

Butter a baking dish. Add a single layer of potatoes, followed by a spoonful of the garlic cream and a mix of Gruyere and Parmesan. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan on top.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Rest Before Serving

Let the gratin sit for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows it to set and makes serving easier.


How to Serve and Store Crispy Parmesan and Gruyere Potato Gratin

This potato gratin serves about 6 people generously, making it perfect for family meals or small gatherings. Serve it warm from the oven as a rich side dish that elevates everything else on the plate. If you’re prepping for a holiday meal, you can make it ahead of time and reheat in the oven just before serving—it maintains its flavor and texture beautifully.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake uncovered at 350°F until warmed through and the top re-crisps.


What to Serve With Crispy Parmesan and Gruyere Potato Gratin?

Pairing this gratin with the right dishes can create a truly memorable meal. Here are some ideas that match beautifully with its creamy richness.

Herb-Crusted Roast Chicken

The classic combo of roast chicken and creamy potatoes never fails. Try a lemony herb crust for brightness.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

Layered pasta dishes like this make for an indulgent main alongside your cheesy gratin.

A Hearty and Comforting Tuscan Bean Soup

Balance the richness of the gratin with a light, brothy soup filled with greens and white beans.

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Double down on comfort food with another cheesy companion that contrasts the gratin’s crispy top.

Buttery Garlic Pork Chops with Smooth Mashed Potatoes

Yes, potatoes on potatoes is allowed when it’s this good. Pork chops with rich sauce make a great main.

Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

A juicy, crispy chicken breast with cheesy crust echoes the gratin’s bold flavors.

Duchess Potatoes

For a dinner party, serve alongside duchess potatoes for a presentation that wows—think of it as a fancy potato duo.

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Bring a vegetable-based side into the mix. The zucchini casserole’s light texture plays well with the gratin.


Want More Potato Side Dish Ideas?

If you can’t get enough of creamy, cheesy, and crave-worthy potato recipes, you’re in the right place. Here are some other favorites from our collection that will round out your meal or inspire your next dinner:


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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the Gruyere? Did you sneak in a layer of caramelized onions or bacon?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook with confidence.

Explore beautifully curated comfort foods and health-boosting sides on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite dish!


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Crispy Parmesan and Gruyere Potato Gratin Recipe

Crispy Parmesan and Gruyere Potato Gratin


  • Author: Nora
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Golden layers of thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes baked in a garlic-infused cream sauce, topped with Gruyere and Parmesan for that irresistible crispy-cheesy finish. This Crispy Parmesan and Gruyere Potato Gratin is an easy recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen—perfect as a cozy side dish for holidays or an elevated weeknight dinner. Whether you’re planning healthy snacks, rich dinner ideas, or simply craving comfort food, this gratin is a go-to among food ideas for all occasions. A must-try if you’re looking for an easy dinner side or new twist on classic au gratin.


Ingredients

2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes

1 1/2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated

2 cups heavy cream

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp unsalted butter (for greasing)


Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish with butter.

2. Peel and slice potatoes thinly using a mandoline for even cuts.

3. In a saucepan, combine cream, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently.

4. Arrange a layer of potatoes in the baking dish, spoon over some cream, and sprinkle cheeses. Repeat layers.

5. Top with extra Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

6. Remove foil and bake 20–25 minutes more until golden and bubbly.

7. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.

Notes

For extra depth, add caramelized onions between the layers.

Letting the gratin rest before cutting helps it hold its shape better.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 65 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 390mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: potato gratin, au gratin potatoes, cheesy potatoes, easy dinner, comfort food

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