5️⃣ Add the Cream
- Carefully pour the heavy cream over the arranged potatoes, distributing it evenly across the top so it can seep down between the slices. There’s no need to cover the potatoes completely; the cream will settle and create a luscious base while allowing the tops to brown.
6️⃣ Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle the grated cheese generously across the top of the gratin. Ensure full coverage but avoid pressing it down—this allows air to circulate and encourages a golden crust to develop between the gaps as it bakes.
7️⃣ Baking
- Place the dish on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. At this stage, the edges should begin to brown, and the cream will bubble up around the base.
- Check the gratin’s progress. Depending on the thickness of your potato slices and your oven’s heat, continue baking for an additional 15–25 minutes. You’re aiming for a deeply golden, crisp top and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center. A knife should glide easily into the potatoes when they’re fully cooked.
8️⃣ Finishing Touches
- Once baked to perfection, remove the gratin from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the cream to settle and the layers to firm up slightly, making serving easier.
- Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for a burst of color and fresh, herbal contrast to the richness below.
Tips and Variations
💡 Recipe Tip
Use a mandoline slicer to cut the potatoes quickly and uniformly. This guarantees even cooking and a refined texture without the effort of hand-slicing.
🔁 Ingredient Swap
Want more indulgence? Substitute mozzarella with raclette cheese for a deeper, more assertive flavor and an ultra-creamy texture that enhances the dish’s richness.
🔥 Cooking Tip
For an extra-crispy finish, place the gratin under the broiler for the final 2–3 minutes of baking. Watch carefully to prevent burning—the cheese should blister and darken to a rich golden brown without over-drying the top layers of potato.
