Elevate Your Holiday Table with Easy Cheesy Herb Individual Potato Gratin
The holiday season calls for dishes that are both comforting and spectacular, and our Cheesy Herb Individual Potato Gratin fits the bill perfectly. This delightful twist on a classic side dish offers a creamy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful experience, portioned beautifully for each guest at your dinner table. Layered in charming mini cocottes, these individual potato gratins are designed to impress, ensuring every bite is as delicious as it looks. Say goodbye to the struggles of serving from a large baking dish and welcome an elegant, perfectly golden-brown portion for everyone.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Le Creuset. While I was compensated, as always, all opinions and the recipe are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!
The Thanksgiving Dilemma: Tradition Meets Innovation
As the holiday season approaches, especially with Thanksgiving on the horizon, the conversation inevitably turns to the menu. Every year, I find myself in a delightful culinary predicament: how to honor beloved family traditions while also introducing fresh, exciting elements. My family cherishes those classic holiday recipes, the dishes that evoke nostalgia and comfort with every bite. Yet, as someone who thrives on culinary exploration, the desire to create something new and innovative is always strong.
Embracing the Classics with a Fresh Twist
It’s a delicate balance. On one hand, you have the unwavering demand for the familiar Thanksgiving spread – the roast turkey, the stuffing, the cranberry sauce, and of course, a delectable potato side dish. These are the foundations of our holiday memories. On the other hand, there’s the yearning to experiment, to present a global-inspired feast, or simply to put a creative spin on a time-honored favorite. More often than not, the call for tradition prevails, and I’m perfectly fine with that. After all, what’s a holiday without a touch of cherished routine?
This is precisely why I love finding new ways to update familiar flavors for the holidays. It’s about taking those beloved dishes and infusing them with a touch of modern elegance or a subtle enhancement that makes them feel special and renewed, without straying too far from their comforting essence. This year, my inspiration for our potato side dish came from an unexpected, yet utterly perfect, source: Le Creuset!
Why Individual Portions are a Game Changer
Imagine a holiday dinner where every guest feels uniquely catered to. That’s the magic of individual portions, especially when it comes to something as universally loved as potato gratin. Serving individual potato gratins not only adds a sophisticated touch to your holiday table but also ensures that each person receives a perfect serving of creamy, cheesy goodness with that irresistible golden-brown crust. No more messy scooping from a large communal dish; instead, each guest gets their own beautiful, perfectly portioned cocotte.
These individual cheesy herb potato gratins are incredibly creamy, infused with a blend of fresh herbs, and loaded with savory cheese. The thinly sliced potatoes become melt-in-your-mouth tender, creating a rich texture that’s simply divine. I can confidently say you’ll be hard-pressed to find any leftovers of this dish!
The Allure of Cheesy Herb Potato Gratin
Potato gratin, also known as gratin dauphinois, is a French dish of sliced potatoes baked in cream, often with cheese. Our recipe elevates this classic with a generous amount of cheese and a vibrant blend of fresh herbs, making it an irresistible addition to any holiday feast. The combination of thyme, oregano, and fresh parsley with rich heavy cream and two types of cheese creates a depth of flavor that complements any main course, from roasted turkey to prime rib. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave your guests asking for the recipe.
Introducing the Star: Cheesy Herb Individual Potato Gratin
This particular version of potato gratin is a standout for several reasons. Firstly, its individual serving style makes it a showstopper visually. Each mini cocotte, brimming with layers of tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, presents a charming and elegant display. Secondly, the flavor profile is simply sublime. We’re talking about thinly sliced russet potatoes bathed in a luxurious heavy cream sauce infused with fragrant fresh thyme, oregano, and a hint of bay leaf, all seasoned to perfection. Then, two types of cheese – sharp white cheddar and nutty Gruyère – are stirred into the creamy mixture and sprinkled on top, creating a rich, bubbly, and utterly addictive dish.
Not only are these individual gratins more visually appealing, but they are also surprisingly easier to make than a large batch. Portioning the potatoes and sauce into the cocottes before baking ensures even cooking and guarantees that everyone gets to enjoy that perfectly golden, crispy cheese topping – the best part of any gratin! This eliminates the awkwardness of cutting and serving a gratin from a big dish, making your hosting duties smoother and more enjoyable.
The Elegance of Le Creuset Mini Cocottes
Can we take a moment to appreciate the sheer adorableness and functionality of these Le Creuset Mini Cocottes? They are more than just pretty kitchenware; they are game-changers for entertaining!
More Than Just Adorable: Functionality Meets Style
These mini cocottes are the perfect size for any individually portioned side dish, appetizer, or dessert. Their petite yet robust design makes them incredibly versatile. Beyond potato gratin, imagine serving individual portions of mac and cheese, molten lava cakes, crème brûlée, or even small pot pies. The possibilities are endless, and each dish served in a Le Creuset mini cocotte instantly feels gourmet and special.
A Splash of Color for Your Holiday Table
The vibrant colors of Le Creuset cookware are absolutely stunning and bring so much life to any table, especially during the holidays. Personally, I am utterly in love with the Marseille blue, which adds a beautiful coastal chic touch. However, the classic Cerise (cherry red) is equally brilliant for a festive feel, and all the other rich colors available allow you to perfectly match your holiday décor or add a delightful pop of contrast. These cocottes aren’t just for cooking; they’re an integral part of your tablescape, elevating the entire dining experience.
Durability and Versatility for Years to Come
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these little cocottes are incredibly practical. They are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze – a true lifesaver when hosting dinner parties. What’s more, they are microwave safe, perfect for reheating individual portions, and obviously, oven safe, which is essential for our gratin recipe. Le Creuset is renowned for its exceptional quality and durability, and these cocottes are no exception. They are the kind of timeless pieces you invest in once and cherish in your cabinets for years, becoming a staple for countless meals and celebrations.
Le Creuset clearly understands the joy that beautifully crafted cookware brings to the kitchen and the dining table. They want everyone to experience that pop of color and charm with their adorably sized dishes this holiday season. Investing in quality pieces like these not only enhances your cooking but also makes every meal feel like a special occasion.
Essential Tips for Perfect Individual Potato Gratins
Choosing Your Potatoes
For a perfect gratin, the type of potato matters. Russet potatoes, as specified in this recipe, are ideal because of their high starch content. This starch helps to absorb the creamy sauce and results in a wonderfully tender interior. Other starchy varieties like Yukon Gold or even a mix of waxy and starchy potatoes can work, but russets provide that classic, fluffy gratin texture that holds up well to slicing and baking.
Slicing for Success
Thin, even slices are crucial for a gratin that cooks uniformly and has that beautiful layered appearance. A mandoline slicer is your best friend here, ensuring consistent thickness and saving a lot of time and effort. Aim for slices about 1/8-inch thick. If you don’t have a mandoline, a sharp chef’s knife and a steady hand will do, just be patient to get those uniform slices. The thinner the slices, the quicker and more tender the potatoes will become.
Cheese and Herb Combinations
Our recipe calls for a delightful mix of white cheddar and Gruyère, offering both sharpness and nutty complexity. Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Parmesan, Fontina, or even a smoked Gouda for a unique twist. For the herbs, thyme and oregano are fantastic and robust. Rosemary or sage could also be wonderful additions, especially for a holiday meal. Fresh herbs are key here; their vibrant flavors truly elevate the dish compared to dried ones. Don’t forget that final sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and a fresh finish before serving.
Hosting with Ease: Make-Ahead & Serving Suggestions
One of the best features of this individual potato gratin recipe is its potential for make-ahead preparation, which is a lifesaver during busy holiday cooking. You can assemble the gratins in their cocottes, layer the potatoes and pour the cream mixture, then cover and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. This allows you to spread out your cooking tasks and reduces stress on the big day. Just remember to let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, and you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re thoroughly heated through.
When it comes to serving, these individual gratins are incredibly versatile. They pair beautifully with almost any main course, from classic holiday roasts like turkey, ham, or prime rib, to a simple roasted chicken or even a vegetarian main. Their rich, creamy texture and herbaceous notes make them a perfect complement to hearty proteins and lighter vegetable dishes alike. Garnish with a fresh sprig of parsley or a sprinkle of additional herbs right before serving for an extra touch of elegance and fresh flavor. Serve them warm, straight from the oven, for the ultimate comforting experience.
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This Recipe’s Must-Haves
To recreate this delightful Cheesy Herb Individual Potato Gratin, here are some of my top recommendations for essential kitchen tools, especially those from Le Creuset that inspired this very dish:
- Le Creuset Stoneware Petite Round Casserole Gift Set: These are the exact mini cocottes that make this individual gratin recipe so special. They are not only functional but also incredibly charming, perfect for gifts or to elevate your own servingware collection. Each cocotte is designed for excellent heat distribution and retention.
- Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Sauce Pan: This is my go-to saucepan for developing the creamy sauce. Its even heating and durability are unmatched, and the beautiful blue color adds a splash of joy to my kitchen. A reliable saucepan is crucial for simmering the cream and infusing it with those wonderful herb flavors.
- Le Creuset Revolution Silicone Spatula Spoon: An indispensable tool for stirring the cream mixture and ensuring all ingredients are well combined. Its silicone head is gentle on cookware, and the spoon shape makes it versatile for both mixing and scraping.
- Mandoline Slicer: While not explicitly linked, a mandoline slicer is highly recommended for achieving perfectly thin and uniform potato slices, which is key to a gratin that cooks evenly and has that beautiful layered texture.
Cheesy Herb Individual Potato Gratin
Ingredients
- 3 small russet potatoes peeled and cut into thin slices
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tsp freshly chopped thyme
- 1 tsp freshly chopped oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 oz. white cheddar cheese shredded
- 3 oz. Gruyère cheese shredded
- Freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 4 mini cocottes on the prepared baking sheet.
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Divide the thinly sliced potatoes evenly between the mini cocottes. Layer them in a staggered, slightly overlapping circle, ensuring the slices lay as flat as possible for even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
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In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, freshly chopped thyme, freshly chopped oregano, bay leaf, kosher salt, and black pepper. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld. Once simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully remove and discard the bay leaf.
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Stir in 3 ounces of shredded white cheddar cheese and 2 ounces of shredded Gruyère cheese into the warm cream mixture until both cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Slowly and carefully pour this rich, cheesy cream mixture into the 4 cocottes, dividing it evenly among them, ensuring the potatoes are well-covered.
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In a small separate bowl, combine the remaining white cheddar and Gruyère cheese. Sprinkle this cheese mixture generously over the top of each cocotte, dividing evenly to create a delicious golden crust.
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Carefully transfer the baking sheet with the mini cocottes to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through (test with a fork) and the cheese topping is beautifully golden brown and bubbly.
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Once baked, remove the gratins from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley just before serving immediately for the best taste and presentation.
Nutrition
This Cheesy Herb Individual Potato Gratin is more than just a side dish; it’s a statement piece that combines tradition with a touch of modern elegance and convenience. Whether you’re hosting an intimate family dinner or a grand holiday feast, these individual gratins are guaranteed to impress your guests and become a new cherished tradition. Their rich flavors, comforting texture, and charming presentation make them an unforgettable addition to any holiday menu. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and experience the magic of perfectly portioned, cheesy, herbaceous potato gratin!
ALSO, just a little tip from me to you… Keep your eye on my blog in December. I’ve got HUGE things coming up for y-o-u this holiday season!