Mini potato gratin is a delightful and elegant side dish that’s perfect for special occasions or even everyday meals. Here’s a simple recipe to make mini potato gratins:Ingredients:
- 4-5 medium-sized potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 garlic clove, minced or grated
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese (or any other cheese of your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
- Butter or non-stick cooking spray for greasing the muffin tin
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes (if desired) and thinly slice them into rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. You can use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices, but a sharp knife works well too.
- Make the Cream Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, minced garlic, grated cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Assemble the Mini Gratin:
- Layer the potato slices into each muffin cup, stacking them slightly and alternating with a spoonful of the cream mixture between layers. Press down gently to compact the layers.
- Continue layering potatoes and pouring the cream mixture until each cup is filled to the top.
- Bake the Gratin:
- Cover the muffin tin loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes covered. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender, and the tops are golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Once the mini potato gratins are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes.
- Use a small knife or offset spatula to carefully loosen the edges of each gratin.
- Gently lift the gratins out of the muffin tin and transfer them to a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired and serve hot.
These mini potato gratins are delicious as a side dish for roasted meats, poultry, or as part of a festive holiday meal. They’re also great for serving at dinner parties or family gatherings. Enjoy!