Au gratin potatoes are a classic dish that has been a staple in many cuisines, particularly in French and American cooking. The creamy, cheesy, and golden-brown goodness of au gratin potatoes makes them a perfect accompaniment to a variety of main courses. In this article, we will explore the world of au gratin potatoes and provide you with some delicious ideas on what to cook with them.
Understanding Au Gratin Potatoes
Before we dive into the main course, let’s first understand what au gratin potatoes are. Au gratin is a French term that means “topped with breadcrumbs or cheese and baked until golden brown.” Au gratin potatoes are thinly sliced potatoes that are layered in a baking dish, topped with a mixture of cheese, cream, and breadcrumbs, and then baked until golden brown and crispy.
The Key to Perfect Au Gratin Potatoes
To make perfect au gratin potatoes, you need to follow a few key steps:
- Use the right type of potatoes: Look for high-starch potatoes like Russet or Idaho. These potatoes will yield a crispy outside and a fluffy inside.
- Slice the potatoes thinly: Thin slices will help the potatoes cook evenly and quickly.
- Use a combination of cheese and cream: A mixture of grated cheese and heavy cream will give the potatoes a rich and creamy flavor.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the potatoes, cheese, and cream just until they are combined. Overmixing can make the potatoes gluey and unappetizing.
Main Course Ideas to Pair with Au Gratin Potatoes
Now that we have a basic understanding of au gratin potatoes, let’s explore some delicious main course ideas to pair with them.
Meat Lovers’ Delight
Au gratin potatoes pair perfectly with a variety of meats, including:
- Roasted Chicken: A classic combination that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Simply roast a chicken in the oven with some herbs and spices, and serve with a side of au gratin potatoes.
- Grilled Steak: A grilled steak with a side of au gratin potatoes makes for a hearty and satisfying meal. Try pairing it with a Cabernet reduction for added flavor.
- Pan-Seared Pork Chops: Pork chops and au gratin potatoes are a match made in heaven. Simply pan-sear the pork chops with some apples and onions, and serve with a side of au gratin potatoes.
Seafood Options
Au gratin potatoes also pair well with seafood, including:
- Baked Salmon: A baked salmon with a side of au gratin potatoes makes for a healthy and delicious meal. Try pairing it with a lemon butter sauce for added flavor.
- Grilled Shrimp: Grilled shrimp and au gratin potatoes are a perfect combination for a summer evening. Simply grill the shrimp with some garlic and herbs, and serve with a side of au gratin potatoes.
Vegetarian Delights
Au gratin potatoes are also a great option for vegetarians, and can be paired with a variety of dishes, including:
- Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms: A stuffed Portobello mushroom with a side of au gratin potatoes makes for a hearty and satisfying meal. Simply fill the mushroom with a mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, and bake until golden brown.
- Roasted Vegetable Tart: A roasted vegetable tart with a side of au gratin potatoes is a perfect combination for a vegetarian meal. Simply fill a tart crust with a mixture of roasted vegetables and cheese, and bake until golden brown.
Other Ideas to Pair with Au Gratin Potatoes
In addition to the main course ideas mentioned above, au gratin potatoes can also be paired with a variety of other dishes, including:
- Soups: Au gratin potatoes make a great accompaniment to soups, such as creamy tomato soup or French onion soup.
- Salads: A side of au gratin potatoes can add a nice crunch and flavor to a variety of salads, including green salads and grain salads.
- Breakfast Dishes: Au gratin potatoes can also be paired with breakfast dishes, such as eggs Benedict or breakfast burritos.
Breakfast Ideas to Pair with Au Gratin Potatoes
Au gratin potatoes can add a nice twist to breakfast dishes, and can be paired with a variety of breakfast items, including:
- Eggs Benedict: A side of au gratin potatoes can add a nice crunch and flavor to eggs Benedict.
- Breakfast Burritos: Au gratin potatoes can be wrapped in a breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, cheese, and salsa.
- Quiche: A side of au gratin potatoes can add a nice flavor and texture to quiche.
Conclusion
Au gratin potatoes are a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of main courses, including meats, seafood, and vegetarian options. They can also be paired with soups, salads, and breakfast dishes. With their creamy, cheesy, and golden-brown goodness, au gratin potatoes are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
What is Au Gratin Potatoes?
Au Gratin Potatoes is a classic French dish made with thinly sliced potatoes, cream, cheese, and seasonings, baked in the oven until golden brown and crispy on top. The term “au gratin” refers to the cooking method, where the dish is topped with a layer of cheese or breadcrumbs and baked until golden and bubbly.
This comforting side dish is a staple in many French households and is often served alongside roasted meats, stews, or as a main course on its own. The creamy sauce and melted cheese make it a rich and satisfying accompaniment to many meals.
What are the key ingredients in Au Gratin Potatoes?
The key ingredients in Au Gratin Potatoes include thinly sliced potatoes, cream or milk, grated cheese (such as Gruyère or Cheddar), butter, and seasonings (such as salt, pepper, and nutmeg). Some recipes may also include additional ingredients, such as garlic, onions, or ham, to add extra flavor.
The quality of the ingredients is important, as it will affect the overall flavor and texture of the dish. Using high-quality cheese and fresh potatoes will result in a richer and more satisfying Au Gratin Potatoes.
How do I prepare the potatoes for Au Gratin Potatoes?
To prepare the potatoes for Au Gratin Potatoes, peel and thinly slice them using a mandoline or sharp knife. It’s essential to slice the potatoes evenly, so they cook consistently. You can also soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch and help them cook more evenly.
After slicing and soaking the potatoes, dry them thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial, as excess moisture can prevent the potatoes from browning properly in the oven.
Can I make Au Gratin Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Au Gratin Potatoes ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the dish just before baking. You can prepare the sliced potatoes, cream sauce, and cheese topping separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Assemble the dish just before baking, and bake it in the oven until golden brown and bubbly. If you need to make it ahead of time, you can also bake it partially, then refrigerate or freeze it and finish baking it when you’re ready to serve.
How do I achieve a crispy top on my Au Gratin Potatoes?
To achieve a crispy top on your Au Gratin Potatoes, make sure to top the dish with a layer of grated cheese or breadcrumbs before baking. You can also broil the dish for a few minutes to get a golden-brown crust.
It’s essential to not overmix the cream sauce, as it can prevent the top from browning properly. Also, make sure to bake the dish in a hot oven (around 400°F) to get a crispy top.
Can I customize Au Gratin Potatoes to suit my taste?
Yes, you can customize Au Gratin Potatoes to suit your taste by adding different ingredients or spices. Some ideas include adding diced ham, bacon, or onions to the cream sauce, or using different types of cheese, such as Goat Cheese or Feta.
You can also add some dried herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the cream sauce for extra flavor. Feel free to experiment and find the combination that works best for you.
Is Au Gratin Potatoes a healthy dish?
Au Gratin Potatoes is a rich and comforting dish that is high in calories and fat, due to the cream and cheese. However, it can be made healthier by using lower-fat cream and cheese, and adding some extra nutrients, such as diced vegetables or lean protein.
To make a healthier version of Au Gratin Potatoes, use a mixture of low-fat cream and milk, and add some diced vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, to the cream sauce. You can also use a lighter cheese, such as part-skim mozzarella, to reduce the calorie count.