Imagine a dish that combines the rustic charm of Italian countryside cooking with the irresistible comfort of creamy, cheesy potatoes. This Cucina Rustica Potato Casserole is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Prepare to be transported to a cozy Italian kitchen with every single, heavenly bite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously butter a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Wash potatoes thoroughly and slice them uniformly, about 1/4 inch thick. Use a sharp mandoline or careful knife skills to create consistent potato slices that will cook evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Whisk the mixture until well integrated, creating a flavorful base for the casserole.
- Begin layering the potato slices in the prepared baking dish. Alternate layers of potatoes with shredded cheese, ensuring each layer is evenly distributed.
- Pour the cream and herb mixture slowly over the layered potatoes, allowing it to seep between the potato slices and cheese layers.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer, which will create a golden, crispy crust during baking.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment that will help the potatoes cook tender and absorb the cream.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes covered.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and potatoes are fork-tender.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes cutting and serving easier.
- Garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired, and serve hot as a delightful side dish or comforting main course.
Tips
- Slice Consistently: Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to ensure uniform potato slices. This guarantees even cooking and a beautiful layered presentation.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your cream and cheese come to room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more integrated sauce.
- Don't Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking helps it set and makes serving much easier.
- Cheese Selection: While the recipe calls for shredded cheese, experiment with different varieties like Gruyère or fontina for unique flavor profiles.
- Prevent Burning: If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil to prevent over-browning while ensuring the potatoes cook through.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to substitute thyme with rosemary or oregano for a different herbal note.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 613kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 26g
Cholesterol: 138mg
