Imagine a creamy, cheesy potato dish that transforms your ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience without hours of complicated preparation. This French-inspired Crock Pot Potato Au Gratin is the ultimate comfort food that promises to wow your family and friends with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Forget spending hours in the kitchen - this slow-cooker miracle delivers restaurant-quality potatoes that are perfectly tender, richly cheesy, and absolutely irresistible!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by washing and peeling potatoes. Slice potatoes uniformly thin (approximately 1/8 inch thick) using a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure even cooking.
- Finely chop the onion and mince fresh thyme leaves. Set aside for layering and seasoning.
- Grease the interior of the crock pot with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Create alternating layers in the crock pot: start with a thin layer of sliced potatoes, sprinkle with chopped onions, season with salt and pepper, and add a mixture of Gruyere and cheddar cheese.
- Repeat layering process, ensuring each layer is evenly distributed and seasoned until all potatoes are used.
- Pour heavy cream slowly and evenly over the layered potatoes, allowing cream to seep through all layers.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese and fresh thyme on the top layer for enhanced flavor and presentation.
- Cover crock pot and set to low heat. Cook for 4 hours until potatoes are tender and top is golden and bubbly.
- Let dish rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow sauce to set and potatoes to absorb remaining cream.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh thyme if desired.
Tips
- Slice Uniformity is Key: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure potato slices are consistently 1/8 inch thick. This guarantees even cooking and a professional-looking dish.
- Cheese Selection Matters: While the recipe calls for Gruyere and cheddar, feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. A mix of sharp and mild cheeses can elevate the flavor profile.
- Layer with Love: Take your time when layering potatoes, ensuring each layer is evenly seasoned and distributed. This creates a more harmonious texture and flavor.
- Don't Rush the Cooking: Slow cooking on low heat is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors and achieving that perfect creamy consistency.
- Resting Time is Important: Allow the dish to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This helps the sauce set and allows potatoes to absorb the remaining cream, making each bite more luxurious.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh thyme not only adds a pop of color but also introduces a subtle herbaceous note that complements the rich, cheesy potatoes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 95mg
