Potato Gratin Dauphinoise

Steps

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1. 1
   Prepare a 10×10 inch, 2-quart baking dish. Lightly salt the bottom of the dish. Slice fresh garlic paper-thin and gently rub the inside of the dish with it for subtle flavor.
   ▶ ≈1:25
2. 2
   Brush the prepared dish evenly with butter using a silicone brush.
   ▶ ≈3:34
3. 3
   Using a mandoline slicer with a safety guard, slice the potatoes to about 1 millimeter thickness. Stop using the slicer when the potato becomes too small to safely handle.
   ▶ ≈4:17
4. 4
   In a bowl, combine the heavy cream and milk. Season with salt and black pepper. Use more salt than usual since the dish contains no cheese for flavor.
   ▶ ≈5:09
5. 5
   Arrange a layer of potato slices in the bottom of the prepared dish. The slices do not need to be perfectly uniform, as only the top layer will be visible.
   ▶ ≈6:01
6. 6
   Sprinkle the potato layer with a small amount of chopped fresh thyme and a pinch of nutmeg. The seasonings should be subtle, creating a background flavor rather than being prominent.
   ▶ ≈6:41
7. 7
   Pour some of the cream and milk mixture over the potato layer.
   ▶ ≈7:32
8. 8
   Repeat the layers of potatoes, seasonings, and cream mixture until all ingredients are used. Arrange the final layer of potatoes neatly, as it will be the only visible layer.
   ▶ ≈7:57
9. 9
   Gently press down the top layer of potatoes with a fork to compact them. Season the top with a little more freshly cracked black pepper. Wipe away any spilled cream from the edges of the dish.
   ▶ ≈8:42
10. 10
    Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Place the dish on a large baking sheet to catch any overflow.
    ▶ ≈9:34
11. 11
    Preheat the oven to 365°F. Bake covered with foil for about 1 hour.
    ▶ ≈10:27
12. 12
    Remove the foil and continue baking for about 30 minutes until the top layer turns golden brown. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick or fork into the potatoes—it should slide in and out easily with no resistance.
    ▶ ≈11:43
13. 13
    Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve directly from the baking dish, allowing family members to spoon portions onto their plates.
    ▶ ≈12:20