Crispy, creamy dauphinoise potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish. In this recipe from the Hairy Bikers, thin slices of potato are layered in a baking dish, doused in heavy cream and garlic, then baked until bubbly and golden. The result is a rich, velvety potato dish that’s irresistible.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this French classic at home. Slicing the potatoes thinly helps them cook faster and achieve that crispy exterior. The heavy cream provides essential richness and velvety texture. In just 45 minutes in the oven, you’ll have the perfect accompaniment to serve alongside meats or as a vegetarian main course.
For an indulgent potato dish, try the Hairy Bikers’ take on dauphinoise potatoes.
Let’s get started!
What are Dauphinoise Potatoes?
Dauphinoise potatoes are a classic French dish that consists of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich sauce of cream, garlic, and cheese. They are also known as gratin dauphinois, which means “potato gratin from the Dauphiné region”. The Dauphiné is a historical province in southeastern France that is famous for its cuisine and culture.
Dauphinoise potatoes are a perfect accompaniment for any roast meat, such as lamb, beef, or chicken. They are also great on their own as a vegetarian main course, or with a green salad for a lighter meal. They are easy to make but require some patience and attention to ensure that the potatoes are cooked evenly and the sauce is thick and bubbly.
What is Hairy Bikers Dauphinoise Potatoes?
Hairy Bikers Dauphinoise Potatoes is a mouthwatering dish of sliced potatoes baked in a creamy garlic sauce with a golden crust. It is a French recipe that originated from the Dauphiné region, hence the name. It is also known as gratin dauphinois, which means potato gratin. It is a popular side dish for roast meats, but it can also be enjoyed as a vegetarian main course.
Why You Love this Recipe
There are many reasons to love this recipe, but here are some of the main ones:
- It is easy to make, with only a few ingredients and simple steps.
- It is rich and satisfying, with a smooth and velvety texture and a cheesy and garlicky flavor.
- It is versatile and adaptable, as you can add different cheeses, herbs, or spices to suit your taste.
- It is perfect for any occasion, whether it is a family dinner, a holiday feast, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Dauphinoise Potatoes
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of floury potatoes, such as Russet, King Edward, Maris Piper, or Desiree
- 3-4 garlic cloves, peeled and grated
- 500 ml (17 fl oz) of double cream (you may need a bit extra)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Butter, for greasing and dotting
Equipment
- A large bowl
- A mandoline or a sharp knife
- A large saucepan
- A wooden spoon
- A large ovenproof dish
- A baking sheet
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Dauphinoise Potatoes
Here is how to make Hairy Bikers Dauphinoise Potatoes, step by step:
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan, gas mark 2). Grease a large ovenproof dish with butter and set aside.
- Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly, about 3 mm (1/8 inch) thick, using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Place the slices in a large bowl of cold water and drain thoroughly.
- In a large saucepan, bring the cream and the garlic to a simmer over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper and stir well.
- Add the potatoes to the cream mixture and stir gently to coat them. Simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender but not falling apart. You may need to add a bit more cream if the mixture looks too dry.
- Transfer the potato mixture to the prepared ovenproof dish and spread it evenly. Dot the top with some butter and place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any spills.
- Bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the top is golden and bubbling. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
- Let the dauphinoise potatoes rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
What Do I Serve With Hairy Bikers Dauphinoise Potatoes?
Hairy Bikers Dauphinoise Potatoes can be served with a variety of dishes, depending on your preference and the season.
Here are some suggestions:
- Roast lamb, beef, or chicken, with some gravy and green beans or peas.
- Roast vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, or squash, with some cranberry sauce or chutney.
- Green salad, with some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese, drizzled with some balsamic vinegar or lemon juice.
- Crusty bread, with some butter or olive oil, to mop up the sauce.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Hairy Bikers Dauphinoise Potatoes
To make sure your dauphinoise potatoes come out perfectly, follow these tips:
- Use floury potatoes, such as Russet, King Edward, Maris Piper, or Desiree, as they will absorb the cream better and have a softer texture.
- Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly, using a mandoline or a sharp knife, to ensure that they cook at the same rate and have a uniform layer.
- Simmer the potatoes in the cream mixture before baking, to infuse them with the garlic flavor and to partially cook them.
- Bake the dish on a baking sheet, to catch any spills and to prevent the bottom from burning.
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving, to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
Variations of Hairy Bikers Dauphinoise Potatoes
If you want to try some different versions of dauphinoise potatoes, you can experiment with these variations:
- Cheese: You can add some grated cheese to the cream mixture or sprinkle it over the top before baking, to make the dish more cheesy and gooey. You can use any cheese you like, such as Gruyère, Parmesan, Cheddar, or Emmental.
- Herbs: You can add some fresh or dried herbs to the cream mixture, to make the dish more aromatic and flavorful. You can use any herbs you like, such as thyme, rosemary, sage, or parsley.
- Spices: You can add some spices to the cream mixture, to make the dish more spicy and exotic. You can use any spices you like, such as nutmeg, paprika, cumin, or curry powder.
- Vegetables: You can add some sliced or chopped vegetables to the potato layer, to make the dish more colorful and nutritious. You can use any vegetables you like, such as onion, leek, mushroom, spinach, or zucchini.
How do I store Hairy Bikers Dauphinoise Potatoes Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers of dauphinoise potatoes, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before storing them, to avoid bacterial growth.
How do I reheat Hairy Bikers Dauphinoise Potatoes Leftovers?
If you want to reheat your dauphinoise potatoes leftovers, you can do so in the oven or the microwave. Here is how:
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan, gas mark 2). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, remove the foil.
- Microwave: Transfer the leftovers to a microwave-safe dish and cover with a lid or a damp paper towel. Microwave for 5 to 10 minutes, or until hot and bubbly, stirring halfway through. Be careful not to overcook them, as they may dry out or curdle.
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FAQs
How do you make dauphinoise potatoes without cream?
If you want to make dauphinoise potatoes without cream, you can use plant-based milk, such as almond, soy, or oat, and thicken it with some cornstarch or flour. You can also add some nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for extra flavor and creaminess. Alternatively, you can use a dairy-free cream substitute, such as coconut cream or cashew cream, and follow the same recipe as above.
Can you freeze dauphinoise potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze dauphinoise potatoes, but they may lose some of their texture and flavor. To freeze them, let them cool completely, then cut them into portions and wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then bake them in a preheated oven at 160°C (140°C fan, gas mark 2) for 20 to 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
What is the difference between dauphinoise potatoes and scalloped potatoes?
Dauphinoise potatoes and scalloped potatoes are both dishes of sliced potatoes baked in a sauce, but they have some differences. Dauphinoise potatoes are a French dish that uses cream, garlic, and sometimes cheese as the sauce, while scalloped potatoes are an American dish that uses milk, butter, and flour as the sauce, and often cheese and onion as well. Dauphinoise potatoes are usually thinner and more delicate, while scalloped potatoes are thicker and more hearty.
Final Words
Hairy Bikers Dauphinoise Potatoes are a decadent and satisfying dish that will make any meal special. They are easy to make, but require some time and care to achieve the best results.
They are worth the effort, though, as they are rich, creamy, and full of garlic flavor. They are ideal for serving with roast meats or as a vegetarian main course with a green salad. They are also great for making ahead and reheating later. Try them today and see for yourself why they are the best dauphinoise potatoes in the world!