Baked Fourth-Order Potato Gratin with Garlic and Thyme

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and creamy potato gratin featuring thinly sliced potatoes layered with garlic, thyme, and a golden cheese crust. This french-inspired quick meals ready in about 90 minutes pairs heavy cream, minced garlic, chopped fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 70 min Serves 6 French cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with 2 tbsp unsalted butter.
  2. Step 2: In a saucepan, combine 2 cups heavy cream, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Warm over medium heat until just simmering, then remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes (about one-third) evenly in the prepared dish. Pour one-third of the warm cream mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded gruyere cheese.
  4. Step 4: Repeat layering two more times with potatoes, cream, and cheese, finishing with a cheese layer on top.
  5. Step 5: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 50 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  6. Step 6: Let the gratin rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Fourth-Order Potato Gratin with Garlic and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (20 min prep + 70 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Fourth-Order Potato Gratin with Garlic and Thyme?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep heavy cream from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Fourth-Order Potato Gratin with Garlic and Thyme?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Fourth-Order Potato Gratin with Garlic and Thyme for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Fourth-Order Potato Gratin with Garlic and Thyme?

French quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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