Orval Cheese and Trappist Beer Gratin
A rich and creamy gratin featuring Orval cheese, root vegetables, and a Trappist beer reduction for a deep, savory flavor. This belgian-inspired quick meals ready in about 65 minutes pairs grated Orval cheese, Trappist beer (ATP labeled), diced into 1cm cubes waxy potatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 200g, grated Orval cheese
- 200ml Trappist beer (ATP labeled)
- 500g, diced into 1cm cubes waxy potatoes
- 100g, chopped bacon
- 1, finely chopped onion
- 100ml heavy cream
- 50g butter
- 1 tsp, chopped thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large oven-safe dish, layer 1/3 of the diced potatoes, 1/3 of the grated Orval cheese, and 1/3 of the chopped bacon. Repeat layers, finishing with a layer of potatoes and a drizzle of heavy cream.
- Step 2: In a saucepan, melt 50g butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in 200ml Trappist beer and 1 tsp thyme. Simmer for 10 minutes until reduced by half, then pour evenly over the gratin layers.
- Step 3: Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Orval Cheese and Trappist Beer Gratin take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 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 Orval Cheese and Trappist Beer Gratin?
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 grated orval cheese from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Orval Cheese and Trappist Beer Gratin?
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 Orval Cheese and Trappist Beer Gratin for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Orval Cheese and Trappist Beer Gratin?
Belgian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
