• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Your Guardian Chef
  • About
  • Start Here
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Start Here
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Start Here
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes Warm

    Quick Easy French Dauphinoise Potatoes Au Gratin

    Published: Jun 28, 2020 · Modified: Feb 24, 2024. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Recipe Jump to Video
    This easy Dauphinoise potatoes gratin is my favourite French comfort food, creamy potatoes gratin topped with grilled gruyère cheese. It is very easy to make with the help of a microwave.
    This easy Dauphinoise potatoes gratin is my favourite French comfort food, creamy potatoes gratin topped with grilled gruyère cheese. It is very easy to make with the help of a microwave.
    Gratin dauphinoise is creamy potatoes topped with grilled gruyere. I make it in the microwave, prepare it earlier and grill it just before serving it. #yourguardianchef #potatorecipes #gratin

    This French Potatoes Au Gratin recipe, also known as Dauphinois, is a cherished comfort food that brings the essence of French cuisine to your table. It's a creamy potato dish layered with tender potatoes and, if you like, topped with a golden, grilled Gruyère cheese. The beauty of this traditional recipe lies in its simplicity and quick preparation, utilizing a microwave to achieve that perfect creamy texture without the fuss.

    Quick Easy French Dauphinoise Potatoes Au Gratin
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Top tips
    • How to serve it
    • How to store it
    • More easy side dishes recipes
    • 📋Quick Easy French Potatoes Au Gratin (Dauphinois)

    The simplicity of this traditional French side dish makes it an ideal choice for dinner parties, allowing you to devote more attention to the main course.

    Its straightforward preparation ensures a delicious outcome without requiring extensive effort, making it a perfect complement to any main dish.

    The method simplifies traditional preparation by cooking everything together in the gratin dish using a microwave, avoiding the usual step of boiling the potatoes in milk.

    This approach results in less mess and effort, making it an ideal choice for a special meal or a festive addition to your holiday table.

    Before serving, even if not a traditional gratin dauphinois, I like to add a generous topping of grilled nutty gruyère cheese

    This delicious cheesy potato casserole that's sure to become one of your favorite meals.

    Ideal for a special meal or as a staple on your holiday table, this dish embodies the comfort and tradition of classic French recipes.

    For more easy side dishes recipe you can check: Microwave baked potatoes, Baked rice pilaf, Yorkshire pudding, Roasted potatoes, Easy Chanterelle Recipe With Potato

    Quick Easy French Dauphinoise Potatoes Au Gratin topped with cheese

    Ingredients

    • Medium Potatoes: Choose starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for their ability to absorb the creamy sauce and become tender while baking. Their texture contributes to the dish's overall creaminess and structure.
    • Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor, complementing the creamy texture of the potatoes.
    • Fresh garlic cloves: Infuses the dish with a mild, aromatic flavor that enhances the savory notes of the gratin.
    • Fresh thyme: Offers a slight lemony and minty flavor, adding a layer of complexity to the dish's overall taste profile.
    • Minced Fresh Sage: Brings a slightly peppery flavor with hints of mint, elevating the earthy tones of the potatoes and cream.
    • Whole milk: Provides the liquid base for the creamy sauce, allowing the potatoes to cook evenly without becoming too heavy.
    • Crème fraiche: Adds richness and velvety texture to the dish, balancing the lightness of the milk with its luxurious mouthfeel.
    • Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth and a subtle spice, complementing the creamy elements and enhancing the gratin's comforting qualities.
    • Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, they enhance the natural flavors of the other ingredients, bringing the dish to life.
    • Optional Grated Gruyère Cheese: When used, it introduces a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, creating a golden, crispy top layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy potatoes beneath.

    Find the measurements in the recipe card

    Gratin Dauphinoise: ingredients

    Instructions

    1. Peel and clean the potatoes and onion, then slice them into thin slices using a sharp knife or a food processor for best results.
    2. Rub the inside of a shallow baking dish with the cut sides of a garlic clove and generously butter the bottom of the dish.
    3. Arrange the sliced potatoes and onion in the dish, seasoning each layer with salt, pepper, sage, and thyme, and sprinkle with some cheese for added flavor.
    4. Continue layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top for a golden brown finish.
    5. Gently pour the milk and cream sauce, infused with a hint of nutmeg, over the potato mixture, ensuring it seeps into every layer.
    Pre-cooking the Dauphinoise potatoes
    1. Place the dish in the microwave and cook on high for 15 minutes. After cooking, let it stand at room temperature inside the microwave for an additional 5 minutes to settle.
    2. Just before serving, top the gratin with the remaining Gruyère cheese, spreading it in an even layer for a cheesy, golden crust.
    Grilling the easy dauphinoise potatoes
    1. Grill in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, then serve the Gratin Dauphinoise hot as a perfect side dish to complement your main course.
    Potatoes au Gratin Dauphinoise with cheese topping

    Top tips

    • Cut the onions and the potatoes into thin slices, best with an electric vegetable slicer
    • Use precisely the amount of milk and cream from the recipe
    • Cook in the microwave at the highest level for exactly 15 minutes
    • Put a baking tray under the gratin to collect any possible spill of cream and milk
    French gratin potatoes with a cheesy top

    How to serve it

    With its creamy layers and golden brown top, this French gratin potatoes dish is best served hot, straight from the oven, to enjoy its rich flavors and comforting warmth fully.

    Its ease of preparation makes it ideal, allowing you to focus on crafting a more elaborate main dish for your dinner party.

    Consider pairing this gratin with robust mains like Pork Stew with Apples or Magret de Canard for a truly memorable meal.

    Alternatively, a stuffed pork tenderloin with chestnuts and cranberries can add a festive touch to your table.

    These main dishes, with their complex flavors and textures, complement the creamy simplicity of the gratin, making for a well-rounded dining experience.

    Whether it's a special occasion or a gathering with your entire family, this traditional French dish promises to be the perfect side, elevating your next dinner party with its classic charm and delicious taste.

    potato au gratin served with duck

    How to store it

    For storing leftovers of this traditional French gratin, let the dish cool down before covering it with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container.

    This will help maintain its creamy texture and prevent it from drying out.

    You can refrigerate the gratin for up to three days, ensuring it remains a delightful option for future meals.

    When you're ready to enjoy the gratin again, reheat it in a preheated oven until it's thoroughly warmed through.

    This method helps restore the dish's original texture and flavor, making it just as satisfying as when it was first served.

    For best results, consider adding a splash of milk or cream before reheating to keep the potatoes moist and creamy.

    These simple storing suggestions ensure that your au gratin potatoes remain a delicious and convenient choice, ready to complement your next meal or serve as a quick and satisfying dish for the entire family.

    crusty top of the Quick Easy French Dauphinoise Potatoes Au Gratin

    More easy side dishes recipes

    • baked microwave potatoes on a paper wrap
      Crispy Baked Potato Microwave And Oven
    • Easy Crispy Italian Roasted Potatoes Recipe
      Easy Crispy Italian Roasted Potatoes Recipe
    • Cantharellus cibarius
      Easy Chanterelle Mushrooms And Potatoes Recipe
    • Italian Mashed Potato Pie Gateau
      Italian Mashed Potato Pie Gateau

    If you are making this Quick Easy Dauphinoise Potatoes au Gratin , leave your comment below I would like to hear from you. You can find more delicious ideas if you FOLLOW ME on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram or sign up to my newsletter.

    Gratin Dauphinoise pork stew

    📋Quick Easy French Potatoes Au Gratin (Dauphinois)

    4.34 from 9 votes
    Laura Tobin
    Servings 4 people
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Print Recipe Save Saved! Pin Recipe
    Gratin dauphinoise is my favorite French comfort food, creamy potatoes topped with grilled gruyère cheese. To save time, I make it in the microwave. You can prepare it earlier and grill it just before serving it.
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • KitchenAid Mixer
    • Slicer/Shredder
    • Measuring mugs
    • Mini Measuring Set
    • Microwave
    • Pyrex Baking Dishes

    Ingredients
     

    • 4 medium charlotte Potatoes
    • 1 onion
    • 1 peeled garlic cloves
    • 1 teaspoon thyme
    • 1 teaspoon minced sage leaves
    • ½ cup skimmed milk
    • ¼ cup liquid cream
    • 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
    • 1 cup grated gruyere cheese
    • salt & pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Peel and clean the potatoes and the onion and cut them into thin slices, best with an electric slicer.
      4 medium charlotte Potatoes, 1 onion
    • Rub the garlic clove inside a baking dish that can be used in a microwave and butter abundantly.
      1 peeled garlic cloves
    • Layer the potatoes and the onion, seasoning with salt and pepper and sprinkling with sage, thyme and some cheese.
      1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon minced sage leaves, salt & pepper, 1 cup grated gruyere cheese
    • Keep adding layers until you reach the top.
    • Pour over the milk and the cream which have been flavoured with some nutmeg.
      ½ cup skimmed milk, ¼ cup liquid cream, 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
    • Cook in the microwave at the highest level for 15 minutes (for a larger quantity you will need to increase to 20 minutes). Let it rest for 5 more minutes in the microwave once it is done.
    • Add the remaining gruyere cheese generously to cover the potatoes, and grill it in the oven.
      1 cup grated gruyere cheese
    • Serve warm

    Video

    Notes

    • Cut the onions and the potatoes into thin slices, best with an electric slicer
    • Use exactly the amount of milk and cream from the recipe
    • Cook in the microwave at the highest level for exactly 15 minutes
    • Put a baking tray under the gratin to collect any possible spill of cream and milk
    • Top with plenty of cheese
    • Serve warm

    Nutrition

    Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 15gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 147mgPotassium: 827mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 595IUVitamin C: 21.9mgCalcium: 441mgIron: 5.7mg
    Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!
    important notes on ingredients

    More Side Dishes Warm

    • Italian sauteed spinach
      Easy Italian Sauteed Spinach with Garlic Recipe
    • Easy Authentic Italian Green Beans Tomatoes Recipe
      Authentic Italian Green Beans Tomatoes Recipe
    • Fresh Friarielli
      Neapolitan Friarielli Vs Italian Broccoli Rabe 
    • Gnocchi alla Romana semolina gnocchi
      Semolina Gnocchi (Gnocchi Alla Romana)

    Your Guardian Chef Mug Collection

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Meymi-Pastry and Beyond

      October 10, 2017 at 8:18 am

      5 stars
      Delicious! I love potato gratin. I wish I could eat it right now!

      Reply
      • Laura

        October 10, 2017 at 2:37 pm

        Thanks, actually me too

        Reply
    2. Chris

      October 10, 2017 at 9:10 am

      5 stars
      Absolutely LOVE gratin dauphinoise! Can't wait to try your recipe. Thanks for sharing 🙂

      Reply
      • Laura

        October 10, 2017 at 2:37 pm

        You are welcome. Very easy with the microwave

        Reply
    3. Emily

      October 10, 2017 at 8:54 am

      5 stars
      Omg this was my favourite thing growing up. My mum used to make a huge dish to go along with our Sunday roasts. Your recipe looks to die for, definitely saving this for later!

      Reply
      • Laura

        October 10, 2017 at 2:37 pm

        Thanks, it is perfect with a Sunday roast

        Reply
    4. Helen of Fuss Free Flavours

      October 10, 2017 at 9:27 am

      5 stars
      I do love dauphinoise dishes, so simple, yet so very tasty. Perfect to prepare earlier in the day and enjoy after a long day.

      Reply
      • Laura

        October 10, 2017 at 2:35 pm

        Thanks, yes they are done in a flash

        Reply
    5. Amy | The Cook Report

      October 10, 2017 at 9:30 am

      5 stars
      This looks like the best comfort food!

      Reply
      • Laura

        October 10, 2017 at 2:34 pm

        Very comfort

        Reply
    6. Penny

      December 09, 2023 at 4:10 pm

      4 stars
      I made this with ready-to-cook packaged fresh potato slices. I didn't have cream so subbed that with yogurt & used olive oil & shredded emmental cheese to sub butter & gruyere which I didn't have.
      I "marinated" the potatoes for a while at room temperature before layering them with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder & ginger powder & splashes of lemon juice.
      I cooked it for 20 minutes in an 800W combi microwave oven. It looked a little undone to me so I continued for 10 min at 180C forced-fan mode (which overcooked the top slightly).

      It was delicious, heavy & filling, just like a typical gratin dauphinois.

      Reply
      • Laura

        December 09, 2023 at 4:18 pm

        I am glad you like it, potatoes cook very well in the microwave at a fraction of time compered to regular baking

        Reply
    4.34 from 9 votes (3 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Laura Giunta Tobin

    Hi, I’m Laura. Welcome to my blog! While many talk about Italian food, I’ve lived it firsthand. Here, I share real Italian home cooking, just as it’s made in Italy. Won’t you join me?

    More →

    Popular posts

    • Stuffed Round Courgettes
      Stuffed Round Courgettes - Round Zucchini
    • Italian gelato recipe vanilla, chocolate and pistachio balls in a serving bowl
      Italian Gelato Recipe (Vanilla, Chocolate and Pistachio)
    • Pasta a frittata Italian fried pasta
      Pasta a Frittata: Italian Fried Pasta
    • Chiacchiare Italian fried cookies
      Chiacchiere - Italian Fried Cookies

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Acceptable use policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • About
    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Your Guardian Chef

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.