There’s something about a warm, cheesy potato gratin that feels like the ultimate comfort food. But what if you could enjoy all the creamy, indulgent goodness of a classic gratin without the heaviness? That’s exactly what this Garlic Herb Potato Gratin offers – a lighter twist on a beloved dish, perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or a cozy night in.

What sets this gratin apart is its balance of rich flavors and a creamy texture, without relying on heavy cream or excessive butter. Instead, I use half-and-half for a lighter touch that still delivers that velvety smoothness you crave. The earthy, fragrant notes of fresh thyme and garlic pair beautifully with the russet potatoes, infusing each bite with savory goodness. A hint of nutty, melty Gruyère cheese brings it all together, giving the dish that irresistible depth of flavor.

The process is simple, with just a few key steps: thinly slice the potatoes, layer them with aromatic garlic and thyme, and let the oven work its magic. The result is a gratin that’s creamy on the inside with a crisp, golden top—comforting yet light enough for any occasion.

Garlic Herb Potato Gratin Ingredients

• 5 pounds russet potatoes, washed and peeled

• 1 cup gruyere cheese, grated

• 2 cups half and half

• 6 cloves chopped garlic

• 1 Tablespoon thyme leaves + 2 teaspoons for sprinkling the layers

• 6 Tablespoons of butter + 1 Tablespoon to butter the pan

• 1 Tablespoon kosher salt

• 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper

Garlic Herb Potato Gratin Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously butter a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter.

• Prepare the Potatoes
  Using a mandolin, slice the potatoes to about 1/8-inch thick and place into a large mixing bowl

• Prepare the Cream Mixture
  Once your potatoes are in the bowl, add the half and half, chopped garlic, thyme leaves, salt, and cracked black pepper.

• First Layer
  Start by placing a layer of potato slices vertically in the pan. Ensure the slices are overlapping slightly and packed tightly to form a sturdy layer. Next, place potato slices horizontally across the pan, again overlapping slightly. Sprinkle with Gruyere cheese (just enough to lightly cover the layer), about 1 Tablespoon of butter broken into pieces and laid atop, and a sprinkle of thyme leaves.

• Repeat Layers
  Continue creating layers vertically and horizontally, sprinkling each layer with Gruyere cheese, butter and thyme. Save some cheese butter and thyme for the final top layer.

• Bake
  Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining Gruyere cheese on top, and bake for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbling.

• Cool and Serve
  Allow the gratin to cool slightly before serving. This will help the layers set.

Enjoy this creamy, rich, and beautifully layered potato gratin!

This Garlic Herb Potato Gratin is a perfect side dish to serve alongside roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or even a light salad. It’s a crowd-pleaser that manages to strike that perfect balance between indulgence and freshness. Whether you’re looking to elevate a weeknight meal or impress guests at a dinner party, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy!