This Rustic Potato and Sausage Gratin is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender potatoes, savory sausage, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or potlucks, this dish delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Texture: A luscious blend of cheese, cream, and potatoes.
- Savory and Satisfying: Smoky sausage enhances the depth of flavor.
- Easy to Make: Simple, wholesome ingredients baked to perfection.
- Versatile: Perfect as a main dish or side for any occasion.
Ingredients Breakdown
Potatoes: Thinly sliced for even cooking, they create a soft, creamy base that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
Sausage: Adds a savory, smoky, or spicy depth—customizable with your favorite variety like Italian, smoked, or chorizo.
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Cheese: Gruyère or cheddar melts beautifully, bringing a rich, gooey texture with a sharp, nutty taste.
Cream Mixture: A blend of heavy cream, milk, Dijon mustard, and spices enhances the dish with smoothness and warmth.
Aromatics: Onion and garlic deepen the flavor, while fresh herbs add a vibrant finishing touch.
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Tips and Tricks
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for a creamy, tender texture.
- Add More Cheese: If you love extra cheesiness, top with an additional 1/2 cup of shredded cheese before baking uncovered.
- Make it Spicy: Use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- For a Crispier Top: Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking for a golden, crispy finish.
Variations and Customizations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream and a plant-based cheese substitute.
- Herb Infusion: Add rosemary or oregano for an aromatic twist.
Pairing Suggestions
- Main Course Pairing: Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak.
- Side Dish Pairing: Pairs well with a crisp green salad and a side of crusty bread.
- Wine Pairing: Enjoy with a Chardonnay or Pinot Noir for a complementary flavor.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Popular Questions
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
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2. What type of sausage works best?
Smoked sausage, Italian sausage, or even chorizo all work well for different flavor profiles.
3. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly shredded cheese melts better, but pre-shredded cheese can be used for convenience.
Print
Rustic Potato and Sausage Gratin
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and hearty dish featuring layers of tender potatoes, savory sausage, and rich, creamy cheese sauce. Baked until golden and bubbly, this gratin is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 sausages (smoked, Italian, or your choice), sliced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100g) shredded Gruyère or cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter, for greasing
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook sliced sausages until browned.
- Add onions and garlic, sauté for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Creamy Mixture
- In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Stir well to blend flavors.
4. Assemble the Gratin
- Layer half of the potato slices in the greased baking dish.
- Add half of the sausage mixture and half of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, sausage, and cheese.
- Pour the cream mixture evenly over the layers to ensure a rich, creamy bake.
5. Bake
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Let the gratin cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- For an extra crispy top, sprinkle with breadcrumbs before baking uncovered.
- To make it richer, replace milk with extra heavy cream.
- This dish reheats well and tastes even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American Fusion
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