Delia Smith Dauphinoise Potatoes

Dive into the exquisite world of Potatoes au Gratin, a French classic that outshines traditional scalloped potatoes. Inspired by Delia Smith’s recipe, this indulgent dish features layers of thinly sliced potatoes, cream, butter, cheese, and a touch of fresh thyme. In this article, we’ll guide you through this make-ahead potato side dish, sharing tips, variations, and helpful advice. Get ready to explore the delicious realm of Potatoes au Gratin!

What Is The Difference Between Potato Gratin, Dauphinoise Potatoes, and Scalloped Potatoes

Potato gratin, dauphinoise potatoes, and scalloped potatoes are all delicious dishes that involve layering thinly sliced potatoes and baking them in a creamy sauce. However, they have subtle differences that set them apart:

1. Potato Gratin: Often includes cheese in the dish, creating a more indulgent and cheesy flavor profile.
2. Dauphinoise Potatoes: This does not include cheese, which allows the creamy sauce and potatoes to be the stars of the dish.
3. Scalloped Potatoes: Typically uses a milk-based sauce instead of cream, which results in a lighter texture, and may also include breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy finish.

While this article focuses on dauphinoise potatoes, you might also be interested in learning about scalloped potatoes, specifically how long to cook scalloped potatoes at 350, which is another delicious and popular potato dish.

Can You Prepare Dauphinoise The Day Before

Yes, you can prepare dauphinoise potatoes the day before. Assemble the dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap, and allow the dish to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.

Dauphinoise Potatoes Ingredient

• 1 kg potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 300 ml double cream
• 150 ml milk
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp butter, for greasing

How To Make Dauphinoise Potatoes  

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the crushed garlic, double cream, and milk. Heat gently until hot but not boiling.
3. Add the sliced potatoes to the cream mixture, season with salt and pepper, and stir gently.
4. Grease a shallow ovenproof dish with butter.
5. Carefully layer the potatoes in the dish, pouring a little of the cream mixture over each layer.
6. Finish with a layer of potatoes and the remaining cream mixture, making sure the top layer is evenly covered.
7. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.

Recipe Tips

• Use a mandoline slicer to achieve evenly thin potato slices.
• If you don’t have a mandoline slicer, use a sharp knife and take your time to slice the potatoes as evenly as possible.
• For a richer flavor, infuse the cream mixture with herbs or spices like thyme, rosemary, or nutmeg.

Dauphinoise Potatoes Variations And Substitutions

• Add grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese between the layers for a cheesy twist.
• For a lighter version, substitute half of the cream with milk or use a lower-fat cream.
• Add thinly sliced onions or leeks for additional flavor and texture.

How Long Do Dauphinoise Potatoes Take To Cook

Dauphinoise potatoes typically take 1 hour and 30 minutes to cook in the oven at 350°F. This temperature allows the potatoes to cook evenly and the cream to thicken without burning.

How To Store Leftover Dauphinoise Potatoes

In Fridge:

1. Allow the leftover dauphinoise potatoes to cool to room temperature. Do not leave them out for more than 2 hours.
2. Transfer the cooled potatoes to an airtight container or cover the original dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
3. Store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly as the potatoes absorb the cream, but the flavor will remain delicious.

In Freezer:

1. Allow the leftover dauphinoise potatoes to cool to room temperature. Do not leave them out for more than 2 hours to avoid bacterial growth.
2. Transfer the cooled potatoes to a freezer-safe, airtight container. Alternatively, you can wrap the original dish tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil.
3. Label the container or wrapped dish with the date and contents.
4. Store the leftovers in the freezer for up to 2 months. For the best quality, consume the frozen dauphinoise potatoes within this time frame.
5. To use the frozen leftovers, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating them using one of the recommended methods below.

How To Reheat Leftover Dauphinoise Potatoes

1. Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Transfer leftover dauphinoise 
2. potatoes to an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
3. Microwave: Place the leftover dauphinoise in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
4. Stovetop: Transfer the leftover dauphinoise potato to a saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

What To Serve With Dauphinoise Potatoes

Dauphinoise potatoes pair well with various main courses, including roasted meats like beef, lamb, or chicken, and grilled or pan-seared fish. They also complement vegetable dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or glazed carrots.

Delia Smith Dauphinoise Potatoes Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Total Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 120mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 28g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 6g

FAQs

1. What Types Of Potatoes Work Best For Dauphinoise Potatoes Waxy potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or Charlotte, are recommended due to their firm texture and ability to hold their shape when cooked.
2. Can I Make Dauphinoise Potatoes Dairy-free? Yes, you can use dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and dairy-free cream to create a dairy-free version of the dish.
3. What Is The Ideal Thickness For Slicing Potatoes In Dauphinoise Potatoes?  Aim for slices around 1/8-inch (3mm) thick for the best texture and even cooking.

Try More Recipes:

• Jamie Oliver Dauphinoise Potatoes
• Delia Smith Coronation Chicken