These Mini Potato Dauphinoise Stacks are a modern and fun twist on the classic French dish Potatoes Dauphinoise. The layers of thinly sliced potatoes, creamy garlic-infused sauce, and melted gruyere cheese come together in individual servings, making them the perfect side dish or snack for any occasion. Baked in a muffin tin, these mini stacks are crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside, with just the right amount of richness. They make a great accompaniment to meat dishes or serve as a delightful appetizer that’s sure to impress.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 12 mini stacks
Ingredients
- Oil spray (for greasing the muffin tin)
- 1.2 kg (2.4 lb) starchy potatoes (such as Russet or Yukon Gold)
- 30g (2 tbsp) butter
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or thickened cream)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 3/4 tsp dried thyme)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 75g (2.5 oz) gruyere cheese, sliced into 12 squares to fit into muffin tin
- 3/4 cup gruyere cheese (or other melting cheese), shredded
Directions
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with oil spray.
- Peel the potatoes and slice them very thinly using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Aim for slices about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick. Uniform slices ensure even cooking and help create perfectly layered stacks.
2. Prepare the Cream Mixture:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the heavy cream, thyme, salt, and a good pinch of black pepper. Set aside to let the flavors combine.
3. Assemble the Potato Stacks:
- Place a few potato slices into the bottom of each muffin cup.
- Use a spoon to drizzle a little of the cream mixture over the potatoes.
- Repeat the layers of potato slices and cream until the muffin cups are almost full.
- Place a square of gruyere cheese on top of each stack.
- Sprinkle the shredded gruyere cheese evenly over the tops of all the stacks.
4. Bake:
- Cover the muffin tin loosely with foil to prevent the tops from browning too quickly and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and a knife inserted into the center of a stack meets little resistance.
5. Serve:
- Let the potato stacks cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes.
- Use a knife to gently lift the stacks out of the tin.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra thyme if desired.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per Serving: 200 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fats: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Calcium: 150mg
These mini potato stacks are a great source of energy with carbohydrates from the potatoes, protein from the cheese, and healthy fats from the cream and butter. The thyme adds a burst of antioxidants, and the dish is packed with flavor despite being relatively light.
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
The origins of Potatoes Dauphinoise can be traced back to the Dauphiné region in the southeastern part of France. The classic version of this dish is made with thinly sliced potatoes, cream, garlic, and cheese, all baked to perfection in a casserole dish. The rich and comforting nature of the dish has made it a staple in French cuisine for centuries. Over time, variations have emerged, with some recipes calling for different types of cheese or the addition of other ingredients like onions or herbs. The dish’s popularity has spread across the world, particularly in the United Kingdom, where it’s often served as a side dish alongside meats such as roast lamb or beef.
The concept of mini potato dauphinoise stacks is a more modern take on this classic dish, designed to provide individual servings that are easier to serve and perfect for gatherings or meal prep. The use of a muffin tin allows for crisp edges and uniform cooking, making these stacks an easy yet elegant addition to any meal. The convenience of individual portions and the portability of these stacks have helped them gain popularity among busy families and food enthusiasts alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Individual Servings: These mini stacks offer the perfect portion size for easy serving.
- Crispy Edges: Baking the potato stacks in a muffin tin ensures that every bite has a crispy, golden edge.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of garlic, thyme, and gruyere cheese creates a savory, creamy filling that’s irresistible.
- Elegant Presentation: These little stacks look impressive and make a great side dish or appetizer for dinner parties or special occasions.
Health Benefits of Mini Potato Dauphinoise Stacks
- Rich in Fiber: The potatoes provide a healthy dose of fiber, which supports digestion and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
- Good Source of Calcium: The addition of gruyere cheese provides a good source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
- Contains Healthy Fats: The heavy cream and butter in the recipe offer healthy fats, which are important for heart health and can provide long-lasting energy.
- Antioxidant-Rich Thyme: Thyme is rich in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress, supporting overall health.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Side Dish: Serve these potato stacks with your favorite main dishes such as roast chicken, steak, or grilled fish.
- For Brunch: They make a wonderful brunch item when paired with a simple green salad or scrambled eggs.
- With Sour Cream: Add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche on top for extra creaminess and tang.
- Appetizer: These stacks make a great finger food or appetizer for parties, served with hot sauce or ketchup for dipping.
Tips
- Uniform Slices: Use a mandoline slicer for even, thin slices of potato. This ensures even cooking and perfectly layered stacks.
- Cheese Variations: If you prefer a different flavor, substitute gruyere with cheddar, fontina, or mozzarella for a slightly different taste.
- Prepping Ahead: You can prepare the stacks ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them great for meal prepping or entertaining.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure the potatoes are fully cooked, test with a knife or fork. It should easily slide through the layers.
Variations to Try
- Add Bacon: For a savory twist, crispy bacon bits can be added between the potato layers.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh rosemary or oregano in place of thyme for a different herbal flavor.
- Add Vegetables: You can add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or spinach for an extra veggie-packed version.
- Vegan Version: To make this recipe vegan, use dairy-free cream and vegan cheese alternatives like cashew cream and nutritional yeast.
Conclusion
These Mini Potato Dauphinoise Stacks are the perfect combination of rich, creamy, and crispy. Whether served as a side dish, snack, or appetizer, they are sure to impress with their elegant presentation and irresistible flavor. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, they’re the ideal dish for any occasion.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, you can use different types of starchy potatoes such as Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, but make sure to use starchy potatoes for the best texture.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stacks ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake them just before serving.
3. Can I freeze these mini potato stacks?
Yes, you can freeze the baked stacks. Wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispy texture.
4. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, feel free to use cheddar, fontina, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
5. How do I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?
Make sure the potato slices are uniformly thin and arranged evenly in the muffin tin. If necessary, test the potatoes for doneness by inserting a knife or fork.
These mini potato stacks are sure to be a hit, offering a flavorful and customizable twist on a classic French dish. Enjoy them as a side or snack, and experiment with different variations to suit your tastes!