This Potato Galette is a stunning dish that combines crispy edges, buttery layers, and the rich flavors of melted Gruyère and Parmigiano. The golden brown crust gives way to soft, cheesy potatoes that practically melt in your mouth. It’s the ultimate side dish for a special dinner, holiday meal, or even an indulgent brunch. What makes this recipe even more special is its versatility. You can swap out the cheese to suit your taste, add fresh herbs for a pop of flavor, or experiment with different seasonings. Whether served as an appetizer or alongside a hearty main course, this galette is guaranteed to impress!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 7-8 medium Yukon Gold potatoes
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/4 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- Parmigiano cheese, to taste
- Seasoned salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 8-inch cast iron skillet
- Parchment paper square
Directions:
- Slice potatoes very thin using a mandoline slicer.
- Pat the slices dry to remove excess moisture.
- Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium heat with 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Toss the potato slices with melted butter, seasoned salt, and black pepper.
- Arrange the potato slices in the skillet, starting from the center and working outward.
- After each layer of potatoes, add a sprinkle of Gruyère cheese. Repeat for 6-7 layers, ensuring the final layer is potatoes (not cheese).
- Cover the top with parchment paper and place a heavy object on top.
- Cook over medium-high heat for 7-8 minutes.
- Remove the parchment paper and transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C).
- Bake for 55 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Carefully flip the galette onto a cutting board, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and cut into triangles.
- Garnish with chopped chives and extra black pepper. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 255 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
The Ultimate Guide to Making a Perfect Potato Galette
Potatoes are one of the most versatile and beloved ingredients in cooking, and when transformed into a Potato Galette, they become something truly special. This classic French dish is known for its crispy golden layers, buttery flavor, and cheesy goodness, making it a must-try for potato lovers.
Whether you’re preparing an elegant dinner party, a cozy brunch, or just a delicious side dish for a weeknight meal, this crispy potato galette is sure to impress. In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into everything you need to know about this dish, from its origins and variations to expert tips for achieving the perfect crispy texture.
What is a Potato Galette?
A Potato Galette is a simple yet stunning dish made by layering thinly sliced potatoes and cooking them until they form a crispy, golden-brown crust. The word “galette” originates from France and typically refers to a free-form pastry or layered dish that is cooked to crispy perfection.
This recipe is often compared to Pommes Anna, a French dish that follows a similar technique but traditionally does not include cheese. However, in this modern version, the addition of Gruyère and Parmigiano cheese elevates the flavor and adds a delicious, creamy richness.
The magic of this dish lies in its crispy outer crust and soft, buttery center, making it the perfect blend of textures. The best part? It requires only a handful of ingredients but delivers an unforgettable depth of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to love Potato Galette, but here are a few highlights:
✔️ Crispy & Buttery Texture – The contrast between the crispy outer layers and the tender, cheesy inside makes every bite irresistible.
✔️ Simple Yet Elegant – It’s an easy dish to prepare but looks stunning on any dinner table.
✔️ Versatile Side Dish – It pairs beautifully with everything from roasted meats to fresh salads.
✔️ Crowd-Pleaser – Whether you’re making it for family, guests, or a holiday gathering, this dish is always a hit.
✔️ Customizable – You can swap out cheeses, add herbs, or play around with seasonings to make it your own.
The Secret to Achieving the Perfect Crispy Potato Galette
While the recipe itself is simple, there are a few expert tips to ensure your Potato Galette turns out crispy and delicious every time.
1. Use the Right Potatoes
For the best results, Yukon Gold potatoes are the ideal choice. They have a buttery texture and just the right amount of starch to create a crispy yet creamy consistency. Russet potatoes can also work, but they tend to be drier and flakier, so they might require a little extra butter.
2. Slice the Potatoes Evenly
Thin and even slices are key to ensuring even cooking. The best way to achieve this is by using a mandoline slicer. If you slice by hand, try to keep the pieces as uniform as possible to avoid uneven layers.
3. Remove Excess Moisture
After slicing, pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel. Excess moisture can prevent the potatoes from crisping up properly.
4. Preheat Your Skillet
A well-heated cast iron skillet ensures an even sear from the beginning. Heating it with olive oil before layering the potatoes helps kickstart the crisping process.
5. Layer Properly
Start layering from the center of the pan and work your way outward, overlapping the slices slightly like a flower pattern. This method helps the galette hold together when flipped.
6. Use Weight to Compress the Layers
A key step in making a potato galette is pressing down the layers with parchment paper and a weight (such as another pan or a heat-proof plate). This ensures a firm, well-packed structure and helps create those crispy, defined layers.
7. Cook Low and Slow on the Stovetop First
Before baking, cook the galette over medium-high heat for a few minutes to give the bottom a crisp golden crust.
8. Bake to Perfection
Once transferred to the oven, baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 55 minutes allows the potatoes to cook through evenly while forming a deep golden crust.
9. Let It Rest Before Flipping
Let the galette sit for a minute after removing it from the oven. This helps it hold its shape and makes it easier to flip onto a cutting board without falling apart.
10. Garnish for Extra Flavor
Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, fresh chives, or extra black pepper before serving enhances the flavors and adds a beautiful finishing touch.
Variations & Customizations
One of the best things about Potato Galette is that you can tweak the recipe to fit your taste preferences. Here are some delicious variations:
🧄 Garlic & Herb Galette – Add minced garlic and fresh thyme or rosemary for extra aroma and flavor.
🧀 Three-Cheese Galette – Mix Gruyère, Parmesan, and a bit of sharp cheddar for a more complex cheese flavor.
🥓 Bacon & Cheese Galette – Add crispy bacon bits between the layers for a smoky, savory twist.
🌶 Spicy Galette – Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to add a little heat.
🥬 Vegan Potato Galette – Swap out the cheese and butter for plant-based alternatives like nutritional yeast and vegan butter.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Potato Galette
Since Potato Galette is a rich and flavorful dish, it pairs well with a variety of sides and mains. Here are some perfect pairings:
🍗 Main Course Pairings
- Roast Chicken or Turkey
- Pan-Seared Salmon
- Grilled Steak
- Lamb Chops
🥗 Light Side Dishes
- Mixed Green Salad with Vinaigrette
- Roasted Asparagus or Green Beans
- Tomato & Basil Salad
🍷 Wine Pairings
For a perfect pairing, try serving this Potato Galette with a light-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir. The crisp acidity in the wine balances out the richness of the dish beautifully.
Conclusion:
The Potato Galette is a dish that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. With its crispy golden crust, soft buttery layers, and melted cheese, this French-inspired recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for an elegant side dish, a comforting brunch option, or a delicious way to enjoy potatoes, this galette is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
By following the expert tips and variations outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to customize the recipe to fit your personal taste and achieve the perfect crispy texture every time. So grab your potatoes, fire up your skillet, and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness of this classic Potato Galette!