Brie Dauphinoise Potatoes: The Ultimate Guide to Creamy Perfection

Brie Dauphinoise Potatoes: Prepare to experience a potato dish unlike any other! Imagine layers of thinly sliced potatoes, infused with garlic and cream, and then elevated to pure decadence with the addition of creamy, melted brie. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a culinary experience that will have your guests begging for the recipe.

While the classic Dauphinoise potatoes hail from the Dauphiné region of France and boast a simple elegance, this brie-infused version takes inspiration from that tradition and adds a modern, cheesy twist. The original dish, a testament to French culinary ingenuity, has been enjoyed for centuries, showcasing the humble potato in its most refined form. We’ve simply amplified the richness!

People adore Dauphinoise potatoes for their creamy texture, subtle garlic notes, and comforting warmth. The addition of brie introduces a new level of flavor complexity – a tangy, earthy counterpoint to the richness of the cream and potatoes. This Brie Dauphinoise Potatoes recipe is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a special occasion, or even a comforting weeknight treat. The combination of textures, from the tender potatoes to the gooey brie, is simply irresistible. Get ready to create a dish that’s both elegant and utterly satisfying!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
• 8 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cubed
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter, for greasing the dish

Preparing the Potatoes and Cream Mixture

1. First things first, let’s get those potatoes ready! Peel your Yukon Gold potatoes and slice them as thinly as possible. A mandoline slicer works wonders here, but a sharp knife and a steady hand will do the trick too. Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick – this ensures they cook evenly and become wonderfully tender. As you slice them, place the potato slices in a bowl of cold water. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents them from browning.
2. Now, let’s move on to the creamy goodness that will bind everything together. In a large saucepan, combine the heavy cream and whole milk. The combination of cream and milk gives the dish richness without being overly heavy.
3. Add the minced garlic to the cream mixture. I love the subtle garlicky flavor it imparts, but if you’re not a fan, you can reduce the amount or even omit it altogether.
4. Next, toss in the fresh thyme sprigs. Thyme adds a lovely herbaceous note that complements the potatoes and cheese beautifully. If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, but fresh is definitely preferred.
5. Don’t forget the nutmeg! A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg adds a warm, comforting flavor that really elevates the dish.
6. Season the cream mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
7. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the cream mixture to a gentle simmer. Be careful not to let it boil, as this can cause the cream to scorch. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it infuse for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors of the garlic, thyme, and nutmeg to meld together beautifully.
8. While the cream mixture is simmering, drain the potato slices thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. This is important to remove excess water, which can prevent the potatoes from browning properly in the oven.
9. Remove the thyme sprigs from the cream mixture. You can discard them or save them for another use.

Assembling the Dauphinoise

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for slow-cooking the potatoes and ensuring they are cooked through without burning the top.
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. This will prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom of the dish and make it easier to serve.
3. Now comes the fun part – layering! Arrange a layer of potato slices in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly.
4. Sprinkle a layer of cubed Brie cheese over the potatoes. The Brie will melt beautifully and create pockets of creamy, cheesy goodness throughout the dish.
5. Pour a generous amount of the warm cream mixture over the potatoes and cheese, making sure to moisten everything evenly.
6. Repeat the layering process – potatoes, Brie, cream mixture – until all the potatoes and cheese are used up. The top layer should be potatoes, and you should have enough cream mixture to almost cover them.
7. Gently press down on the potatoes with a spatula to ensure they are submerged in the cream mixture. This will help them cook evenly and prevent the top layer from drying out.

Baking the Brie Dauphinoise

1. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will trap the steam and help the potatoes cook through without browning too quickly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
3. After 1 hour, remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for another 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly. To test for doneness, insert a knife into the center of the potatoes. If it goes in easily, they are ready.
4. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil again.
5. Once the Dauphinoise is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together even more.

Serving Suggestions

This Brie Dauphinoise is delicious on its own as a side dish, or it can be served as a main course with a simple salad. It pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pan-seared salmon. You can also add some extra toppings, such as chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, for added flavor and visual appeal.

Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible Brie Dauphinoise Potatoes!

Conclusion:

This Brie Dauphinoise Potatoes recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a culinary experience waiting to happen. The creamy, cheesy decadence combined with the earthy potatoes creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation of comfort food favorites. It’s the perfect way to elevate any meal, from a simple weeknight dinner to a special occasion feast.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s surprisingly simple to make, yet delivers restaurant-quality results. The brie melts beautifully into the cream, creating a rich and luxurious sauce that perfectly coats each slice of potato. The subtle tang of the brie cuts through the richness, preventing it from being overly heavy, and adding a layer of complexity that you just won’t find in your average potato dish. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s baking is simply divine!

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Serve it alongside a perfectly seared steak, roasted chicken, or grilled salmon for a truly unforgettable meal. For a vegetarian option, it pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or butternut squash. You can even add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before baking to enhance the earthy flavors.

Looking for variations? Consider adding a layer of caramelized onions between the potatoes for a touch of sweetness. Or, for a spicier kick, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the cream mixture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using a different type of cheese altogether! Gruyere, Fontina, or even a smoked Gouda would all be delicious substitutes for the brie. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for some of the heavy cream, but be warned, you might sacrifice some of the richness.

Don’t be intimidated by the fancy name – this recipe is truly foolproof. Just follow the simple steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a dish that will impress your family and friends. I promise, they’ll be begging you for the recipe!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of Brie Dauphinoise Potatoes. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? What variations did you make? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, I am here to help you succeed in the kitchen!