Boulangère Potatoes with Rosemary & Gruyère Recipe

Introduction

Boulangère Potatoes with Rosemary & Gruyère is a sophisticated yet comforting dish that showcases the beauty of simple ingredients elevated to new heights. This French-inspired side dish combines thinly sliced potatoes with a fragrant rosemary-infused broth, topped with the rich, nutty flavor of Gruyère cheese, and baked to perfection. The result is a golden, crispy top with tender, flavorful layers of potatoes beneath, making it a perfect accompaniment for roasted meats, poultry, or a special holiday meal.

Boulangère Potatoes, originally a rustic French recipe, gets its name from the French word “boulangère,” which means “baker.” Traditionally, the dish was made by layering potatoes and onions, then cooking them in the residual heat of a wood-fired oven. Today, it is more commonly prepared in a conventional oven, with variations like the addition of rosemary and Gruyère cheese, enhancing the overall flavor and texture. This recipe will guide you step-by-step to create this elegant and delicious dish, providing tips for success along the way.

Why You’ll Love Boulangère Potatoes with Rosemary & Gruyère

• Rustic Elegance: Boulangère Potatoes bring a rustic, French countryside charm to your table, while the addition of Gruyère and rosemary makes the dish feel both sophisticated and comforting.
• Flavorful Layers: The rosemary-infused broth soaks into the layers of potatoes, giving each bite an aromatic depth. The Gruyère cheese adds a creamy, slightly nutty flavor that perfectly complements the earthiness of the potatoes.
• Perfect Texture: The dish achieves the perfect balance of textures – crispy on top, soft and tender in the middle, and infused with flavors that meld beautifully together as it bakes.
• Versatile and Elegant: Whether you are serving this dish for a weeknight dinner or as a stunning side dish at a holiday feast, Boulangère Potatoes with Rosemary & Gruyère will impress your guests and enhance any meal.
• Simple Ingredients, Incredible Flavor: Made with just a few pantry staples like potatoes, broth, and cheese, this recipe is easy to prepare but delivers deep, complex flavors that will leave everyone wanting more.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings, depending on portion size
• Calories per Serving: Around 250-300 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 12-15g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 7-8g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sugar: 2-3g

Ingredients

For Boulangère Potatoes with Rosemary & Gruyère:

• 2 pounds waxy potatoes (such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes), peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
• 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (plus more for topping)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

Special Equipment

Although this recipe is relatively simple to prepare, having the right tools can help make the process smoother and more efficient:

1. Mandoline Slicer or Sharp Knife: A mandoline slicer is ideal for slicing the potatoes evenly, ensuring they cook uniformly. If you don’t have a mandoline, a sharp knife will work just as well—just be sure to slice the potatoes as evenly as possible.
2. Baking Dish: A 9×9-inch square or 10×7-inch rectangular baking dish works well for this recipe. If you prefer a more rustic look, you could also use a round gratin dish.
3. Large Saucepan: You’ll need a large saucepan to prepare the rosemary-infused broth and the creamy sauce for the potatoes. A wide saucepan will allow for easy stirring and ensure the flavors meld properly.
4. Grater: A box grater or food processor is essential for grating the Gruyère cheese. Freshly grated cheese provides the best texture and flavor.
5. Whisk: A whisk is helpful for mixing the broth and cream, ensuring the sauce becomes smooth and well-combined before pouring it over the potatoes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similarly sized oven-safe dish. This will prevent the potatoes from sticking and help achieve a golden, crispy top.

2. Prepare the Potatoes

Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into about 1/8-inch slices. The key to getting the perfect texture is making sure the slices are even, so if you have a mandoline slicer, now is the perfect time to use it. If not, a sharp knife will also work well—just try to keep the slices as uniform as possible.

Once sliced, place the potatoes in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from turning brown while you prepare the rest of the dish. Drain and pat them dry with a kitchen towel before layering them into the baking dish.

3. Cook the Onion and Garlic

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and sauté for about 5-6 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and chopped rosemary, then cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant. This will allow the garlic and rosemary to infuse the butter with flavor.

4. Prepare the Broth and Cream Mixture

Once the onion and garlic are cooked, add the chicken or vegetable broth to the saucepan. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream. Stir in the salt and pepper, and let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove the saucepan from the heat.

5. Assemble the Boulangère Potatoes

Start by layering half of the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly. Pour half of the rosemary cream sauce over the potatoes, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

Sprinkle half of the grated Gruyère cheese over the top. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese, layering the ingredients until you’ve used everything up. Finish with a final layer of Gruyère cheese on top.

6. Bake the Boulangère Potatoes

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. The total baking time should be around 1 hour 25 minutes, but this may vary depending on your oven.

The potatoes should be cooked through and the top should have a beautiful golden, slightly crispy crust. If you want the top to be extra crispy, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time—just keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.

7. Cool and Serve

Once the Boulangère Potatoes are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set and makes the potatoes easier to slice.

Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a touch of color and added flavor if desired. Serve this elegant, flavorful dish alongside roast meats, poultry, or even as a stand-alone vegetarian meal.

Tips for Perfect Boulangère Potatoes with Rosemary & Gruyère

• Use Waxy Potatoes: Waxy potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, are best for this dish because they hold their shape well and create a creamy texture when baked. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, as they tend to break apart and become mushy.
• Slice Potatoes Evenly: To ensure even cooking, slice the potatoes as uniformly as possible. Using a mandoline slicer is the best way to achieve consistent thickness, but a sharp knife works as well if you’re careful.
• Infuse the Rosemary: Make sure to sauté the garlic and rosemary in the butter to bring out their flavors before adding the broth and cream. This extra step infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
• Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: Gruyère cheese adds a wonderful nutty, creamy flavor to the dish. For best results, use freshly grated Gruyère and consider adding a bit of Parmesan for extra flavor and a crispier top.
• Allow the Dish to Rest: After baking, let the Boulangère Potatoes rest for a few minutes. This helps the sauce set and makes the dish easier to slice and serve.

Variations of Boulangère Potatoes with Rosemary & Gruyère

• Garlic and Herb Boulangère Potatoes: Add minced garlic or other fresh herbs like thyme or sage to the broth for added flavor.
• Bacon and Gruyère Boulangère Potatoes: For a savory, smoky twist, add crumbled cooked bacon between the layers of potatoes or mix it into the cream sauce.
• Cheese Variations: While Gruyère is traditional, you can mix it up by adding other cheeses such as Cheddar, Fontina, or Comté for different flavor profiles.
• Vegetarian Boulangère Potatoes: Make this dish vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and ensure that all cheeses used are vegetarian-friendly.

Storage and Shelf Life

Boulangère Potatoes with Rosemary & Gruyère is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the top is crispy again.

You can also freeze the dish for longer storage. After baking and cooling, wrap the Boulangère Potatoes tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen Boulangère Potatoes can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until heated through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Boulangère Potatoes with Rosemary & Gruyère

Pair Boulangère Potatoes with complementary dishes to create a well-rounded meal:

• Roast Meats: This dish pairs wonderfully with roast meats like beef, lamb, or chicken. The rich, creamy potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to hearty main dishes.
• Salads: A fresh, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy potatoes.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables such as green beans, asparagus, or broccoli balance the richness of the dish and add a pop of color to the plate.
• Red Wine: A glass of red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Merlot, complements the depth of flavor in the potatoes and works well with roasted meats

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Conclusion

Boulangère Potatoes with Rosemary & Gruyère is a perfect combination of simple ingredients and rich, complex flavors. This French-inspired dish will elevate any meal, from casual weeknight dinners to elegant holiday feasts. The combination of creamy potatoes, fragrant rosemary, and nutty Gruyère cheese creates a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a quiet evening at home, Boulangère Potatoes is sure to impress and satisfy every time.