If you are looking for a cozy, irresistible dish that combines the comforting creaminess of potatoes with the rich, melty goodness of cheese, you have just found your new favorite. The Cheesy Potato Gratin Stacks (Muffin Tin) Recipe is a charming twist on a classic gratin, layering thin slices of tender potatoes and cheese into perfect individual stacks baked right in a muffin tin. This recipe is both elegant and approachable, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a cozy night in. The golden crispy tops with delicate thyme aroma create an unforgettable experience with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to making this dish shine. Each element plays a crucial role in creating the ideal texture, depth of flavor, and enticing appearance of your cheesy potato stacks.
- Oil spray: Helps prevent sticking and promotes a beautifully crisp edge in the muffin tin.
- Starchy potatoes (1.2 kg / 2.4 lb): Long, large potatoes are best for neat slicing and tender texture.
- Unsalted butter (30g / 2 tbsp): Adds richness and is essential for browning as well as the creamy sauce base.
- Garlic cloves (2, finely minced): Infuses the cream sauce with a gentle savory punch.
- Heavy or thickened cream (1/2 cup): Creates the luscious sauce that keeps the potatoes moist and indulgent.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 tsp) or dried (3/4 tsp): Introduces a fragrant herbal note that brightens the richness.
- Salt (1/2 tsp) and black pepper: Essential seasoning balances all the flavors perfectly.
- Gruyere cheese slices (75g / 2.5 oz): Placed between layers for gooey melt and flavor bursts.
- Gruyere cheese shredded (3/4 cup): Topped at the end to achieve that irresistible golden crust.
How to Make Cheesy Potato Gratin Stacks (Muffin Tin) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready once your stacks are assembled. Preheating is crucial to get a consistently baked gratin with a perfectly cooked interior.
Step 2: Butter the Muffin Tin
Melt some butter in a saucepan, then lightly brush each muffin cup. This light coating prevents sticking while also adding a subtle richness to the edges of the gratin stacks. Don’t skip this—it makes your stacks so much easier to remove after baking.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
Use the remaining butter to gently sauté the finely minced garlic for 20 seconds—just until fragrant but not browned. Then add the heavy cream along with the salt and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once warmed through, remove it from the heat and keep it cozy while you prep the potatoes. This sauce will soak the potatoes, lending that signature creamy texture.
Step 4: Slice the Potatoes
Peel your potatoes and trim the bottoms so they can stand upright. Next, shape them into cylinders that fit snugly into your muffin cups. Using a mandolin or sharp knife, slice them paper-thin at about 2mm thickness. These thin slices are critical for quick cooking and layering beautifully in each stack.
Step 5: Assemble the Stacks
Arrange the potato slices inside each muffin cup so they build halfway up the sides. Aim to keep them as uniform as possible for consistent cooking and a striking presentation. This step sets the base for your gratin stacks’ signature look.
Step 6: Add Cream Sauce
Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of the cream sauce over each potato stack, using roughly half your sauce mixture here. This infuses moisture and flavor into the layers, ensuring every bite melts seamlessly in your mouth.
Step 7: Layer Cheese Slice
Top each potato stack with a square slice of Gruyere cheese. This adds a luxurious layer of melting cheese that melds with the potatoes as they bake, creating a glorious gooey center.
Step 8: Finish Potato Layers and Season
Continue to add potato slices until the stacks rise just about 1 cm above the muffin rim. Pour the remaining cream sauce over each and sprinkle with most of the thyme leaves, saving some to sprinkle on top after baking. The thyme gives a fresh aroma that enhances the dish’s richness without overpowering it.
Step 9: Bake Covered
Cover the muffin tin loosely with foil to keep the moisture in and bake for 40 minutes. This step softens the potatoes through without drying out the stacks and lets the cheese inside fully melt.
Step 10: Add Shredded Cheese and Brown
Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded Gruyere cheese on top of each stack, and return it to the oven uncovered. Bake for a further 10 minutes until the cheese turns beautifully golden and bubbly, delivering that crave-worthy crust.
Step 11: Final Touch of Thyme
Sprinkle the remaining fresh thyme over the hot gratin stacks for a burst of color and a hint of herbal brightness that perfectly balances the creamy cheese and potatoes.
Step 12: Rest and Serve
Let the stacks sit for 5 minutes to firm up slightly, making them easier to remove from the tin. Use a tablespoon or a butter knife to gently lift them out, then plate and prepare for compliments.
How to Serve Cheesy Potato Gratin Stacks (Muffin Tin) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh thyme leaves sprinkled on top after baking elevate the dish with a fresh, herbaceous note and add a lovely visual element. For a touch of color, a sprinkle of finely chopped chives or a dusting of smoked paprika can also complement the golden crust beautifully.
Side Dishes
These gratin stacks pair amazingly well with roasted meats or sautéed greens. Think along the lines of herb-crusted chicken, juicy steak, or a crisp green salad to cut through the richness. Their individual size makes them perfect for a plated dinner that feels fancy yet homey.
Creative Ways to Present
Pop these Cheesy Potato Gratin Stacks (Muffin Tin) Recipe onto a wooden board for rustic charm or arrange neatly on a white platter garnished with thyme sprigs for a refined look. You can also serve them with a drizzle of tangy balsamic reduction or a dollop of crème fraîche for a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover gratin stacks can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cover them well to prevent drying out. When ready to eat, they may lose a bit of the crispness but remain deliciously creamy inside.
Freezing
If you want to keep these stacks longer, freeze individually wrapped stacks in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place the stacks in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, uncovered, until warmed through and slightly crisp on top. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the potatoes mushy and the cheese congeal.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Gruyere?
Absolutely! While Gruyere is traditional and melts beautifully, good substitutes include Emmental, Fontina, or even a sharp cheddar. Each will give a different flavor twist but still yield delicious results.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Peeling helps achieve a smooth, tender texture and a neat presentation. However, if you prefer a bit more rustic character, you can leave the skins on as long as they are well-scrubbed and the potatoes are thinly sliced.
Can I make these stacks vegan or dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use a creamy coconut milk or cashew cream in place of heavy cream. Choose a vegan cheese that melts well, although texture and flavor will vary.
What’s the best way to slice the potatoes thinly?
A mandolin slicer is ideal for uniform 2mm slices, ensuring even cooking and beautiful layers. If you don’t have one, use a very sharp knife and take your time to slice as thinly and evenly as possible.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! Simply use two muffin tins and adjust cooking time slightly if stacking becomes higher. Keeping uniform size and layering evenly will ensure each stack bakes perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Potato Gratin Stacks (Muffin Tin) Recipe is such a delightful way to take a beloved classic and transform it into something elegant yet easy. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down and savor the creamy, cheesy layers of comfort. Whether you make it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, it is sure to become a cherished favorite. Grab your muffin tin and give these stacks a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
