Potato Gratin

One of the most popular breakfast side dishes we serve at our Cape Cod Bed and Breakfast is Potato Gratin. It is so easy to make and our guests really love it. I like to serve this with Baked Eggs and Herbed Tomatoes but it is great with fritatas, omelets, or eggs prepared however you like them. This dish can be prepared the night before and kept in the refrigerator. It can be popped into the oven right from the fridge or brought to room temperature first.

1750 Inn at Sandwich Center Potato Gratin

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. I use a 6-muffin, muffin tin to make this for 6 people. You can use a larger muffin tin for more people or use ramekins for individual servings.

Frozen, grated Ore-Ida Potatoes, thawed, (about 1/3 cup per serving),
Lemon pepper, to taste,
Sea salt, to taste,
Gruyere cheese, grated (you can use Swiss cheese or a blend of both), about 1 tablespoon per serving.
Cream, 1 to 2 teaspoons per serving. (You can use more if you want them creamier. You can also use half & half.)

Optional:  Onion powder (about 1/4 teaspoon for 6 servings), Garlic powder (about ¼ teaspoon for 6 servings), or sautéed shallots or onions.

Spray muffin tin or ramekins with cooking spray (I use canola oil). In a large bowl, mix thawed potatoes, lemon pepper, and sea salt and toss just to blend. (If you want to use sautéed onions or shallots or any other herbs or spices, now would be the time to add them.) Add cheese and toss again.

Distribute evenly in muffin tin or ramekins. Drizzle potatoes with cream. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Oven temps vary so check after 25 minutes. Potatoes should be only slightly browned but cooked through. Remove from oven and cool.

Use a spatula to loosen the potatoes around the edge then slip it under the potatoes, lift out and place on your serving dish….yummmm-y!

Note: This is such a versatile dish so, experiment with other herbs and spices but keep it simple and have fun.

Jan Preus, Innkeeper, Chef, and Artist in Residence at the 1750 Inn at Sandwich Center, Sandwich, Cape Cod, Massachusetts