Creamy Potato Cheese Gratin
A Delectable Baked Potato Dish: ‘Creamy Potato Cheese Gratin’ for a Hearty Snack or Special Meal
Discover the joy of a homemade ‘Creamy Potato Cheese Gratin,’ a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe features tender mashed potatoes layered with a vibrant mix of sautéed vegetables and savory tomato sauce, all topped with a generous blanket of melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a delightful, spoonable pizza-like experience that’s sure to please everyone from kids to adults. Enjoy a restaurant-quality treat right in your own home!
Main Ingredients- 3 medium potatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 1 king oyster mushroom
- 2 green chili peppers (optional, for a hint of spice)
- A small amount of carrot
- A small amount of chives
- 4 Tbsp tomato sauce
- Generous amount of mozzarella cheese
Seasoning & Others- 1/3 Tbsp coarse salt (for boiling potatoes)
- A little olive oil (for sautéing vegetables)
- Salt to taste (for seasoning vegetables)
- 1/3 Tbsp coarse salt (for boiling potatoes)
- A little olive oil (for sautéing vegetables)
- Salt to taste (for seasoning vegetables)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the potatoes. Peel the potatoes and cut them into large, bite-sized chunks, about 2-3 cm in size. Place the potato pieces in a pot, cover them with water, and add 1/3 tablespoon of coarse salt. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Ensure they are thoroughly cooked for a creamy mash.
Step 2
While the potatoes are boiling, prepare the delicious vegetable topping. Finely dice the onion. Heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, bringing out its natural sweetness. Once the onion is softened, add the finely chopped carrot and continue to sauté. Next, add the sliced king oyster mushroom and cook until all the vegetables are tender and well combined.
Step 3
Once the vegetables are sautéed, stir in 4 tablespoons of store-bought tomato sauce, mixing it well with the vegetables. Add the finely chopped green chili peppers and chives, stirring gently to combine. This mixture forms your flavorful topping. Season with a pinch or two of salt to taste. The green chilies add a subtle warmth, and the chives provide a fresh aroma, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Step 4
Drain the boiled potatoes thoroughly. While they are still hot, mash them using a potato masher or a fork. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly in your oven-safe dish or gratin pan, creating a smooth base. Don’t worry if there are a few small lumps; they add a pleasant texture to the finished dish.
Step 5
Generously spoon the prepared sautéed vegetable mixture over the mashed potato base. Ensure you cover the potatoes evenly and completely for a rich and satisfying layer.
Step 6
Now for the crowning glory! Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the vegetable topping. The cheese will melt and bubble, binding all the delicious layers together. Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese to your preference, but a generous coating ensures that delightful cheesy pull.
Step 7
Preheat your oven to 195°C (385°F). Place the assembled gratin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time, as oven temperatures can vary, and adjust the baking time as needed. (My initial setting was 25 minutes, but 20 minutes yielded perfect results). If you have a large amount, consider dividing it into two smaller dishes for more even baking. Serve hot and enjoy spooning up this comforting, cheesy delight!
