Warm and Cozy Potato Gratin
Delicious Oven-Baked Potato Dish: Easy Potato Gratin Recipe
I recently visited Seoul, but unfortunately, had to rush through my errands with a mask on, not getting to enjoy a relaxing cup of tea. I hope for days when we can freely explore again soon! ^^ Today, I’m sharing a wonderful oven-baked potato dish using fresh potatoes: ‘Potato Gratin.’ Perfect as a snack or a hearty meal, let’s make this delicious potato gratin together!
Ingredients- 2 medium potatoes (preferably new potatoes)
- 1/4 bell pepper (use various colors for visual appeal)
- 2 strips of bacon
- 1/4 onion
- 50ml milk (or adjust to your preference)
- 100g store-bought tomato sauce (or adjust to your preference)
- 100g mozzarella cheese (you can mix two types if desired)
- A pinch of chopped parsley (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the potatoes thoroughly and peel them. Place them in a steamer and cook for about 20 minutes until very tender. While still hot, mash the cooked potatoes. (This recipe makes about 2 servings). Tip: Gradually add milk while mashing the potatoes for an even smoother and creamier texture.
Step 2
Dice the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the bell pepper (seeds removed) and the onion. Prepping the vegetables like this will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 3
Combine the mashed potatoes with the diced bacon, bell pepper, and onion. No extra seasoning is needed as the bacon provides saltiness and the tomato sauce adds flavor. If the mixture feels too dry, gradually add a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 4
Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly into an oven-safe dish. Then, generously top it with the store-bought tomato sauce. You can mix the potato and sauce together, but layering them like this allows you to better appreciate the individual flavors.
Step 5
Prepare the mozzarella cheese. Many varieties today are wonderfully stretchy, adding to the fun of cooking! Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the tomato sauce layer. For a richer flavor, feel free to use a mix of two different types of mozzarella.
Step 6
Finally, spread a thin layer of the mashed potato mixture over the cheese, followed by another layer of tomato sauce. Top this with the remaining mozzarella cheese. This is a truly customizable potato gratin – made with your own style and whatever you have on hand!
Step 7
Yesterday’s rain and the chilly weather made me crave a warm oven dish. If it were warmer, I might have used an air fryer, but today, I’m happily using the oven.
Step 8
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the gratin inside and bake for about 15 minutes. The cheese will be melted, but it might not yet have the golden-brown color you desire.
Step 9
For that perfect golden-brown finish, move the oven rack to the upper position and bake at 200°C (400°F) for an additional 5 minutes. This will give you that visually appealing, slightly browned cheese on top of your delicious potato gratin. A sprinkle of parsley will add a beautiful final touch!
