Baked potatoes with egg, milk, and cheese

Baked Gratin Potatoes with Egg, Milk, and Cheese

If you are looking for a delicious and versatile recipe to enrich your meals, you have come to the right place! Baked gratin potatoes with egg, milk, and cheese are not only an excellent choice as a main dish but also a savory side that can turn any meal into a feast of flavors. This simple yet sophisticated recipe combines creamy textures with rich aromas, and the result will surely impress you. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 6 medium potatoes (about 1 kg)
- 100 g cheese (or cottage cheese, according to preference)
- 2 large eggs
- 100 ml milk (you can use whole milk for a richer taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh, if available)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Optional: 50 g grated cheese for a crispy topping (delicious!)

Did you know?

Gratin potatoes have a long history and are loved all over the world. They are often associated with comfort and family meals, having the ability to warm hearts even on the coldest days. Baking them allows the flavors to blend perfectly, resulting in a dish that will bring a smile to your face.

Step by step:

1. Boiling the potatoes: Start by washing the potatoes well under cold running water. This step is essential to remove impurities. Boil them in salted water, being careful not to overcook them – we want them just soft enough to be pierced with a fork. About 15-20 minutes should be sufficient.

2. Preparing the mixture: While the potatoes are boiling, in a large bowl, beat the two eggs with a pinch of salt, pepper, and thyme. Gradually add the milk and grated cheese, mixing well to achieve a smooth composition. The cheese adds a rich and salty flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella for a different note.

3. Preparing the potatoes: Once the potatoes are boiled, drain them and let them cool slightly. Then, peel them and slice them into rounds about 0.5 cm thick. This thickness will ensure even baking and a pleasant texture.

4. Assembling the dish: Preheat the oven to 200°C. In a baking dish, layer a layer of potato rounds. Pour half of the egg, milk, and cheese mixture over this layer. Continue with another layer of potatoes and finish with the remaining mixture.

5. Baking: Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and appetizing. If you want an even crispier topping, you can add grated cheese in the last 10 minutes of baking.

6. Serving: Once the potatoes are ready, let them rest for a few minutes before cutting. This will allow the flavors to settle. You can serve the gratin potatoes plain or with pickles, which add a pleasant contrast of acidity.

Suggestions and variations:

- Vegetarian option: You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini between the layers of potatoes to enrich the dish with more vitamins.
- Alternative spices: Instead of thyme, you can use rosemary or oregano to vary the flavors.
- Culinary indulgence: Serve it alongside a fresh green salad with lemon dressing, which will add a refreshing contrast to the rich dish.

Useful tips:

- For a more intense flavor: Marinating the cheese in olive oil with herbs before adding it to the egg and milk mixture will enrich the dish with delicious aromas.
- Baking time: Every oven is different, so check the potatoes after 25 minutes to ensure they do not burn.
- Storage: If you have leftover gratin potatoes, you can keep them in the fridge in an airtight container, and the next day they can be reheated in the oven for a delicious lunch.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

A serving of gratin potatoes contains about 300-350 calories, depending on the amount of cheese used. They are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. Additionally, potatoes are rich in vitamin C and B6, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium.

Still not convinced? Imagine a Sunday meal, with the whole family gathered, laughter and stories, and on the table is a steaming dish of gratin potatoes, their inviting aroma filling the entire room. This is the magic of cooking!

I invite you to try this simple yet flavorful recipe and share your impressions! Don’t forget to try other recipes that can accompany gratin potatoes, such as baked chicken or fish. Bon appétit!