Raclette

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible Cheesy Potato Gratin recipe. Picture this: layers of perfectly cooked red-skinned new potatoes, crisp and smoky bacon, and luscious melted raclette cheese, all coming together to create a dish that is both hearty and decadent.

This recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a mouthwatering masterpiece. The medium red-skinned new potatoes are boiled until tender, then sliced into thick rounds that provide a satisfying bite. As the layers of potatoes build, they are seasoned with a pinch of cayenne and freshly ground black pepper, adding a subtle kick of flavor.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: raclette cheese. This Swiss cheese is known for its exceptional melting properties, and it takes this gratin to a whole new level of indulgence. Thinly sliced and layered generously over the potatoes, the raclette cheese creates a gooey, golden, and slightly nutty topping that is simply irresistible.

Once assembled, the gratin is placed under the broiler until the cheese turns bubbly and beautifully browned. The aroma fills the kitchen, and your anticipation grows with each passing minute. When it’s finally time to serve, garnish the gratin with chopped chives, adding a fresh and vibrant touch.

This Cheesy Potato Gratin is a dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a comforting meal. It’s the epitome of comfort food, offering warmth, richness, and a heavenly combination of flavors. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to indulge in this unforgettable Cheesy Potato Gratin experience.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb. medium red-skinned new potatoes
• 4 oz. slab bacon, cut into 1″ x 1/2″ batons
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 bunch chives, chopped
• 1/2 lb. raclette, thinly sliced into square pieces
• Salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place the new potatoes in a medium pot and cover them with cold water. Add two generous pinches of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and cook the potatoes until they are just soft when pierced with a knife, which usually takes around 10-15 minutes. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool.
2. In a small skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it becomes crisp, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, and set it aside.
3. Preheat the broiler. Divide the cooked potatoes between four medium ovenproof plates, arranging them to slightly overlap. Season each plate with black pepper, a pinch of cayenne, and some of the cooked bacon. Then, cover the potatoes with slices of raclette cheese.
4. Place the plates under the broiler and cook until the cheese melts, bubbles, and browns in places, typically for about 5-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Once done, remove the plates from the broiler.
5. Garnish the Cheesy Potato Gratin with freshly chopped chives, adding a pop of freshness and color.
6. Serve the gratin immediately, savoring the delicious combination of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted raclette cheese.