Potato Galette (Cheesy Pommes Anna)

If you’re craving a side dish that’s both elegant and indulgent, look no further than Potato Galette, also known as Cheesy Pommes Anna. Picture golden, crispy layers of thinly sliced potatoes, oozing with melted cheese and seasoned to perfection—this dish is comfort food at its finest, with a sophisticated twist. It’s the kind of recipe that’ll make your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it for every special occasion—and even for just a cozy weeknight dinner!

Why You’ll Love Potato Galette (Cheesy Pommes Anna)

There are so many reasons this dish will become your new favorite side:

Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside: The beauty of a potato galette lies in the contrast between the crispy golden edges and the soft, tender middle. It’s the perfect texture combination that makes each bite a little slice of heaven.

Cheesy Goodness: The cheese is absolutely essential. As it melts between each potato layer, it creates pockets of creamy, savory deliciousness. If you’re a fan of cheesy dishes, this one is a guaranteed winner.

Easy to Make, But Looks Impressive: Don’t let the fancy look fool you—this galette is surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself.

Versatile: This galette pairs perfectly with pretty much anything. Whether it’s roasted chicken, a juicy steak, or a light salad, it complements a wide variety of main dishes.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the galette in advance and bake it just before serving. It’s an excellent dish to prepare ahead of time for gatherings or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for your Potato Galette (Cheesy Pommes Anna):

Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work wonderfully for this dish. They’re starchy and tender, perfect for getting that crispy texture on the outside while staying soft inside.

Cheese: A mix of Gruyère and Parmesan is perfect. Gruyère melts beautifully and adds a rich, nutty flavor, while Parmesan gives it a sharp, salty kick.

Butter: Butter is key to getting that rich flavor and golden color on the potatoes. It also helps the layers stick together while they bake.

Heavy Cream: Adds richness to the potatoes, making them even more indulgent.

Garlic: A little garlic adds flavor without overpowering the dish. It infuses into the butter and cream as the galette bakes.

Fresh Herbs: Thyme is a classic choice for this dish, but rosemary or parsley would work too. Fresh herbs add an aromatic element that balances the richness of the potatoes.

Salt and Pepper: For seasoning, salt and pepper are essential to bring out all the flavors.

Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil can be used to brush the potatoes before baking for extra crispiness and a slight fruity flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this cheesy, crispy masterpiece:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before putting in the galette.

Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes—aim for slices that are about 1/8-inch thick. The thinner the slices, the crispier the edges will be.

Prepare the Butter and Garlic: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add minced garlic and fresh thyme (or your preferred herb). Let the garlic cook for a minute until fragrant, then remove from the heat.

Assemble the Galette: Grease a round baking dish or skillet with a little olive oil or butter. Start layering the potato slices in a spiral, overlapping slightly, until the entire base is covered. Drizzle some of the garlic butter mixture over each layer of potatoes. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a little bit of grated cheese.

Repeat the Layers: Continue layering the potatoes, butter, cheese, and seasoning until all the potatoes are used up. Finish the top with a final layer of cheese and a drizzle of butter.

Bake the Galette: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on top.

Rest and Serve: Let the galette rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut clean slices.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 280

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

How to Serve Potato Galette (Cheesy Pommes Anna)

This dish pairs beautifully with just about anything. Here are a few ways to serve it:

With Roasted Meat: Serve it alongside a perfectly roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or steak. The richness of the galette complements the savory depth of roasted meats.

With a Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the rich, cheesy potatoes. Try arugula, spinach, or mixed greens with a lemony dressing.

As a Standalone Dish: This galette is hearty enough to be served on its own. Pair it with a dollop of sour cream or a fresh herb garnish for an extra touch of indulgence.

With Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans, are a great way to add some freshness to the plate.

For Brunch: Serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad and perhaps a quiche or eggs for a filling and satisfying brunch.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make your Potato Galette perfect:

Use a Mandolin: If you have one, use a mandolin slicer to cut the potatoes evenly and thinly. This will help the galette cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture.

Don’t Overcrowd the Layers: Be sure to overlap the potato slices slightly, but don’t crowd them too much. The layers need space to cook properly and get crispy.

Let it Rest: After baking, allow the galette to rest for about 10 minutes. This helps it hold its shape when slicing.

Use a Cast Iron Skillet: If you have a cast-iron skillet, it works wonderfully for this dish. It helps with even heat distribution, giving you a crispy bottom.

Make it Ahead: You can assemble the galette ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a great dish for entertaining or busy weeknights.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cheese?
A1: Yes! Gruyère and Parmesan are traditional, but you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or even goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

Q2: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can assemble the galette up to a day ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A3: This dish is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to check that your cheese doesn’t contain any hidden gluten.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to get it crispy again.

Q5: Can I freeze the galette?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the assembled galette before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Q6: What type of pan should I use?
A6: A round baking dish, skillet, or tart pan works great for this dish. Just make sure it’s oven-safe and the sides are deep enough to accommodate all the layers.

Q7: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A7: To make this dish dairy-free, use dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives like vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Q8: Can I add bacon or other meat to this galette?
A8: Yes, you can add cooked bacon, sausage, or even prosciutto between the layers for extra flavor. Just chop it into small pieces and sprinkle it in with the cheese.

Q9: How do I get the perfect crispy top?
A9: Make sure to bake the galette uncovered during the last 15-20 minutes, and if you want extra crispiness, broil it for 1-2 minutes at the end (keep an eye on it to avoid burning!).

Q10: Can I use a different herb?
A10: Absolutely! Rosemary, oregano, or sage would all be delicious substitutes for thyme. Choose the herb you love most!

Conclusion

Potato Galette (Cheesy Pommes Anna) is the kind of dish that’ll steal the show every time. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a holiday dinner or enjoying it for a simple weeknight treat, the layers of crispy, cheesy potatoes are always a hit. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with nearly anything, making it your go-to recipe when you want something impressive but comforting. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!

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