Delia Smith’s Dauphinoise Potatoes Recipe

Delia Smith’s Dauphinoise Potatoes is a rich and creamy French-inspired dish that elevates the humble potato into a luxurious side. The dish consists of thinly sliced potatoes, cream, garlic, and cheese, which are layered together and baked to perfection.

The result is a mouthwatering, velvety texture with the perfect balance of richness and savory flavors. The layers of potatoes meld together with the creamy sauce to create a harmonious and indulgent side dish that complements various main courses.

The genius of Delia Smith’s version lies in her precise technique and use of ingredients, making sure each layer of potato is soaked in the creamy sauce for optimal flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a special occasion, Dauphinoise Potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser.

Delia Smith’s Dauphinoise Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To prepare Delia Smith’s Dauphinoise Potatoes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1. Potatoes – 900g of floury potatoes such as Maris Piper or King Edward are ideal for this dish. These potatoes are perfect because they hold their shape while absorbing the cream beautifully.
2. Double Cream – 300ml of rich double cream gives the dish its characteristic creaminess and indulgent texture.
3. Milk – 150ml of full-fat milk, which helps to lighten the cream and create the perfect consistency for the sauce.
4. Garlic – 1 or 2 cloves of garlic (depending on your preference), finely chopped or mashed, to infuse the cream with a gentle garlic flavor.
5. Cheese – 75g of grated Gruyère or a mix of Gruyère and Parmesan cheese adds a deliciously nutty and savory depth to the flavor.
6. Butter – 25g of unsalted butter for greasing the dish and adding a little richness to the top of the potatoes.
7. Salt and Pepper – To season the dish and enhance the flavors. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Equipment Needed

To make this classic dish, you will need:

1. A Sharp Knife – To slice the potatoes thinly and evenly.
2. Mandoline (optional) – For the perfect, uniform slices, a mandoline can save you time and ensure consistency.
3. A Medium Saucepan – To heat the cream, milk, and garlic together and make the sauce.
4. A Baking Dish – A shallow, rectangular or oval baking dish, around 2 liters in capacity, is ideal for layering the potatoes.
5. A Grater – To grate the cheese finely.
6. A Ladle or Spoon – For pouring and spreading the sauce over the potatoes.
7. A Foil or Lid (optional) – You can cover the baking dish with foil for the first part of baking, ensuring the potatoes cook evenly and remain moist.

Step-by-Step Guide To Make Delia Smith’s Dauphinoise Potatoes

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C for fan ovens) or 350°F.
2. Prepare the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly (about 3mm thick). If you have a mandoline, now is the time to use it for uniform slices. Put the sliced potatoes into a large bowl of cold water to prevent browning.
3. Make the sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the double cream, milk, and crushed garlic. Gently heat over a low-medium flame until the garlic infuses the cream and milk, and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
4. Layer the potatoes: Grease your baking dish with butter. Drain the potatoes and dry them slightly using a kitchen towel. Start layering the potatoes in the dish, slightly overlapping each slice. After each layer, pour some of the cream mixture over the potatoes to soak them. Continue layering until all the potatoes are used.
5. Add seasoning: After layering, sprinkle salt, pepper, and half of the grated cheese on top. For added richness, you can dot the top layer with small pieces of butter.
6. Bake the Dauphinoise: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a knife.
7. Finish with cheese: In the final 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top for an extra cheesy, golden finish.
8. Let it rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving so the layers can firm up slightly.

Mastering The Recipe: Tips And Tricks

1. Even Potato Slices: The key to a perfect dauphinoise is evenly sliced potatoes. A mandoline is your best friend in this step, ensuring uniformity and even cooking.
2. Garlic Infusion: The garlic should be finely crushed or mashed to release maximum flavor. Don’t skip the step of infusing it in the cream and milk, as it helps spread the flavor evenly throughout the dish.
3. Choosing the Right Potatoes: Choose waxy or floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper or King Edward, as they hold their shape and create a creamy texture without becoming mushy.
4. Use a Good Cheese: Gruyère is a must for its nutty, salty, and slightly sweet flavor. A combination of Gruyère and Parmesan will give your dauphinoise a deep, savory taste. If you’re after a stronger flavor, consider adding a little mature cheddar.
5. Resting Time: Allow the dauphinoise to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This gives the cream time to set and the flavors to meld together.
6. Bake without Foil for a Crispy Top: To get that delicious golden and crispy top, bake without foil in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
7. Variations: For a twist, you can add fresh thyme or rosemary between the layers or even some cooked onions for extra flavor.

Delia Smith’s Dauphinoise Potatoes is a timeless, foolproof recipe that brings out the best in simple ingredients. Creamy, cheesy, and indulgent, it’s the perfect side dish for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings.

With a few simple ingredients and some thoughtful techniques, you can master this luxurious dish and impress your guests with your culinary skills. Remember to make use of some of the tips, such as even potato slices and a flavorful cheese blend, to ensure your dauphinoise comes out perfect every time!.

Simple Twists On Delia Smith’s Dauphinoise Potatoes Recipe

Delia Smith’s Dauphinoise Potatoes is a classic dish that brings together the comforting richness of potatoes, cream, and cheese into a harmonious, indulgent creation. However, as delicious as the original recipe is, there are several simple ways to elevate or transform this dish into something new, while still respecting its classic roots. Let’s take a look at a few creative twists to make it uniquely yours:

1. Herbed Dauphinoise Potatoes:
   Add a fresh burst of flavor by incorporating herbs into the cream mixture. Rosemary, thyme, or sage can infuse the dish with earthy, aromatic qualities that pair beautifully with the richness of the cream and potatoes. Chop the herbs finely and stir them into the cream before layering the potatoes. For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped parsley or chives over the top just before serving.

2. Garlic and Parmesan Crust:
   While garlic is often used in Dauphinoise Potatoes, you can take it up a notch by adding finely grated Parmesan cheese mixed with breadcrumbs on top. This creates a delicious, crispy crust that contrasts with the creamy, tender layers beneath. The nutty flavor of the Parmesan adds depth and an extra layer of richness.

3. Leek and Bacon Dauphinoise Potatoes:
   For those who enjoy a savory contrast, adding sautéed leeks and crispy bacon into the potato layers can bring an additional layer of texture and flavor. The sweetness of the leeks combined with the smoky crunch of bacon pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the dish, making it even more indulgent.

4. Truffle Dauphinoise Potatoes:
   For a luxurious twist, infuse the cream with truffle oil or finely shaved truffles. The earthy, complex aroma of truffles will elevate the dish, making it feel like a gourmet experience. Just a few drops of truffle oil are enough to give the potatoes a decadent flavor that pairs wonderfully with a glass of fine wine.

5. Vegan Dauphinoise Potatoes:
   For those following a plant-based diet, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream, and use a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast to bring that cheesy flavor. The consistency and flavor remain wonderfully satisfying, and the dish remains rich and comforting without the dairy.

These simple twists offer an exciting way to personalize Delia Smith’s Dauphinoise Potatoes, adding new dimensions of flavor that suit various tastes, preferences, and dietary needs.

How To Properly Store Leftovers

Dauphinoise Potatoes, like many creamy dishes, can be a bit tricky when it comes to storing leftovers. Proper storage ensures that the dish stays fresh, tasty, and safe to consume. Here’s how you can store your leftover Dauphinoise Potatoes and enjoy them later without compromising their deliciousness:

1. Cool the Potatoes Quickly:
   As with all leftovers, the key to keeping your Dauphinoise Potatoes in the best condition is to cool them down as quickly as possible. Let the dish sit at room temperature for no longer than two hours after serving to avoid any bacterial growth. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the dish in a shallow container.

2. Store in an Airtight Container:
   Once the potatoes have cooled, transfer them into an airtight container. This helps to maintain moisture and prevents the potatoes from drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge. Make sure the container is sealed well to avoid any contamination.

3. Refrigeration:
   Store your leftover Dauphinoise Potatoes in the fridge if you plan to consume them within the next 2-3 days. The cool temperature of the fridge helps slow down the growth of bacteria, preserving the freshness of the dish.

4. Freezing (Optional):
   If you want to keep the leftovers for a longer period, you can freeze Dauphinoise Potatoes. However, the texture may change slightly after freezing and reheating. To freeze, portion the potatoes into individual servings, wrap them in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to label the container with the date. You can store Dauphinoise Potatoes in the freezer for up to 2 months.

5. Reheating:
   When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently to avoid overcooking the potatoes. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, let them thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly altered.

By following these storage tips, you’ll ensure that your Dauphinoise Potatoes remain as delicious as the day they were made, and you won’t have to waste any of this creamy, comforting dish.

What To Eat With Delia Smith’s Dauphinoise Potatoes?

Delia Smith’s Dauphinoise Potatoes are a rich and indulgent side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. The creamy texture and savory flavor make them an ideal accompaniment for both meat and vegetarian meals. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside Dauphinoise Potatoes:

1. Roast Chicken:
   A classic pairing, the savory, tender flavors of roast chicken are complemented beautifully by the creamy richness of Dauphinoise Potatoes. The crispy skin of the chicken adds a wonderful contrast to the smooth potatoes, making each bite a balanced experience.

2. Grilled Steak:
   The richness of a perfectly grilled steak, whether it’s a ribeye or fillet, is enhanced by the creamy and cheesy texture of the Dauphinoise Potatoes. Add a simple salad of arugula with a balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the two dishes, and you’ve got a truly indulgent meal.

3. Lamb Chops:
   The deep, gamey flavor of lamb chops is a natural partner for Dauphinoise Potatoes. Whether you season the lamb with rosemary, garlic, or mint, the combination will transport you to the height of fine dining. A side of sautéed greens, like spinach or green beans, would be a great addition.

4. Pan-Seared Salmon:
   For a lighter option, pan-seared salmon works wonderfully with Dauphinoise Potatoes. The richness of the salmon complements the creamy potatoes, while a drizzle of lemon butter or a simple dill sauce brings brightness and freshness to the dish.

5. Vegetarian Options:
   If you prefer to keep things vegetarian, Dauphinoise Potatoes go beautifully with roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts. Alternatively, pair them with a rich vegetable Wellington or a lentil loaf for a hearty, satisfying meal. A green salad with a mustard dressing can also provide a welcome contrast to the richness of the potatoes.

These pairings not only complement the flavor of the Dauphinoise Potatoes but also ensure a balanced and well-rounded meal that will leave everyone satisfied.

Conclusion

Delia Smith’s Dauphinoise Potatoes is a timeless recipe that has stood the test of time for a reason-it’s rich, indulgent, and perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you choose to add creative twists like garlic and Parmesan crust or opt for a plant-based version, this dish can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and preferences.

The key to enjoying this dish to the fullest is proper storage, ensuring that leftovers can be enjoyed without sacrificing quality. When it comes to pairing, Dauphinoise Potatoes are incredibly versatile, making them a perfect companion to a wide range of main courses. Whether you’re serving it with a classic roast or a vegetarian delight, Dauphinoise Potatoes will elevate any meal with their creamy goodness.

FAQs

What Are The Key Ingredients For Delia Smith’s Dauphinoise Potatoes?

Delia Smith’s Dauphinoise Potatoes require just a few simple yet essential ingredients: potatoes (typically waxy varieties like Maris Piper or Charlotte), garlic, cream, butter, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. You will also need whole milk to create the creamy sauce, and sometimes a small amount of cheese (such as Gruyère) for a golden, bubbly finish.

Can I Make Delia Smith’s Dauphinoise Potatoes Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare Delia Smith’s Dauphinoise Potatoes in advance. Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, and then cover it with foil or cling film.

Refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just let it come to room temperature before placing it in the oven, or add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you cook it straight from the fridge.

How Do I Avoid The Dauphinoise Potatoes Becoming Too Watery?

To avoid watery Dauphinoise potatoes, ensure that you use the right kind of potatoes, preferably a waxy variety that holds its shape well. Another tip is to slice the potatoes evenly, around 2-3mm thick, so they cook uniformly.

Additionally, avoid overloading the dish with too much milk or cream-just enough to cover the potatoes lightly. If you’re worried about excess moisture, you can also bake the dish uncovered for the last 10 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.