CHEDDAR GRATIN POTATOES

This is an easy side dish that goes well with any kind of roast, especially ham.  I’ve made these several times and they’re always good.   You can make them with nonfat milk, but they will be somewhat watery, though they’ll still taste great.  A nice aged cheddar will make the dish stand out.  Take it easy on the thyme, as it can leave an aftertaste if you use too much.

Wondering what to do with leftovers?  Fry them up with eggs.

Cheddar Gratin Potatoes Rating:  9.5 out of 10 Click for PRINTABLE PAGE

INGREDIENTS: 1 Tbsp. butter + 2 tsp. for pan 1/2 cup chopped shallot 2 garlic cloves, grated or minced 4 cups (1 quart) whole milk 1-1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme 1 tsp. Morton kosher salt 1/2 tsp. white pepper 2 cups coarsely grated 2-year aged cheddar 4-1/2 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 4 medium-large) Set out a 9x13 glass baking pan.  Grease it with butter or spray with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.  Heat oven to 375F. In 3-quart heavy pot, heat butter over medium heat.  Add shallot and cook 2-3 minutes, or till soft.  Add garlic and cook about 1 minute, stirring with spatula.  Transfer to small dish. Slowly pour in milk to same pot.  Add thyme, salt and pepper and cook till mixture is steaming hot and almost boiling.  Place half the potatoes in the prepared baking pan.  Top with half the shallot/garlic mixture and half the cheddar; repeat once.  Slowly pour hot milk over all.Cover pan with tinfoil.  Bake 30-45 minutes, or till bubbling.  Remove foil, bake additional 30 minutes, or till milk is almost absorbed and potatoes are tender.  Let rest 10-15 minutes before serving.  Yield:  8-10 servings