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HASSELBACK POTATO GRATIN

Serves: 8 Dish: Dutch oven (2–2.5 L, 24–26 cm diameter) Oven: 200 °C / 400 °F Bake time: 90 min total (3 stages) Mandoline: Set to \~3 mm (1/8")

SHOPPING LIST

  • 85 g jemně nastrouhaný Ementál (Emmentaler)

  • 60 g jemně nastrouhaný Grana Padano

  • 480 ml smetany ke šlehání (33–40 %)

  • 1 polévková lžíce čerstvého tymiánu, nasekaného

  • 2 stroužky česneku, nasekané nadrobno

  • Sůl (košer nebo mořská) a čerstvě mletý pepř

  • 1.4 až 1.6 kg brambor (7–8 středních, varný typ C)

  • 30 g nesoleného másla

MANDOLINE SETUP

  • Adjust screw to set blade height at \~3 mm (⅛")

  • Check slice thickness using 2 stacked Kč coins or a ruler

  • Lock it in place

  • Peel potatoes first for cleaner slices & better texture

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Preheat oven to 200 °C (400 °F)

  • Grease your Dutch oven with the butter (30 g)

  • In a large bowl, mix Emmentaler (85 g) and Grana Padano (60 g)

  • Set aside ⅓ of the cheese for topping

  • Add cream (480 ml), thyme (1 tablespoon), garlic (2 cloves), salt, and pepper to the cheese

  • Stir until fully mixed

  • Slice all potatoes (1.4 to 1.6 kg) to 3 mm thick

  • Add them to the bowl. Use hands to separate slices and coat each one thoroughly in the cream mixture (480 ml total with cheese)

  • Stack coated slices vertically in the Dutch oven, starting at the edge and spiraling inward

  • Pack tightly. Add more slices if needed

  • Pour leftover cream/cheese mixture (remaining from 480 ml base) on top until potatoes are half-submerged

  • Cover with Dutch oven lid

  • Bake 30 minutes (steam phase)

  • Remove lid

  • Bake 30 more minutes, uncovered (starts reducing and browning)

  • Sprinkle reserved cheese (⅓ of the original 85 g + 60 g mix) over the top

  • Bake final 30 minutes, uncovered, until top is deep golden, bubbling, and crisp

  • Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving

NOTES

  • If using a tall Dutch oven, raise your rack 1 level after lid comes off for better browning

  • If top isn’t browning enough, use grill/broiler for last 3 minutes — watch closely

  • You do NOT need foil — the lid does the job for stage one