Buttery Boulangere Potatoes Recipe: French Comfort at its Finest

Crispy, golden boulangere potatoes offer a delightful twist on traditional potato dishes.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes create a mouthwatering masterpiece that feels like pure comfort.

Home cooks appreciate the simplicity behind this classic French technique.

Aromatic herbs and slow-baking transform humble ingredients into something magical.

Delicate potato slices absorb rich flavors while developing a perfectly crisp exterior.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum satisfaction for anyone seeking a memorable side dish.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this rustic, elegant creation.

Why Delia Smith Boulangere Potatoes Always Work

• Craft Comforting Layers: Build delicious potato stacks with simple ingredients that create a rich, satisfying side dish perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
• Master Simple Technique: Learn an elegant French-inspired cooking method that transforms basic potatoes into a restaurant-quality accompaniment with minimal culinary skills required.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by switching herbs, using different cheeses, or adding bacon bits to match your taste preferences and make the dish uniquely yours.
• One-Dish Wonder: Enjoy a complete side that combines potatoes, onions, and herbs in a single baking dish, reducing kitchen cleanup and simplifying meal preparation.

What You’ll Use In Delia Smith Boulangere Potatoes

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that form the base of this classic French potato dish, providing a creamy and hearty texture.

• Onion, Garlic, Thyme: Flavor-enhancing ingredients that add depth and fragrance to the potato layers.

• Chicken Stock: Provides moisture and additional flavor to the potato layers.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, crispy top.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, nutty finish and helps create a golden crust.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

How To Make Delia Smith Boulangere Potatoes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F (180°C). Grab a rectangular baking dish and give it a quick butter massage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Slice Potatoes Perfectly

Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice your potatoes into delicate, paper-thin rounds. Aim for that magical 4mm thickness that ensures even cooking and a dreamy texture.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

In a skillet, melt butter and dance some chopped onions, minced garlic, and fresh thyme around until they become soft and fragrant. The kitchen will start smelling incredible.

Step 4: Build Delicious Layers

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Sautéed onion mixture

Repeat these layers, making sure to finish with a stunning potato top layer.

Step 5: Add Liquid Magic

Gently pour chicken or vegetable stock over the entire potato landscape. This will help create a creamy, tender result.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Generously scatter Parmesan cheese across the top. Dot small butter pieces around to ensure a golden, crispy finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for about 60 minutes until the top turns golden brown and potatoes become meltingly tender.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the potatoes to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the dish set and makes serving easier. Enjoy your masterpiece!

Helpful Notes For Delia Smith Boulangere Potatoes

• Slice Precisely: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes uniformly at 4mm thickness for even cooking and perfect texture.
• Layer Strategically: Alternate potato layers with seasoned onion mixture to ensure rich flavor distribution throughout the dish.
• Stock Selection Matters: Choose a high-quality chicken or vegetable stock to enhance the overall depth and richness of the potatoes.
• Cheese Crispiness Tip: Grate fresh Parmesan and sprinkle generously for a golden, crispy top layer that adds delightful texture.
• Resting is Crucial: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking to help potatoes set and absorb remaining liquid, creating a more cohesive side dish.

Fresh Takes On Delia Smith Boulangere Potatoes

• Vegan Herb Potato Bake: Replace butter with olive oil, use vegetable stock, swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for dairy-free version.
• Rosemary Garlic Potato Layer: Swap thyme for fresh rosemary, add extra garlic cloves, use chicken stock for richer flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute potatoes with thinly sliced cauliflower, keep same seasoning and layering technique for keto-friendly option.
• Mediterranean Potato Gratin: Add sliced bell peppers, sprinkle feta cheese instead of Parmesan, use oregano instead of thyme for Greek-inspired variation.

Best Pairings For Delia Smith Boulangere Potatoes

• Complement Creamy Herb Potatoes with Perfect Pairings
• Enhance Wine Selection: Choose a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir to balance the rich, buttery potato layers and highlight the herbal thyme notes.
• Match Protein Partner: Serve alongside roasted chicken or herb-crusted lamb, letting the delicate potato texture complement the main protein's robust flavors.
• Create Salad Sidekick: Add a fresh, tangy green salad with sharp vinaigrette to cut through the potatoes' creamy richness and provide a light, refreshing contrast.
• Introduce Vegetable Companion: Roast seasonal green vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts to add color, nutrition, and a slightly charred texture that elevates the entire dish.

How To Store Delia Smith Boulangere Potatoes Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure potatoes cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Keeps well for 2-3 weeks. Avoid freezing for longer to maintain texture.
• Preheat oven to 180C. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp top.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Adds moisture if needed by drizzling small amount of stock.

FAQs On Delia Smith Boulangere Potatoes

• What are Boulangere Potatoes?

A traditional French potato dish baked with onions, herbs, and stock, creating a layered, creamy potato casserole that’s lighter than scalloped potatoes.

• Do I need special equipment to make this recipe?

You only need a sharp knife for slicing potatoes, a sauté pan for cooking onions, and a rectangular baking dish around 20x30cm.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace chicken or beef stock with vegetable stock to create a completely vegetarian version of the recipe.

• How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice potatoes approximately 4mm thick, which ensures even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dish.

Boulangere Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rustic French boulangere potatoes bring countryside comfort to your table, layering thinly sliced potatoes with fragrant herbs and delicate onions. Crisp edges and creamy center promise a delightful side dish you’ll savor with every memorable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 800 grams (28.2 ounces) white potatoes
• 300 milliliters (10.1 fluid ounces) vegetable stock
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) Parmesan cheese, grated

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, peeled and sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Seasoning and Fats:

• 25 grams (0.9 ounces) butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a rectangular baking dish by lightly greasing with butter and set oven temperature to 180°C.
2. Using a sharp mandoline or knife, create uniform potato slices approximately 4mm thick.
3. In a skillet, gently caramelize onions and garlic with fresh thyme sprigs in melted butter until translucent and fragrant.
4. Construct alternating layers in the baking dish: first a potato layer, then sprinkle with salt and pepper, followed by the aromatic onion mixture.
5. Repeat layering technique, ensuring the final top layer consists of neatly arranged potato slices.
6. Carefully pour chicken or vegetable stock over the entire potato composition, ensuring even distribution.
7. Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese across the surface and strategically place small butter dollops for enhanced richness.
8. Slide the dish into preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes until potatoes develop a golden-brown crust and become fork-tender.
9. Remove from oven and allow the gratin to rest for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to settle and ensuring easier serving.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly using a mandoline for consistent thickness, ensuring even cooking and a professional look.
• Swap stock with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version that maintains rich, deep flavor profiles.
• Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Charlotte for better texture and less breakage during baking.
• Pat potato slices dry with paper towels before layering to prevent excess moisture and achieve a crispier top layer.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 224 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 11 mg