Scalloped Potatoes Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Scalloped potatoes are a timeless comfort dish, but when you add the bright flavors of cherry tomatoes, the creamy tang of sour cream, and the richness of melted mozzarella, you elevate this classic to something extraordinary. This dish marries the hearty satisfaction of potatoes with the light, fresh flavors of tomatoes and herbs, all brought together under a blanket of gooey cheese. It’s perfect as a side dish or even as a stand-alone vegetarian meal. Here’s how to make this delicious Mediterranean-inspired take on scalloped potatoes.

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🛒 Ingredients for Scalloped Potatoes with Tomatoes and Mozzarella:

• 1 kg of potatoes, peeled and sliced: Choose starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds, which hold their shape and absorb flavors beautifully.
• 300 grams of cherry tomatoes, halved: These little bursts of sweetness provide contrast to the richness of the potatoes and cheese.
• 200 grams of grated mozzarella: Mozzarella adds a creamy, melty finish to the dish, but you could also use a mix of cheeses for added depth, such as Gruyère or Parmesan.
• 25 cl of sour cream: Sour cream adds a tangy creaminess that balances the richness of the cheese and potatoes.
• 2 minced garlic cloves: Garlic enhances the flavor profile with its aromatic depth.
• Salt and pepper: Seasoning is essential to bring out the flavors of each ingredient.
• Herbs of Provence: This blend of Mediterranean herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano adds an earthy, fragrant note to the dish.

👩‍🍳 Directions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This will ensure that your gratin bakes evenly and develops a golden, crispy top.

Step 2: Prepare the Gratin Dish

• Butter a large gratin dish, which will prevent the potatoes from sticking and add a touch of richness to the base of the dish.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes

• Arrange a layer of peeled and sliced potatoes on the bottom of the gratin dish. The key to a good gratin is to slice the potatoes evenly, ensuring they cook uniformly. You can use a mandoline slicer to achieve thin, even slices.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Garlic

• After the first layer of potatoes, sprinkle half of the halved cherry tomatoes and some of the minced garlic over the top. The tomatoes will release their juices as they cook, infusing the potatoes with a subtle sweetness and acidity.

Step 5: Season and Sprinkle Herbs

• Season the layer with salt, pepper, and a generous pinch of Herbs of Provence. These herbs will give your dish that characteristic Mediterranean aroma and flavor.

Step 6: Repeat the Layers

• Repeat the layering process until all of your ingredients are used up, ending with a final layer of grated mozzarella. The cheese will melt over the top, forming a deliciously bubbly, golden crust that’s impossible to resist.

Step 7: Add the Cream

• Pour the sour cream over the top of the dish, ensuring it seeps down through the layers. The cream will meld with the mozzarella as it bakes, creating a luxurious sauce that coats the potatoes and tomatoes.

Step 8: Bake

• Place the gratin dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown, the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 9: Serve

• Let the gratin cool slightly before serving. This will allow the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Enjoy this as a comforting side dish or a hearty vegetarian main course.

💡 Tips for Success:

1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are ideal for this dish because they absorb the flavors of the cream and cheese while maintaining a tender texture.
2. Slice Evenly: Evenly sliced potatoes ensure that the gratin cooks uniformly. A mandoline slicer is a handy tool to achieve this consistency.
3. Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: If you don’t have Herbs of Provence, you can use a combination of dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Fresh herbs can also be used for a brighter, more vibrant flavor, but be sure to adjust the quantities (use about three times as much fresh herbs as dried).
4. Cheese Variations: While mozzarella is a great choice for its meltability, you can mix in other cheeses like Parmesan for sharpness or Gruyère for a nutty flavor.
5. Cooking Time: If your oven runs hot or the top is browning too quickly, you can cover the gratin with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking, then remove it to allow the top to crisp up.

🎉 Final Thoughts: A Comforting Dish with a Mediterranean Twist

Scalloped potatoes with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella bring a delightful twist to a beloved comfort food. The combination of tender potatoes, juicy tomatoes, and melted cheese, all infused with aromatic herbs, creates a dish that’s both hearty and fresh. This gratin is versatile enough to serve as a side dish for a special occasion or as a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this Mediterranean-inspired gratin is sure to impress with its flavors and simplicity. Serve it alongside roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that’s both nourishing and indulgent.