What main dish goes well with potatoes au gratin

As a food lover, I have always been fascinated by pairing different dishes to create a harmonious flavor profile. One word that I have always found to be highly versatile and easy to pair with other dishes is potatoes au gratin. This classic French dish is made with potatoes, cream, and cheese and is a crowd-pleaser at any dinner party or gathering. In this article, I will share my tips and tricks for selecting the perfect main dish to pair with potatoes au gratin and some classic and non-traditional options that work well together.

Introduction

Potatoes au gratin, also known as potato gratin or gratin dauphinoise, is a classic French dish enjoyed for centuries. It typically consists of thinly sliced potatoes layered in a baking dish with cream, cheese, and spices before being baked in the oven until golden brown and bubbling. Alternatively, the meal can be used as a main course depending on the occasion.

One of the reasons why potatoes au gratin is such a popular dish is that it is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a wide variety of other dishes. However, selecting the right main word to go with it can be tricky if you are unfamiliar with the dish’s flavor profile.

Understanding the Flavor Profile of Potatoes Au Gratin

Before we dive into the different main dish options that pair well with potatoes au gratin, it’s essential to understand the dish’s flavor profile. A decadent and creamy dish, potatoes au gratin is typically made with cream, butter, and cheese. The potatoes provide a mild and slightly sweet flavor, while the cheese adds a salty and savory component.

Because of its rich and creamy nature, potatoes au gratin pairs well with lighter and more acidic dishes. This helps balance the flavors and prevent the word from becoming too heavy or overwhelming. It’s also important to consider the texture of the main dish, as potatoes au gratin can be pretty soft and creamy, so a container with a bit of crunch or texture can be a nice contrast.

Tips for Selecting the Main Dish to Pair with Potatoes Au Gratin

When selecting a main dish to pair with potatoes au gratin, there are a few things to remember. First, consider the occasion and the overall theme of the meal. If you are serving potatoes au gratin as a side dish at a holiday dinner, you may select a main dish that is more traditional and hearty, such as roast beef or turkey. If you serve potatoes au gratin as a main course, pair it with something lighter and refreshing, like a salad or grilled fish.

Another thing to consider is the flavor profile of the main dish. As mentioned earlier, lighter and more acidic dishes pair well with potatoes au gratin. This can include words made with citrus, vinegar, or other acidic ingredients. Consider including some herbs or spices in the main dish to complement the flavors of the potatoes au gratin.

Finally, think about the texture of the main dish. As potatoes au gratin is a soft and creamy dish, pairing it with something with a bit of crunch or texture can be a nice contrast. This can include words that are roasted, grilled, or fried.

Classic Main Dish Options to Pair with Potatoes Au Gratin

Now that we have covered some tips for selecting the perfect main dish to pair with potatoes au gratin let’s dive into some classic options that never fail to impress.

Roast Beef: One of the most popular most classic pairings for potatoes au gratin. The beef’s delicious and plentiful flavors complement the creaminess of the potatoes au gratin perfectly, while the texture of the meat provides a nice contrast to the soft potatoes.

Grilled Chicken: If you want a lighter option, grilled chicken is a great choice. The acidity of the marinade or sauce used to flavor the chicken pairs well with the creaminess of the potatoes au gratin, while the grilled texture adds some crunch to the dish.

Baked Ham: Another classic pairing for potatoes au gratin is baked ham. The ham’s slightly sweet and salty flavor works well with the potatoes’ mild sweetness, while the ham’s texture provides some variety.

Vegetarian Main Dish Options to Pair with Potatoes Au Gratin

Plenty of delicious choices if you want vegetarian main dish options to pair with potatoes au gratin.

Grilled Portobello Mushrooms: Portobello mushrooms are a great meat substitute and pair well with the creaminess of the potatoes au gratin. Grilling the mushrooms adds texture to the dish, while a balsamic glaze can provide some acidity to balance the flavors.

Ratatouille: This classic French vegetable stew is a great option for pairing with potatoes au gratin. The acidity of the tomatoes and the variety of vegetables contrast the rich and creamy potatoes.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Another vegetarian option is stuffed bell peppers. This dish can be made with various fillings, such as quinoa, lentils, or rice, and pairs well with the mild and slightly sweet flavor of the potatoes au gratin.

Non-Traditional Main Dish Options to Pair with Potatoes Au Gratin

If you are feeling adventurous and want to try something more non-traditional, there are plenty of options.

Grilled Shrimp: Grilled shrimp is a great option for pairing with potatoes au gratin. The acidity of the marinade and the texture of the shrimp provide a nice contrast to the creamy potatoes.

Seared Scallops: Another seafood option is seared scallops. The scallops’ slightly sweet and savory flavor pairs well with the mild sweetness of the potatoes au gratin, while the seared texture adds some variety to the dish.

Spicy Indian Curry: For those who like a bit of heat, pairing potatoes au gratin with a spicy Indian curry can be a great option. The acidity and spice of the curry complement the creaminess of the potatoes, while the variety of flavors and textures in the curry provides a nice contrast.

Recipes Featuring Potatoes Au Gratin and Complementary Main Dishes

Now that we have covered some main dish options that pair well with potatoes au gratin let’s look at a few recipes you can try at home.

Roast Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin

Ingredients:

·         1.5 pounds of beef roast

·         4 cups of sliced potatoes

·         2 cups of heavy cream

·         1 cup of grated Gruyere cheese

·         1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme

·         Salt and pepper

·         Olive oil

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Rub the beef roast with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and place it in a roasting pan.

Roast the beef in the oven for 1.5 to 2 hours or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.

While the beef is cooking, prepare the potatoes au gratin by layering sliced potatoes in a baking dish with heavy cream, grated cheese, chopped thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.

Bake the potatoes au gratin in the oven between 45 and 1 hour, or until the cheese is browned and the potatoes are soft.

Serve the roast beef and potatoes au gratin together for a classic and delicious meal.

Grilled Portobello Mushrooms and Potatoes Au Gratin

Ingredients:

·         4 large portobello mushrooms

·         4 cups of sliced potatoes

·         2 cups of heavy cream

·         1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

·         1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary

·         Salt and pepper

·         Balsamic glaze

Instructions:

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

The portobello mushrooms should have their stems cut off and cleaned.

Brush the mushrooms with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Grill the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes per side or until tender and charred.

While the mushrooms are grilling, prepare the potatoes au gratin by layering sliced potatoes in a baking dish with heavy cream, grated cheese, chopped rosemary, and salt and pepper to taste.

Bake the potatoes au gratin in the oven. After the cheese is browned and the potatoes are tender, bake the au gratin in the range for 45 to 1 hour.

Serve the grilled portobello mushrooms and potatoes au gratin, drizzled with balsamic glaze for added acidity.

Tips for Serving Potatoes Au Gratin and the Main Dish Together

When serving potatoes au gratin with a main dish, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure that the flavors and textures complement each other.

First, make sure that both dishes are served at the same temperature. If one plate is hot and the other is cold, it can be jarring to the palate and disrupt the overall harmony of the meal.

Second, consider the plating of the dishes. Potatoes au gratin can be rich and heavy, so balancing the portion sizes with the main dish is essential. It would be best to serve smaller portions of the potatoes au gratin alongside a more significant part of the main dish.

Finally, feel free to experiment with various flavor and texture combinations. The beauty of pairing dishes together is endless possibilities, so have fun and get creative with your meals!

Conclusion: Perfect Pairings for Any Occasion

In conclusion, potatoes au gratin is a delicious, adaptable meal that can be served with various main dishes. Whether you prefer classic pairings like roast beef or more non-traditional options like grilled shrimp, there is a perfect pairing for everyone. Considering both dishes’ flavor profiles and textures, you can create a pleasant and tasty supper that will surprise your visitors. So next time you make potatoes au gratin, don’t be afraid to experiment with different main dish options and discover your perfect pairing!