Potato Galette

Picture this: crispy, golden layers of perfectly seasoned potatoes, tender on the inside, with a buttery, flaky crust surrounding it all. That’s what you get with a Potato Galette. It’s the kind of dish that’s deceptively simple but so utterly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for an impressive side dish for a holiday dinner, a cozy addition to a weekend brunch, or even a comforting main for a light meal, this galette hits all the right notes. It’s a dish that’s both rustic and refined, bringing comfort food to a whole new level. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked on the irresistible combination of buttery, crispy goodness and delicate potato flavor. Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Potato Galette

Crispy, Buttery Perfection: The golden, crispy crust is every bit as important as the tender, flavorful potatoes inside. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of crunch and softness.
Simple Yet Elegant: With just a few ingredients, this galette is surprisingly easy to make, but it looks and tastes like something you’d find in a high-end restaurant. It’s a great way to impress guests without breaking a sweat.
Comforting and Hearty: Potatoes, butter, and a bit of seasoning? It’s comfort food at its finest. The richness of the galette will warm you up from the inside out, making it perfect for cooler days.
Versatile: Serve it as a side with steak, roast chicken, or a fresh salad. Or enjoy it on its own as a light meal. You can even customize it with herbs or cheese to suit your taste.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it a great choice for gatherings when you need a dish that’s ready to go when you are.

Ingredients in Potato Galette

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. Let’s break down the ingredients that come together to make this golden, crispy wonder:

Potatoes: The star of the show! Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Red Potatoes for the best texture. They hold their shape beautifully and cook up tender without falling apart.
Butter: A generous amount of melted butter ensures that the galette is rich and crispy. You can also swap in olive oil if you prefer a lighter option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a lovely aromatic depth to the potatoes, infusing them with flavor without overpowering the dish.
Fresh Thyme: Thyme pairs wonderfully with potatoes, giving the galette a fragrant herby note that elevates it to something truly special.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning to let the natural flavors of the potatoes shine.
Cheese (optional): For an extra touch of indulgence, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Gruyère between the layers of potatoes.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now that you have everything ready, let’s put this Potato Galette together!

Prepare the Potatoes:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the potatoes as thinly as possible, about 1/8-inch thick. This ensures that they cook evenly and get that crispy texture we all crave.

Sauté the Garlic and Herbs:

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned. Add the fresh thyme and cook for another 30 seconds to release its oils. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Galette:

Grease a round baking dish or tart pan with butter, or line it with parchment paper. Layer the potato slices in a spiral, starting from the outer edge of the pan and working your way in. Overlap each slice slightly for a layered effect. After each layer, brush the potatoes with the garlic-butter mixture, and season with salt and pepper. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle a little between the layers of potatoes.

Continue layering until you’ve used up all the potatoes. Once the galette is assembled, pour any remaining garlic-butter mixture over the top.

Bake to Perfection:

Cover the galette loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and crispy. If the top isn’t crisping up as much as you’d like, you can broil it for 2-3 minutes—just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!

Let it Cool and Slice:

Once the galette is done, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it into wedges. Serve warm and enjoy the crispy, buttery layers!

How to Serve Potato Galette

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of meals:

• With a Protein: Serve it alongside your favorite roast chicken, steak, or grilled fish. The crispy potatoes make the perfect complement to almost any protein.
• With a Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the galette and create a balanced meal.
• As a Light Meal: You can enjoy this galette on its own as a comforting, yet light dish. Add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche on top for extra richness.
• With Eggs: Try it for brunch! It pairs wonderfully with a fried egg on top for a hearty breakfast or brunch dish.

Additional Tips

• Use a Mandoline: A mandoline slicer makes it much easier to get those perfectly even potato slices. If you don’t have one, just make sure to slice them as thinly as possible with a sharp knife.
• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the galette up to a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving!
• Customize the Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or oregano to change up the flavor.
• Add a Cheese Layer: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle Gruyère, Parmesan, or cheddar between the potato layers to make the galette even richer and more decadent.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make the galette ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can! Assemble the galette up to a day ahead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it right before serving.

Q2: Can I use other types of potatoes?
A2: You can! Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Red Potatoes work best for this recipe, as they hold their shape when baked. Starchy potatoes like Russets may not hold together as well.

Q3: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A3: Yes, simply swap the butter for olive oil or a vegan butter substitute. You can also skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Q4: Can I freeze leftover Potato Galette?
A4: Yes, you can! Freeze slices of the galette on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Q5: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A5: Store leftover galette in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the crust crispy.

Q6: How do I get the top crispy?
A6: If the top isn’t crispy after baking, place the galette under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Just be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning!

Q7: Can I add other ingredients like onions or cheese?
A7: Absolutely! You can add caramelized onions, shredded cheese, or even crispy bacon for extra flavor and texture.

Q8: Can I make individual-sized galettes?
A8: Yes! You can make mini galettes by portioning out the potatoes into smaller pans or tartlet pans. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q9: Is this dish gluten-free?
A9: Yes! This Potato Galette is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t use any flour in the crust.

Q10: What kind of pan is best for making a galette?
A10: A tart pan or a round cake pan works best, as it will help hold the shape of the galette and allow the potatoes to cook evenly.

Conclusion

This Potato Galette is pure comfort food, with layers of crispy, buttery potatoes and a rich, golden crust. It’s a simple yet sophisticated dish that’s perfect for any occasion, and it’s guaranteed to impress anyone who tastes it. Whether you’re serving it as a side, a main, or even as a brunch dish, it’s a hearty, satisfying recipe that’s both easy and elegant. So, what are you waiting for? Grab those potatoes and get ready to create a dish your family and friends will rave about!

Print