Tartiflette is a rich and comforting French dish that’s perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners. It’s made with layers of tender Yukon Gold potatoes, crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and melted Gruyère cheese, all baked together in a creamy sauce with a hint of white wine and fresh thyme.
To prepare Tartiflette, you first boil and slice the potatoes, then layer them with cooked bacon, sautéed onions, and cheese in a baking dish. A mixture of cream, milk, and garlic is poured over the layers, and it’s topped with a whole wheel of Camembert cheese before baking until bubbly and golden brown.
Serve Tartiflette hot from the oven as a hearty main course or a indulgent side dish. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a little cream if needed. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Tartiflette Recipe
Ingredients
- 3.5 lbs 1580g Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled
- 7 slices thick Center-cut bacon sliced into 1-inch strips
- 1 ½ cups 350 ml Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 2 cups 300g Yellow onion, sliced into half moons
- ¾ cup 180ml Heavy cream
- ½ cup 120ml Whole milk
- 2 Garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup 120ml Dry white wine
- 1 ½ tsp 7.5ml fresh Thyme, chopped (separated)
- 1 ½ tsp 7.5ml Salt
- 1-8 oz 230g wheel of Camembert
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Boil the potatoes until fork-tender. Allow them to cool.
- Cook Bacon: Meanwhile, heat a large non-stick skillet on medium-high. Cook the bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain.
- Sauté Onions: Remove all but 1 tbsp (15ml) of bacon fat from the pan and sauté the onions in the fat until soft and caramelized. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add 1 tsp of thyme. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream, milk, garlic, wine, and salt. Set aside.
- Slice Potatoes: Slice the potatoes into ¼ inch (6mm) slices and set aside.
- Assemble Tartiflette: Grease a 13 x 9 (32cm x 23cm) oval gratin pan. Line the pan with a single layer of potato slices. Sprinkle 1/3 cup (80ml) of cooked bacon over the potatoes, 1/3 cup (80 ml) of the Gruyere cheese, 1/3 cup (80 ml) of onions, and 1/3 cup (80 ml) of the milk/cream mixture. Repeat this process to create 3 layers.
- Add Cheese: Slice the wheel of Camembert horizontally to create a top and bottom, then cut the wheel into quarters. You will have 8 triangles of cheese. Place the cheese triangles all over the top of the casserole. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ tsp of fresh thyme.
- Bake: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes until the cheese has melted and the topping is golden brown.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook Potatoes: Boil the potatoes until just fork-tender. Overcooking can make them mushy and hard to slice.
- Layer Evenly: Make sure each layer is evenly distributed with potatoes, bacon, cheese, onions, and cream mixture for consistent flavor throughout the dish.
- Use Quality Cheese: For the best flavor, use high-quality Gruyere and Camembert cheese. These cheeses melt well and add a rich, creamy texture to the dish.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 535 kcal |
| Protein | 27g |
| Fat | 43g |
| Carbohydrates | 44g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 820mg |
How Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftover Tartiflette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. If the dish seems dry, you can add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen it up.
For longer storage, you can freeze Tartiflette for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
Can I Substitute Ingredients in This Recipe?
Yes, you can make a few substitutions if needed. For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cheese and replace some of the cream with milk. If you don’t have Gruyère cheese, you can use Swiss cheese or a similar melting cheese.
You can also swap Camembert with Brie or another soft cheese. For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use mushrooms or other vegetables instead. Adjust cooking times as needed based on the substitutions you make.