The first time I made the Hairy Bikers’ Dauphinoise Potatoes, it was for a small family gathering at my place. I had seen the Hairy Bikers prepare it on television a few weeks earlier and was completely mesmerized by how rich, creamy, and indulgent it looked. I had always loved simple roasted potatoes, but I realized it was time to step up my side dish game and try something a little more special.
I remember feeling a little nervous because it seemed like one of those dishes that looks easy until you actually try it. But once I started slicing the potatoes, layering them with cream and garlic, and watching everything bubble up beautifully in the oven, I knew I had found something magical. When I served it, the reaction from my family was everything I had hoped for. The potatoes were tender, the cream was rich without feeling too heavy, and there was a beautiful golden crust on top that everyone fought over.
Since that day, Hairy Bikers’ Dauphinoise Potatoes have become one of my favorite sides for everything from roast beef to holiday meals. They feel special enough for celebrations but are also surprisingly easy to pull together once you get the hang of it. Every time I make them, I get the same warm feeling of pride and satisfaction. I hope this recipe brings that same joy to your table too.
What is Hairy Bikers’ Dauphinoise Potatoes?
Hairy Bikers Dauphinoise Potatoes is a traditional French-style potato bake where thinly sliced potatoes are layered with cream, milk, and garlic, then slowly baked until tender and beautifully golden on top. It is rich, luxurious, and the ultimate comfort food side dish.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This dish is creamy, comforting, and full of simple, rustic flavors that are deeply satisfying. It looks impressive, tastes incredible, and pairs well with so many main courses. Plus, it only uses a handful of ingredients but delivers maximum impact on the plate.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Dauphinoise Potatoes
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1 kg (about 2.2 pounds) potatoes (Maris Piper or any waxy variety)
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300ml (about 1¼ cups) double cream
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200ml (about ¾ cup) whole milk
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2 cloves garlic, crushed
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1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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A small grating of nutmeg (optional)
Optional:
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A handful of grated gruyère or cheddar for topping
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Dauphinoise Potatoes
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Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
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Peel the potatoes and slice them very thinly, ideally about 2 to 3mm thick. A mandoline slicer makes this much easier and faster.
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In a saucepan, combine the cream, milk, crushed garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Warm gently over low heat but do not boil.
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Butter a deep baking dish generously.
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Layer the potatoes neatly in the dish, seasoning lightly between layers.
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Pour the warm cream mixture evenly over the layered potatoes.
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Grate a little nutmeg over the top if you like.
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Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for about 1 hour.
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Remove the foil, sprinkle with grated cheese if using, and return to the oven for another 20 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
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Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to settle.
Hairy Bikers Dauphinoise Potatoes
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 kg about 2.2 pounds potatoes (Maris Piper or any waxy variety)
- 300 ml about 1¼ cups double cream
- 200 ml about ¾ cup whole milk
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 tablespoon butter for greasing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A small grating of nutmeg optional
Optional:
- A handful of grated gruyère or cheddar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
- Peel the potatoes and slice them very thinly, ideally about 2 to 3mm thick. A mandoline slicer makes this much easier and faster.
- In a saucepan, combine the cream, milk, crushed garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Warm gently over low heat but do not boil.
- Butter a deep baking dish generously.
- Layer the potatoes neatly in the dish, seasoning lightly between layers.
- Pour the warm cream mixture evenly over the layered potatoes.
- Grate a little nutmeg over the top if you like.
- Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for about 1 hour.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle with grated cheese if using, and return to the oven for another 20 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
- Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to settle.
Notes
- Use a waxy potato variety that holds its shape well after cooking. Slice the potatoes as evenly and thinly as possible so they cook uniformly.
- Also, do not rush the baking process. Slow cooking ensures the cream soaks into every layer, giving that perfect soft interior and golden top.
Nutritional Value
Approximate nutritional value per serving:- Calories: 320 to 370
- Protein: 5 to 7 grams
- Fat: 22 to 26 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25 to 30 grams
- Fiber: 2 to 3 grams
What Goes Well with Hairy Bikers Dauphinoise Potatoes
I love serving these potatoes alongside a juicy roast beef, a baked ham, or even a simple roast chicken. They also pair beautifully with grilled vegetables and a crisp green salad for a more balanced meal.
My Tips to Make the Best Hairy Bikers Dauphinoise Potatoes
Use a waxy potato variety that holds its shape well after cooking. Slice the potatoes as evenly and thinly as possible so they cook uniformly. Also, do not rush the baking process. Slow cooking ensures the cream soaks into every layer, giving that perfect soft interior and golden top.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Dauphinoise Potatoes
Sometimes I infuse the cream with a sprig of rosemary or thyme for an herby touch. Adding caramelized onions between the potato layers gives an extra depth of flavor. If you want a more rustic version, you can leave the potato skins on for a bit of texture.
Best Way to Store Hairy Bikers Dauphinoise Potatoes
If there are leftovers, I let the potatoes cool completely, then cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate. They keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them back in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until hot all the way through, covering with foil if needed to prevent over-browning.
Nutritional Value
Approximate nutritional value per serving:
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Calories: 320 to 370
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Protein: 5 to 7 grams
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Fat: 22 to 26 grams
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Carbohydrates: 25 to 30 grams
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Fiber: 2 to 3 grams
The final values can vary depending on whether you add cheese or other toppings.
FAQs
Can I prepare dauphinoise potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day ahead and bake it just before serving.
Can I use milk only instead of cream?
You can, but the final dish will be lighter and less rich. A cream and milk blend gives the best texture.
Can I freeze dauphinoise potatoes?
It is not ideal because the cream can separate. They are best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
What can I use if I do not have a mandoline?
A sharp knife works fine, just try to slice the potatoes as evenly and thinly as possible.
Is it necessary to cover the dish during baking?
Yes, covering helps the potatoes cook through before the top browns too much.
Conclusion
Every time I make the Hairy Bikers’ Dauphinoise Potatoes, it feels like I am treating myself and my family to something truly special. There is something so comforting about layering up those thin slices of potato, pouring over the warm cream, and watching everything bubble and brown to perfection in the oven.
This recipe reminds me that the simplest ingredients can create the most memorable dishes when they are treated with a little love and patience. The rich, creamy interior paired with the crispy golden top is exactly what comfort food dreams are made of. It is the kind of dish that feels equally at home on a fancy holiday table or a cozy Sunday night dinner.
Over the years, I have found myself reaching for this recipe again and again, not just because it is delicious, but because it never fails to impress. Whether I am serving it with a roast, grilled veggies, or just on its own with a green salad, it always feels indulgent and deeply satisfying.
If you have never made the Hairy Bikers’ version of Dauphinoise Potatoes before, I really hope you give it a try. It is easier than it looks, incredibly rewarding, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Every forkful of creamy, tender, golden-topped goodness is a little taste of pure happiness.
