
Gotta tell you about my go-to potato dish that always gets rave reviews at our family meals. Some folks call this fancy creation a Pommes Anna, but I just know it as a Potato Galette that turns ordinary spuds into something magical. You get these super crunchy edges with soft, tender layers inside, plus gooey cheese sandwiched between. I first whipped this up during our initial holiday in our new place, and now my family demands it whenever we're celebrating anything.
The Magic Behind This Eye-Catching Dish
The beauty of this potato creation is how basic ingredients transform into something that looks and tastes extraordinary. When you cut into it, the layers spread out beautifully like petals, and that crispy golden exterior makes everyone gasp. My friends think I've been slaving away for ages, but between us, it's way simpler than it appears. The toughest part is just waiting patiently while delicious smells take over your kitchen.
Your Grocery Needs
- Potatoes: Cut into thin slices, a mandolin works best for consistency and proper cooking.
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, warm up your cast iron with this for perfect crispiness.
- Melted butter: For extra richness and better potato taste.
- Seasoned salt: Try Pegs Seasoned Salt, or plain salt works too for flavor.
- Pepper: Ground fresh, it boosts the savory notes.
- Cheese: Try gruyere and Parmigiano, or whatever cheese you prefer for creamy layers between potatoes.
- Flaky sea salt: Sprinkle at the end for extra crunch and flavor kick.
- Chives: Chopped fresh, adds color and subtle onion hints.
Bringing Your Dish Together
- Prep Your Potatoes
- Use a mandolin for super thin potato slices, then pat them dry with paper towels to help them get crispy.
- Get Your Cast Iron Hot
- Put 2 tbsp olive oil in your cast iron pan and heat it up for about 5 minutes on medium-high.
- Build Your Layers
- Mix your potato slices with melted butter, seasoned salt and pepper. Start from the middle, making 6-7 alternating layers of potatoes and cheese. Keep the top layer just potatoes.
- Stovetop Then Oven
- Put parchment on top, add something heavy, and cook on your stove for 7-8 minutes. Take off the parchment, then bake at 400°F (204°C) for 55 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Turn Out and Serve
- Cover with parchment, flip onto a cutting board, and slice into triangles. Top with flaky salt, fresh chives, and a bit more pepper before bringing to the table.

Tasty Twists to Try
I often swap out cheeses depending on what's in my refrigerator. Try using sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor or gouda for a nice nutty taste. When I can't get my hands on Pegs Seasoned Salt, regular salt does the trick just fine. My little girl goes crazy when I throw in fresh rosemary instead of chives – it fills the kitchen with the most wonderful aroma during baking.
Tips From My Experience
I found out the hard way that you need to carefully run a knife around the edges of your cast iron before flipping to get that perfect presentation. And don't skimp on the preheating time – those five minutes are crucial for getting that gorgeous golden crust. Be patient and you'll end up with the most impressive potato creation you've ever made.
Closing Thoughts
This crispy, golden potato dish turns humble ingredients into a flavorful side that's packed with texture.Yukon gold potatoes are sliced thin, layered with Gruyere cheese, and baked to create a perfectly browned top and tender layers beneath. Simple to make but wonderfully elegant.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Why should I dry the potato slices first?
- Keeping them dry gets you that crispy finish while avoiding soggy layers. It also gives a nice golden brown look.
- → Can I swap out Gruyere for another cheese?
- Sure, just go with a cheese that melts smoothly. Gruyere’s great, but others like Fontina or Swiss also work.
- → What’s the purpose of the weight while cooking?
- It compacts the layers while cooking, so you get that neat, dense look and evenly cooked texture.
- → Do I need to use a cast iron pan?
- A cast iron skillet gives the best crunch on the bottom. But any sturdy, oven-safe pan around 8 inches works fine.
- → How thin do I need to slice the potatoes?
- Go for about 1/8 inch thick. Grab a mandolin for consistent slices and an even cook.