Beyond the Mash: A New Potato Star for Your Thanksgiving Table

  

Thanksgiving dinner is a symphony of flavors and textures, with each dish playing a crucial role in the grand feast. While mashed potatoes are a beloved classic, sometimes it's nice to introduce a new contender that offers a different, yet equally comforting, experience. This year, let's venture beyond the mash and create a potato dish that's both elegant and utterly delicious: Creamy Roasted Garlic and Herb Potatoes.

This dish brings together the rich, earthy flavors of roasted garlic, fragrant fresh herbs, and tender potatoes baked in a luscious cream sauce. It's a gratin-style dish that feels special enough for the holidays but is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. The roasting of the garlic beforehand adds a beautiful sweetness and depth that elevates the entire dish, making it a guaranteed hit alongside your turkey and gravy.

Why a New Potato Dish for Thanksgiving?

While mashed potatoes hold a special place, offering a different potato preparation adds variety and excitement to your Thanksgiving spread. This Creamy Roasted Garlic and Herb Potato dish provides a delightful contrast in texture with its tender slices and creamy sauce, and the aromatic herbs infuse every bite with festive cheer. It's a comforting side that still manages to feel refined.

Here's what you'll need and how to make them:

(Recipe)

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about ⅛ inch thick)
• 1 head garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: A pinch of nutmeg

Instructions:

1.  Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top ¼ inch of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until very soft and fragrant. Once cool enough to handle, squeeze the roasted garlic paste out of the cloves and mash it with a fork.

2.  Prepare Cream Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, roasted garlic paste, chopped thyme, chopped rosemary, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until just simmering. Do not boil. Season generously with salt and pepper.

3.  Layer the Potatoes: Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish (or a similar size gratin dish) with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Arrange a single layer of thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the dish, overlapping slightly.

4.  Pour and Repeat: Ladle a portion of the cream sauce evenly over the potato layer. Sprinkle with some Parmesan cheese. Repeat this layering process until all the potatoes are used, ending with a layer of cream sauce and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

5.  Bake: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 40 minutes.

6.  Brown Top: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender (test with a knife) and the top is golden brown and bubbly.

7.  Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set. Garnish with a few extra fresh herb sprigs if desired.

This Creamy Roasted Garlic and Herb Potato dish is a sublime addition to any Thanksgiving table, offering a delicious alternative or complement to your traditional mashed potatoes. Enjoy the new flavors and happy feasting!