Potato Pave Recipe (With Video And Step By Step)

Potato Pavé is an elegant and decadent side dish, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a luxurious dinner at home. This dish involves thinly slicing potatoes, layering them with butter and seasonings, then baking until they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Here’s how to make Potato Pave Recipe.

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Potato Pave Recipe

Potato Pave Recipe, a sophisticated French dish that combines layers of thinly sliced potatoes with rich cream and savory seasonings. Originating from French cuisine, this elegant potato dish is a stunning addition to any dinner table or special occasion. With its intricate layers and creamy texture, Potato Pave offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Whether served as a luxurious side dish or a standout entrée, this recipe showcases the versatility and elegance of potatoes in a truly delectable way. With just a few simple ingredients and careful assembly, you can create a culinary masterpiece that is sure to wow your guests and elevate any meal to gourmet status. So, roll up your sleeves and prepare to dazzle with our irresistible Potato Pave Recipe.

Ingredients

2 pounds (about 900g) Yukon Gold potatoes (or another waxy variety), peeled
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to help lift the Pavé out after baking. Brush the parchment paper lightly with some of the melted butter.
Prepare the Potatoes:
Using a mandoline or a very sharp knife, slice the potatoes into very thin slices, about 1/16 inch thick. Keep the sliced potatoes in cold water to prevent browning until you’re ready to layer them.
Flavor the Cream:
In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, minced garlic, and thyme leaves. Gently heat the mixture until it’s warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and let it steep for a few minutes. Strain the cream to remove garlic and thyme, then season with salt and pepper.
Layer the Potatoes:
Dry the potato slices with a clean kitchen towel. Toss the potato slices in the melted butter, then begin to layer them in the prepared loaf pan, overlapping each slice slightly to create a shingle effect. After completing a layer, season with salt and pepper, and if using, sprinkle a thin layer of grated Parmesan cheese.
Continue layering until all the potatoes are used, pressing down gently on each layer.
Add the Cream:
Pour the flavored cream over the layered potatoes, pressing down to ensure the cream permeates through all the layers.
Bake:
Cover the loaf pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Cool and Serve:
Let the Pavé cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out of the pan. Slice the Pavé into thick slices and serve warm.

Tips

Pressing the Layers: For an even denser and more compact Pavé, place another loaf pan filled with baking beans or a similar weight on top of the Pavé while it bakes.
Advance Preparation: You can prepare the Pavé ahead of time, refrigerate it after baking, and then reheat in the oven until crispy again.
Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs or add-ins like sautéed onions or layers of cooked bacon for additional flavor.

Enjoy your Potato Pavé as a show-stopping side that pairs beautifully with meats, poultry, or on its own with a side of sour cream or aioli.