21 Great Gratins for Cold Weather Comfort

Potato gratins transform the starchy tubers into something luxurious—creamy within and crispy on top, with satisfying layers that invite bite after bite. But scalloped potatoes and the like aren’t the only gratins in town. Below you’ll find 21 of our favorite gratin recipes, including options packed with greens and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. Preheat your oven, grab your favorite casserole dish, and dig into tartiflette, cheesy cabbage gratin, and gnocchi gratin too.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Ali Nardi1/21Cheesy Potato and Kale Gratin With Rye Croutons
When we think about gratin recipes, we're looking for that perfect balance of cheesy, carby, creamy, and crunchy. This one hits all the right notes—and adds some greens for balance and earthy flavor.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Simon Andrews2/21Leek and Greens Gratin
Peppery greens like arugula and sweet ones like spinach get even better when they’re decked out with cream, cheese, butter, and crispy torn bread.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell3/21Creamy Potato and Leek Gratin
Here's a classic from Gourmet that might be the star of your Thanksgiving buffet this year. The leeks are braised in butter and the potatoes are simmered in milk and cream; you can bake the whole thing in advance and reheat half an hour before serving.
- Photo by Jim Henkens4/21
Quick White Bean and Ham Gratin
Gratins aren't just side dishes—and some of them are quick enough to work on a weeknight. This 20 minute cassoulet-inspired number is filled with hearty beans and ham and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Judy Haubert5/21Potatoes au Gratin
You know her, you love her. And while you could serve this dish alongside a roast turkey or holiday ham, you could also just devour a big scoop alongside a simple salad.
Photo by Andrew Purcell, Food Styling by Carrie Purcell6/21Cauliflower Gratin
This soufflélike casserole is one of our favorite ways to enjoy cauliflower and cabbage.
Photo by David Loftus7/21Tartiflette
Potatoes meet pancetta, onion, cream, and gooey Reblochon cheese in this winter dinner. Just add cornichons on the side for pep.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson8/21Butternut Squash and Creamed-Spinach Gratin
Parmigiano-Reggiano and a generous dose of heavy cream transform butternut squash and spinach into a rich, bubbling gratin.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton9/21Chicken and Potato Gratin With Brown Butter Cream
This thyme- and sage-scented main-dish gratin is a cozy one for sure. Just repeat after us: brown butter cream.
Photo by Katrina Meynink and Kait Barker10/21Slow Cooker Potato, Leek, and Kale Gratin With Too Much Cheese
Looking for gratins that don't hog space in the oven over the holidays? This fella hangs out completely in your slow cooker, so that your stuffing and green bean casserole don't need to fight for a rack in the oven.
Photo by Lara Ferroni11/21Mashed Potato and Cauliflower Gratin
Baking mashed potatoes with cauliflower makes a crisp and creamy casserole. Finishing touch: stir in Fontina and Parmesan for added nuttiness.
Jeffery Schad, <em>Gourmet Live</em>12/21Potato Fennel Gratin
Gratin misconception: they have to be creamy to be good. But with some thinly sliced potatoes, fresh fennel, and just a little bit of butter, you can make a pretty spectacular gratin.
John Kernick13/21Turnip Gratin
Roasting the sliced turnips first before adding any cream brings out their naturally earthy-sweet character.
Photo by Marcus Nilsson, Prop Styling by Kalen Kaminski, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich14/21Cheesy Cabbage Gratin
We strongly believe that cabbage deserves more love. And this dish will absolutely win over any hesitant dinner guests.

Leela Punyaratabandhu

Genevieve Yam



