Potatoes au gratin is a dish that’s loved by many, and it’s easy to see why. With its creamy, cheesy layers of thinly sliced potatoes, it’s the perfect side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or a cozy family meal, potatoes au gratin always seem to hit the spot. But here’s the thing—this rich and decadent dish deserves a main course that can stand up to its luxurious flavors. So, what main dish goes well with potatoes au gratin? Let’s dive into some mouthwatering options that will turn your meal into an unforgettable feast.
What Main Dish Goes Well with Potatoes Au Gratin?
When thinking about what to pair with potatoes au gratin, you want something that complements the dish’s creamy texture and rich flavor. The main dish should balance the richness of the potatoes, adding depth to your meal without overpowering it. Here are some classic and creative options to consider.
Is Steak a Good Option with Potatoes Au Gratin?
Steak and potatoes are a match made in culinary heaven. The juicy, robust flavors of a perfectly cooked steak pair beautifully with the creamy, cheesy goodness of potatoes au gratin. Whether you prefer a ribeye, filet mignon, or a New York strip, the savory taste of the steak contrasts nicely with the smooth texture of the potatoes, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
How to Cook the Perfect Steak?
Cooking steak is an art form, and when done right, it can elevate your potatoes au gratin to new heights. Here’s a simple guide to getting it just right:
| Steak Type | Cooking Time (per side) | Internal Temp (°F) | Doneness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ribeye | 4-5 minutes | 135°F | Medium-rare |
| Filet Mignon | 3-4 minutes | 145°F | Medium |
| New York Strip | 4-6 minutes | 155°F | Medium-well |
The key is to let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices. Serve it alongside your creamy potatoes, and watch your guests’ faces light up with delight.
Does Chicken Pair Well with Potatoes Au Gratin?
Absolutely! Chicken is a versatile protein that pairs wonderfully with the richness of potatoes au gratin. Whether you go for roasted chicken, grilled chicken breasts, or even a flavorful chicken marsala, the lighter taste of chicken allows the potatoes to shine without being too overwhelming.
Roasted Chicken with Herbs Recipe:
Roasted chicken is a classic choice, especially when infused with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and garlic. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 1 tsp thyme
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rub the chicken with olive oil, then season with rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Roast in the oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Serve the roasted chicken alongside potatoes au gratin for a cozy, comforting meal.
Can Pork Be a Good Main Dish with Potatoes Au Gratin?
Yes, pork is another fantastic option that pairs well with potatoes au gratin. The savory and sometimes sweet flavors of pork dishes like pork chops, pork tenderloin, or even glazed ham offer a delightful contrast to the creamy potatoes.
Pork Tenderloin with Apple Glaze Recipe:
Pork tenderloin with a sweet apple glaze is a delightful combination that adds a touch of sweetness to your meal. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 pork tenderloin
- 2 apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 2 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.
- In a pan, sear the tenderloin on all sides until browned.
- Transfer to the oven and roast for 20 minutes.
- In the same pan, add apple slices, apple cider, and honey. Cook until the apples are soft and the sauce is reduced.
- Serve the tenderloin with the apple glaze on top, alongside your potatoes au gratin.
This dish is sure to impress with its combination of savory and sweet flavors.
What About Seafood? Does It Go Well with Potatoes Au Gratin?
Surprisingly, seafood can be an excellent pairing with potatoes. The light, fresh flavors of seafood like salmon, shrimp, or lobster provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy potatoes.
Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill Recipe:
Baked salmon is a healthy and flavorful option that pairs well with potatoes au gratin. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle with olive oil, then top with lemon slices and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
Serve the baked salmon with a side of potatoes au gratin for a meal that’s both light and satisfying.
Is Lamb a Good Match for Potatoes Au Gratin?
Lamb is a rich and flavorful meat that pairs beautifully with potatoes. The robust flavors of lamb, whether it’s roasted lamb chops or a slow-cooked lamb shank, complement the creamy potatoes, creating a luxurious dining experience.
Garlic and Herb Lamb Chops Recipe:
Lamb chops infused with garlic and herbs are a perfect match for the rich flavors of potatoes au gratin. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 8 lamb chops
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix the garlic, olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the mixture onto the lamb chops.
- Grill the lamb chops for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Pair these succulent lamb chops with your potatoes au gratin for an unforgettable meal.
Does Vegetarian Main Dish Work with Potatoes Au Gratin?
Vegetarian options can be just as satisfying as meat-based dishes when paired with potatoes au gratin. Consider a hearty vegetable lasagna, stuffed bell peppers, or a savory mushroom stroganoff.
Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe:
Mushroom stroganoff is a rich and flavorful vegetarian dish that pairs well with potatoes au gratin. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a pan, sauté the onions, garlic, and mushrooms until softened.
- Sprinkle with flour and stir well.
- Add the vegetable broth and simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the sour cream, and season with salt and pepper.
Serve this creamy mushroom stroganoff alongside potatoes au gratin for a comforting vegetarian meal.
Can Turkey Be Paired with Potatoes Au Gratin?
Turkey, with its mild flavor and tender texture, is another excellent pairing for potatoes au gratin. Whether you’re serving a roasted turkey breast or turkey meatloaf, the savory taste of turkey enhances the creamy, cheesy goodness of the potatoes.
Turkey Meatloaf Recipe:
Turkey meatloaf is a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional beef meatloaf. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- Spread ketchup on top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Serve the turkey meatloaf with potatoes au gratin for a satisfying and comforting meal.
How About Duck? Is It a Good Pairing with Potatoes Au Gratin?
Duck, with its rich and savory flavor, is a luxurious option that pairs wonderfully with potatoes au gratin. Whether it’s roasted duck breast or a succulent duck confit, the bold taste of duck complements the creamy potatoes, making for an indulgent meal.
Roasted Duck Breast with Orange Sauce Recipe:
Roasted duck breast with a tangy orange sauce is a gourmet dish that pairs beautifully with potatoes au gratin. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 4 duck breasts
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Score the skin of the duck breasts and season with salt and pepper.
- In a pan, sear the duck breasts, skin side down, until the skin is crispy.
- Transfer to the oven and roast for 8-10 minutes.
- In the same pan, add orange juice, honey, and soy sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Serve the duck breast with the orange sauce and potatoes au gratin.
This dish is sure to impress with its combination of rich and tangy flavors.
Conclusion
Potatoes au gratin is a versatile and indulgent side dish that pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Whether you prefer the robust flavors of steak, the lightness of seafood, or the richness of duck, there’s a perfect pairing for every palate. By considering the balance of flavors and textures, you can create a meal that’s not only delicious but also memorable. So next time you’re planning a meal, don’t just stop at the potatoes—think about the main dish that will make your potatoes au gratin truly shine.
FAQs
What kind of meat goes best with potatoes au gratin?
Steak, chicken, pork, lamb, and duck are all excellent options that complement the creamy richness of potatoes au gratin.
Can I serve seafood with potatoes au gratin?
Yes, seafood like baked salmon or shrimp pairs well with potatoes au gratin, offering a light and fresh contrast to the dish.
What vegetarian main dishes pair well with potatoes au gratin?
Vegetarian options like mushroom stroganoff, vegetable lasagna, and stuffed bell peppers are great choices to serve with potatoes au gratin.
Is turkey a good pairing with potatoes au gratin?
Absolutely! Turkey, whether in the form of roasted turkey breast or turkey meatloaf, pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture of potatoes au gratin.
What sauces go well with potatoes au gratin and the main dish?
Rich sauces like mushroom gravy, red wine reduction, or a tangy orange sauce can enhance the flavors of both the main dish and potatoes au gratin.