Potato Pavé is the epitome of elegance when it comes to side dishes. This French-inspired recipe takes humble potatoes and transforms them into a crispy, golden masterpiece. With perfectly thin layers of potatoes stacked together and baked until tender, then pan-fried to a golden crisp, Potato Pavé is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make Potato Pavé step by step, discover helpful tips for achieving flawless results, and explore ways to customize this dish to suit your tastes. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to elevate a weeknight meal, this layered potato dish is sure to impress.
Key Takeaways
- Elegant and versatile: A perfect side dish for holidays, dinner parties, or weeknight meals.
- Rich, buttery flavor: Combines creamy layers of potatoes with crispy edges.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the seasoning or add cheese and herbs for a personalized touch.
- Prep ahead: Make Potato Pavé in advance for stress-free entertaining.
Why Potato Pavé is Worth the Effort
While Potato Pavé may look complex, the process is straightforward with the right steps. This recipe elevates the simple potato into something extraordinary. The key lies in its preparation: thinly slicing potatoes, layering them with butter or cream, and baking them until tender. After cooling, the dish is sliced into portions and crisped to golden perfection in a hot pan.
The result is a side that’s soft and creamy on the inside, with a beautifully crispy exterior. Potato Pavé is a great alternative to classic mashed or roasted potatoes, offering both texture and sophistication.
Ingredients for Potato Pavé
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this elegant dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Russet potatoes | 3 lbs |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup (melted) |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic | 2 cloves (minced) |
| Fresh thyme | 2 tsp (chopped) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Olive oil | For frying |
How to Make Perfect Potato Pavé: Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these steps to create flawless Potato Pavé:
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly using a mandoline for uniformity. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick.
- Mix the Cream Mixture: In a bowl, combine the melted butter, heavy cream, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Layer the Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang for easy removal later. Arrange the potato slices in layers, brushing each layer with the cream mixture before adding the next.
- Bake the Potatoes: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Slice and Fry: Remove the baked layers from the dish and cut them into neat rectangles or squares. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry each piece until golden and crispy on both sides.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the crisped slices to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired and serve warm.
For a visual guide, check out this Potato Pavé recipe tutorial: Watch Here.
Tips for the Best Potato Pavé
Achieving the ideal Potato Pavé requires a bit of attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you get it just right:
- Use a Mandoline: Consistent thickness is key to even cooking. A mandoline ensures perfect, thin slices every time.
- Line the Baking Dish Properly: Use parchment paper to make it easier to remove the dish after baking.
- Cool Completely Before Slicing: Letting the dish chill ensures clean, neat cuts.
- Don’t Skimp on Frying: Frying each piece creates that signature golden, crispy crust.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese between layers for extra richness.
Customizing Your Potato Pavé Recipe
One of the best things about Potato Pavé is how versatile it can be. Here are a few ways to tailor it to your preferences:
- Cheesy Variation: Add layers of cheese, such as Parmesan or Gruyère, for extra flavor.
- Herb-Infused: Incorporate rosemary, sage, or dill for an aromatic twist.
- Spicy Option: Sprinkle cayenne pepper or smoked paprika between the layers for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Thinly sliced sweet potatoes or parsnips can be layered with the russet potatoes for added depth.
Serving Suggestions for Potato Pavé
This elegant potato dish pairs beautifully with a wide variety of meals. Here are some serving ideas:
- With Proteins: Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pan-seared salmon.
- With Salads: Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- For Special Occasions: Make it part of your holiday spread with turkey or ham.
Storing and Reheating Potato Pavé
This dish is great for prepping ahead. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Refrigeration: Store cooled slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions of the baked dish (before frying) in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frying.
- Reheating: Re-crisp in a skillet or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Conclusion: An Elegant Twist on Potatoes
Potato Pavé elevates the humble potato into a culinary masterpiece. With its creamy layers and crispy edges, it’s a true celebration of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or as a side for a casual meal, this recipe never fails to impress.
Try making Potato Pavé for your next gathering and watch as it becomes the star of the table. With its elegant presentation and irresistible taste, it’s a dish that’s sure to delight everyone.