Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Maris Piper), peeled and thinly sliced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon thyme leaves (fresh or dried)
½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds warmth)
For the Ham Hock & Mustard Layer:
1 smoked ham hock, cooked and shredded (about 1 ½ cups of meat)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
½ cup grated Gruyère cheese (or sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor)
For the Topping:
½ cup Gruyère cheese, grated
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons butter, cubed
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ham Hock
Place the ham hock in a large pot, cover with water, and simmer for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
Once cooked, remove the ham hock, let it cool slightly, and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Mix the shredded ham with Dijon and whole-grain mustard, then set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Dauphinoise Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a saucepan, heat the cream, milk, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and nutmeg over medium heat. Stir until warm but do not boil. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Layer the Dish
In a greased baking dish (9×13-inch), arrange a layer of potato slices, slightly overlapping.
Spread half of the ham hock mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with Gruyère cheese.
Repeat with another layer of potatoes and ham hock, finishing with a final layer of potatoes.
Step 4: Bake & Finish
Pour the warm cream mixture evenly over the potatoes, allowing it to seep through.
Sprinkle the top with Gruyère and Parmesan cheese, then dot with butter cubes.
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for the flavors to settle.
Serving Suggestions
This Dauphinoise Potatoes with Ham Hock and Mustard pairs beautifully with:
Roast chicken or steak for a comforting meal
Steamed greens or a fresh salad to balance the richness
A glass of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc