If you’re looking for a side dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious, this potato pave recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine creamy, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes, perfectly layered and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner, hosting a holiday feast, or simply looking to elevate your weeknight meals, this dish adds a touch of elegance and comfort to any table. With a handful of simple ingredients like Yukon Gold potatoes, heavy cream, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme, you’ll be creating a restaurant-quality dish right at home. Ready to discover the secret to the best creamy potato side? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Key Benefits
This potato pave recipe is more than just a side dish – it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll want to keep this one in your back pocket for any occasion:
- Rich, Creamy Flavor: Each bite is an indulgence. The combination of heavy cream and butter gives these potatoes a velvety texture that melts in your mouth, making it a perfect comfort food for cozy nights or special celebrations.
- Simple ingredients, stunning results: This dish proves you don’t need anything fancy to create something delicious With just a few pantry staples like Yukon Gold potatoes, garlic, and fresh thyme, you’re able to create a gourmet side that looks and tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.
- Make-Ahead Magic: The best part? You can prep this dish in advance! Assemble everything the day before, refrigerate it, and bake it just before serving. It’s a fantastic time-saver, especially for busy dinner parties or holiday meals where you want to focus on the main course.
- Versatile for Any Meal: Whether paired with a juicy steak, roasted chicken, or a hearty vegetarian main, this creamy potato side elevates any meal. Impress guests effortlessly with this stress-free potato pave!
- Elegant and Impressive: The neat layers and golden-brown crust make this potato pave a showstopper. It’s a dish that’s perfect for any celebration, from intimate family dinners to holiday feasts. Your guests will be asking for the recipe!
Ready to dive into making this mouthwatering dish? Let’s move on to the ingredients you’ll need to bring this elegant side dish to life!
Ingredients
To create the perfect potato pave, you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients. This dish relies on simple, high-quality staples that come together to create an irresistible creamy texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4-5 medium Yukon Gold potatoes
These potatoes are the star of the show! Their naturally creamy texture makes them ideal for a dish like potato pave. Don’t peel them – the skin adds extra flavor and helps hold the layers together. - 1 ½ cups heavy cream
For that rich, velvety texture. The cream is what makes this dish so indulgent and creamy. You can use full-fat cream for the ultimate experience, or substitute with a lighter version if you prefer. - ¼ cup unsalted butter
Butter brings in richness and a subtle, comforting flavor. It also helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust when baking. If you want to take it up a notch, try using clarified butter for a more robust taste. - 2-3 garlic cloves, finely minced
Garlic adds a savory depth to the potatoes, elevating the flavor without overpowering it. It’ll infuse the cream and butter as they melt together. - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Thyme is the perfect herb for this dish, providing a fragrant and earthy note. Fresh thyme is ideal, but dried thyme works perfectly too. If you’re a fan of other herbs like rosemary, feel free to experiment! - Salt and black pepper
These simple seasonings balance the richness of the cream and butter, enhancing the natural flavors of the potatoes. Season generously to taste. - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For an extra touch of flavor and a crispy top, Parmesan is a fantastic option. If you want to keep it dairy-free, you can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free substitute. - Olive oil or clarified butter for greasing
Lightly grease your pan with either olive oil or clarified butter to ensure the potato pave doesn’t stick and gets that perfect crispy crust.
Pro Tip: For even cooking and a smooth, creamy texture, use a mandoline slicer to slice your potatoes into uniform thickness. This ensures that every bite is consistent and perfectly cooked.
With these ingredients at the ready, you’re all set to create a rich, creamy, and flavorful side dish that will impress everyone at the table. Let’s move on to the next step – preparing and layering these ingredients into the perfect potato pave!
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to put them together and create the magic. Follow these steps to make your creamy potato pave just like a pro:
1. Prep the Potatoes
- Start by washing the Yukon Gold potatoes thoroughly. You can leave the skin on – it adds texture and flavor to the dish. Using a mandoline slicer, slice the potatoes into thin, even slices (about 1/8-inch thick). This ensures they cook evenly and create that beautiful layered effect.
2. Prepare the Creamy Mixture
- Whisk heavy cream, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper in a saucepan Place it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter has melted and the garlic becomes fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
- Tip: Don’t bring the mixture to a boil; you just want to heat it enough to dissolve the butter and infuse the garlic flavor into the cream.
3. Layer the Potatoes
- Lightly grease a loaf pan or a small baking dish with olive oil or clarified butter. Begin layering the potato slices in the pan, slightly overlapping them like shingles on a roof.
- After every 2-3 layers, pour a small amount of the cream mixture over the potatoes. This allows the cream to soak in and coat each layer, creating that indulgent, creamy texture.
- Pro Tip: For extra flavor, you can sprinkle a little bit of fresh thyme or Parmesan cheese between the layers if you’re using them.
4. Bake the Potato Pave
- Once layered, seal the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 45 minutes. This helps the potatoes soften and cook evenly.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. If you like a more golden crust, you can broil it for 1-2 minutes at the end.
5. Rest and Slice
- Once the potato pave is done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the cream to set and makes it easier to cut neat, clean slices.
- Slice it into generous pieces, and watch the creamy layers pull apart in perfect harmony.
Pro Tip: The potato pave will be incredibly hot straight from the oven, so give it a moment to cool slightly before serving – trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Now that your potato pave is perfectly layered and baked, it’s ready to impress. Up next, let’s talk about how to serve it to get the most out of this decadent dish!
Pro Tips and Variations
Want to take your potato pave recipe from great to unforgettable? These tips and variations will help you perfect the process and customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you’re making it for the first time or looking to experiment, there’s something here for everyone.
Pro Tips for Perfect Potato Pave
- Use a mandoline for uniform slices
Consistency is key. Thin, even slices ensure the potatoes cook evenly and layer beautifully. Just be sure to use the guard — safety first! - Season every layer
Don’t just season the top! Lightly salt and pepper between layers to build flavor throughout the dish. - Chill before slicing (for clean edges)
If you’re prepping this in advance, chill the finished dish in the fridge, then slice and reheat. You’ll get those neat, restaurant-style squares every time. - Let it rest after baking
Giving the dish 10–15 minutes to rest before slicing allows the cream to thicken and settle, making it easier to serve and more flavorful. - Use clarified butter or ghee for crispier edges
Clarified butter has a higher smoke point and creates that gorgeous golden crust on the top and sides.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Cheesy Upgrade
Mix in Parmesan, Gruyère, or Fontina between layers for a decadent, cheesy finish. It adds richness and a slightly nutty flavor that complements the cream. - Herb Infusion
Swap thyme for rosemary, chives, or a dash of nutmeg for a subtle twist. Fresh herbs bring brightness that balances the richness. - Garlic Lovers’ Version
Double the garlic and roast it first for a deeper, sweeter flavor. Creamy potatoes find their perfect match in rich, caramelized roasted garlic - Dairy-Free Option
Replace the cream with a rich, unsweetened plant-based cream (like oat or cashew) and use vegan butter. It’s still indulgent, just a little lighter and fully plant-based. - Add a Truffle Touch
Drizzle a little truffle oil over the top before serving for a gourmet finish that turns this dish into a luxurious centerpiece.
This recipe is incredibly flexible, so don’t be afraid to make it your own! With just a few tweaks, your creamy potato side can suit any occasion — from a cozy family dinner to an upscale holiday table. Ready to serve it up in style? Let’s move on to some delicious pairing ideas.
Serving Suggestions
One of the best things about this potato pave recipe is how versatile it is. With its buttery layers and creamy richness, it pairs beautifully with a wide range of main dishes — from everyday favorites to elegant entrees. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or a formal gathering, here’s how to make your creamy potato side truly shine on the plate.
Perfect Pairings
- Steak or Prime Rib
The rich, velvety texture of potato pave balances perfectly with bold, savory meats like a juicy ribeye or herb-crusted prime rib. Add a splash of red wine reduction or chimichurri to take the plate up a notch. - Roast Chicken or Turkey
For a comforting, classic meal, serve this with a crispy roast chicken or your holiday turkey. The soft interior of the pave is a lovely contrast to roasted meats. - Seared Salmon or Grilled Fish
If you’re in the mood for seafood, the pave provides a hearty, satisfying base. Try it with pan-seared salmon, halibut, or even scallops for a refined dinner. - Vegetarian Mains
Want a plant-based plate? Pair it with sautéed mushrooms, braised lentils, or a roasted vegetable medley. The creamy potatoes add substance to any meatless meal.
On the Side
Round out your plate with light, fresh elements to balance the richness:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus, brussels sprouts, or broccolini
Presentation Tips
- Cut the potato pave into clean, square portions for a restaurant-style look. Use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts for neat slices.
- Garnish with fresh thyme, cracked pepper, or a dusting of Parmesan to enhance visual appeal.
- Serve on warm plates to keep the dish hot longer — a little touch that makes a big difference!
Whether you’re plating it alongside a holiday roast or adding elegance to a weekday dinner, this elegant side dish is guaranteed to steal the spotlight. Up next: let’s wrap up with a quick recap and answer some common questions to help you nail this dish every time.
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potato pave recipe
Ingredients
4-5 medium Yukon Gold potatoes
- These potatoes are the star of the show! Their naturally creamy texture makes them ideal for a dish like potato pave. Don’t peel them – the skin adds extra flavor and helps hold the layers together.
1 ½ cups heavy cream
- For that rich velvety texture. The cream is what makes this dish so indulgent and creamy. You can use full-fat cream for the ultimate experience, or substitute with a lighter version if you prefer.
¼ cup unsalted butter
- Butter brings in richness and a subtle comforting flavor. It also helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust when baking. If you want to take it up a notch, try using clarified butter for a more robust taste.
2-3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- Garlic adds a savory depth to the potatoes elevating the flavor without overpowering it. It’ll infuse the cream and butter as they melt together.
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Thyme is the perfect herb for this dish providing a fragrant and earthy note. Fresh thyme is ideal, but dried thyme works perfectly too. If you’re a fan of other herbs like rosemary, feel free to experiment!
Salt and black pepper
- These simple seasonings balance the richness of the cream and butter enhancing the natural flavors of the potatoes. Season generously to taste.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- For an extra touch of flavor and a crispy top Parmesan is a fantastic option. If you want to keep it dairy-free, you can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free substitute.
Olive oil or clarified butter for greasing
- Lightly grease your pan with either olive oil or clarified butter to ensure the potato pave doesn’t stick and gets that perfect crispy crust.
Instructions
Prep the Potatoes
- Start by washing the Yukon Gold potatoes thoroughly. You can leave the skin on – it adds texture and flavor to the dish. Using a mandoline slicer, slice the potatoes into thin, even slices (about 1/8-inch thick). This ensures they cook evenly and create that beautiful layered effect.
Prepare the Creamy Mixture
- Whisk heavy cream, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper in a saucepan Place it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter has melted and the garlic becomes fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
- Tip: Don’t bring the mixture to a boil; you just want to heat it enough to dissolve the butter and infuse the garlic flavor into the cream.
Layer the Potatoes
- Lightly grease a loaf pan or a small baking dish with olive oil or clarified butter. Begin layering the potato slices in the pan, slightly overlapping them like shingles on a roof.
- After every 2-3 layers, pour a small amount of the cream mixture over the potatoes. This allows the cream to soak in and coat each layer, creating that indulgent, creamy texture.
- Pro Tip: For extra flavor, you can sprinkle a little bit of fresh thyme or Parmesan cheese between the layers if you’re using them.
Bake the Potato Pave
- Once layered, seal the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 45 minutes. This helps the potatoes soften and cook evenly.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. If you like a more golden crust, you can broil it for 1-2 minutes at the end.
Rest and Slice
- Once the potato pave is done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the cream to set and makes it easier to cut neat, clean slices.
- Slice it into generous pieces, and watch the creamy layers pull apart in perfect harmony.
Notes
Conclusion
There’s something truly special about a dish that looks as impressive as it tastes — and this potato pave recipe is just that. With its buttery layers, creamy center, and crisp, golden edges, it transforms humble potatoes into an elegant side dish worthy of any occasion.
Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight meal, entertaining guests, or looking for a new favorite to add to your holiday table, this dish delivers. It’s versatile, make-ahead friendly, and endlessly customizable — so you can tailor it to your flavor preferences or dietary needs without sacrificing that indulgent texture and rich taste.
The magic here? A recipe so simple, it’s genius. With a few pantry staples and some thoughtful layering, you’ll create something that feels gourmet but is totally doable in your own kitchen. Plus, with pro tips and variations at your fingertips, you’ll be able to revisit and reinvent this dish again and again.
So the next time you’re looking to elevate your dinner menu or impress without the stress, remember: potato pave has your back.
Now, let’s dive into some common questions readers ask before making this dish — you might find the answers helpful before your first slice!
FAQs
Have a few questions before diving into this potato pave recipe? You’re not alone! Here are some of the most common questions home cooks ask — with clear, helpful answers to make your cooking experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Can I make potato pave ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this dish is even better when made ahead. Simply assemble and bake it, then let it cool and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, slice it and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes. It holds its shape beautifully and still tastes rich and fresh.
What’s the best type of potato to use?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because of their buttery texture and ability to hold their shape. They strike the perfect balance between starchy and waxy, which gives the pave that creamy interior with clean, structured layers.
Can I freeze potato pave?
Yes, you can! To freeze, bake and cool the dish completely. Slice it into portions, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through and crisped on top.
What if I don’t have a mandoline slicer?
No problem. You can carefully slice the potatoes by hand using a sharp knife. Just aim for even, thin slices (about 1/8-inch thick) so the potatoes cook evenly and layer nicely.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with a rich, unsweetened plant-based alternative (like oat or cashew cream), and use vegan butter or olive oil. The result will still be creamy and satisfying — just with a lighter twist.
Why is my potato pave falling apart when sliced?
If your pave is too soft or falling apart, it likely needed more time to rest after baking. Let it sit for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing. Chilling it overnight also helps if you’re after perfectly clean edges for presentation.