I make Ina Garten's easy potato gratin for my family every Christmas, and it's the best holiday side dish

Anneta KonstantinidesDec 18, 2021, 18:41 IST

I make Ina Garten's potato gratin for my family every Christmas, and it should be on everyone's holiday menu.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

I make Ina Garten's potato-fennel gratin every Thanksgiving and Christmas for my family.
I first made it when I barely knew how to cook and the easy recipe is 100% foolproof.

When it comes to delicious (and easy) holiday recipes, Ina Garten has never led me astray.

My version of Ina Garten's delicious corn bread.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

But there's one "Barefoot Contessa" recipe I make for my family every Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I think it deserves a spot on everyone's holiday menu.

Garten's potato-fennel gratin recipe appears in her very first cookbook.Peter Kramer/NBC/NBC Newswire/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Garten's potato-fennel gratin requires just five main ingredients.

Garten's potato-fennel gratin also includes heavy cream and Gruyère cheese.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

The first step is properly cutting the fennel.

Garten's recipe was the first time I've ever cooked with fennel.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

But if you're an amateur, there's no need to let this herb intimidate you.

Make sure to thinly slice the fennel bulb.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

Once that's out of the way, get your onion ready.

You'll also want to thinly slice your onion.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

Peel your potatoes, then slice them crosswise.

Peel your potatoes before thinly slicing them.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

You'll also need to grate your Gruyère cheese

Garten's recipe calls for the Gruyère cheese to be grated.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

And don't forget to butter your baking dish!

Make sure to butter your baking dish before building the gratin.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

Once you're done with your prep, sauté your fennel and onions together.

Sauté your fennel and onions for 10 to 15 minutes.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

While your stove is working away, add your potatoes to a large bowl with the heavy cream.

First, add the potatoes and heavy cream to a large bowl.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

Then add 1 cup of the Gruyère cheese, as well as salt and pepper.

Then add your Gruyère cheese, plus salt and pepper.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

Then add your sautéed fennel and onions on top.

Don't forget to add your sautéed fennel and onions.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

To build the gratin, start by pouring your potato mixture into the baking dish.

Smooth your potato mixture in the baking dish.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

Then mix the rest of your heavy cream and cheese together and sprinkle on top.

Then add the rest of your cheese and heavy cream on top.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

After an hour in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, your gratin will be beautifully browned and bubbly — and almost ready to eat.

Garten's gratin looks beautifully golden-brown when it comes out of the oven.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

Garten's potato-fennel gratin doesn't just look delicious — it tastes incredible too.

And it tastes like a creamy, cheesy dream.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

I think the potato-fennel gratin is a perfect side for any holiday spread.

I can't wait to make Garten's gratin for Christmas again.Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

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