Use fresh button mushrooms if wild mushrooms are hard to get; you will still have delicious results. Yukon Gold potatoes have a pale yellow color and a buttery taste that adds to the richness of this dish.
Recipe information
Yield
Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Position rack in top third of oven and preheat to 400°F. Butter 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Place cheese in medium bowl; add 1 cup/2 cream. Using fork, mash mixture to chunky paste. Mix in 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Mix in remaining 2 cups cream.
Step 2
Melt butter in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and herbs; sauté until mushrooms are tender and liquid cooks away, about 8 minutes. (Cheese sauce and mushrooms can be made 8 hours ahead. Cover separately and chill.)
Step 3
Arrange half of potatoes on bottom of prepared dish. Spoon 3/4 cup cheese sauce evenly over. Top with all of mushroom mixture, 3/4 cup cheese sauce, then remaining potatoes. Top with remaining cheese sauce. Cover dish with foil.
Step 4
Bake gratin 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until potatoes are tender, top is golden brown and sauce is thickened, about 30 minutes longer. Let stand 10 minutes; serve hot.
