🥔 Warm Garlic Potato & Kale Gratin (Mediterranean Comfort)
This Warm Garlic Potato and Kale Gratin is cozy, creamy, and nourishing, with layers of tender potatoes, garlicky sautéed kale, and a lightly creamy sauce baked until golden. It’s non-spicy, vegetarian, and perfect as a side dish or light main for cooler evenings.
🕒 Time Required
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 40–45 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour
🛒 Ingredients
For the Gratin
4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups kale, stems removed and chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
For the Creamy Sauce
1 cup milk or light cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Topping (Optional)
¼ cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prep Oven & Potatoes
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Cook the Kale
1. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add kale and cook 2–3 minutes until just wilted. Remove from heat.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk milk (or cream), Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble the Gratin
1. Layer half the potato slices in the baking dish.
2. Spread half the garlicky kale over the potatoes.
3. Pour over some of the cream sauce.
4. Repeat layers, finishing with sauce on top.
5. Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil if using.
5. Bake
Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
🌟 Tips for Best Results
Slice potatoes evenly for even cooking.
Massage kale lightly before cooking to soften texture.
For extra richness, add a little mozzarella or Gruyère on top.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the gratin, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I make it vegan?
Use olive oil only, plant-based milk, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
What can I serve it with?
Perfect alongside grilled chicken, roasted fish, or as part of a vegetarian spread.
Can I use sweet potatoes?
Absolutely—sweet potatoes pair beautifully with garlic and kale.
🥗 Nutritional Information
Calories: 290 kcal
Protein: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Fat: 14 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 3 g