The Crispy Balsamic-Thyme Potato Torte is an elevated take on the classic potato gratin, featuring thinly sliced potatoes layered with fresh thyme and drizzled with balsamic vinegar. This torte is baked to golden perfection, with crispy edges and a tender interior, offering a perfect balance of flavors. It’s a great side dish for any meal but can also stand alone as a main course.
The balsamic vinegar adds a tangy sweetness that enhances the natural earthiness of the potatoes, while the thyme infuses the torte with aromatic herbal notes. With just a handful of ingredients and a little time in the oven, this dish will soon become a favorite in your kitchen.
🧾 Ingredients (in grams)
Serves 4–6
For the Torte:
- 1kg Yukon gold potatoes (or any waxy variety), peeled and thinly sliced
- 15ml olive oil
- 3g fresh thyme leaves (1 tbsp)
- 10g garlic, minced (2 cloves)
- 15ml balsamic vinegar
- 15g unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a cheesy crust)
- 15g fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)
- 5g balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round baking dish or a tart pan with a bit of butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Using a mandolin or sharp knife, slice the potatoes thinly, about 2–3mm thick. This will ensure they cook evenly and become perfectly crispy.
3. Season the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced potatoes with olive oil, garlic, fresh thyme, balsamic vinegar, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated.
4. Layer the Potatoes:
Arrange the potato slices in a circular pattern, overlapping slightly, in the prepared baking dish. Continue layering the potatoes until the dish is full. You can also arrange the slices in a spiral pattern for a beautiful presentation.
5. Bake the Torte:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 20–30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are crispy and tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Add the Cheese (Optional):
If using Parmesan, sprinkle it over the top of the torte during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow it to melt and become golden.
7. Finish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the torte from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor and elegance. Slice and serve warm.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Main Dish: Serve alongside a simple green salad for a light meal or as the centerpiece of a vegetarian dinner.
- Side Dish: Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Toppings: Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
🔢 Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
Nutrition may vary slightly based on portion size and optional ingredients like Parmesan cheese.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Layering Tips: Be sure to overlap the potatoes slightly to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on the edges. The more layers, the better the texture!
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the torte in advance and refrigerate it, then bake it right before serving. This makes it a great option for dinner parties.
- Add Protein: If you’d like to make this a more substantial meal, top the torte with roasted chicken or sautéed mushrooms.
- Vegan Version: Skip the butter and Parmesan for a fully vegan version of this dish.
👨🍳 My Personal Twist for Your Website
To make this dish even more unique, I love adding a handful of caramelized onions between the layers of potatoes. The sweet onions complement the tangy balsamic and bring another layer of richness to the torte. Another option is to toss the potatoes with a bit of smoked paprika for a smoky depth of flavor.
I also recommend serving this dish with a side of roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts for added color and nutrition.
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