Potato Galette
The potato galette, a classic in French cuisine, is a culinary masterpiece that elevates the humble potato to new heights. Thinly sliced potatoes are the stars of this dish, layered meticulously to form a golden and crispy crust. Rooted in the culinary history of France, galettes have their origins in the rustic traditions of the countryside, where simple, readily available ingredients were transformed into hearty, flavorful meals. This particular version showcases the versatility of potatoes, a staple in French cooking since their introduction from the New World centuries ago.
To craft a potato galette, the technique involves layering thinly sliced potatoes in a concentric pattern, sometimes interspersed with herbs or cheese for added flavor. The dish is typically cooked in a skillet, allowing the potatoes to gradually crisp up on the edges while maintaining a tender interior. This method requires a careful balance of heat and timing to achieve the perfect blend of textures. Over time, the potato galette has evolved, with variations incorporating diverse ingredients to suit modern tastes. Its enduring popularity speaks to the enduring appeal of this French classic, celebrating simplicity, skillful technique, and the innate deliciousness of the potato.
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 50 min
Total Time: 1 hour 5 min
Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients
- 6 russet potatoes (3 lbs.)
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (2 Tbsp.)
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. pepper
Instructions
Prep
- 1.Preheat oven to 400°F.
- 2.Rinse potatoes and slice into approx. 1/8-inch slices.
- 3.Melt ½ cup (1 stick) of butter in a small sauce pan.
- 4.Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- 5.Remove from heat and add salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- 6.Toss potatoes in melted butter.
- 7.Layer potato slices in the skillet in concentric, overlapping circles.
- 8.Heat the potatoes in the skillet for 3-4 minutes until the potatoes start sizzling.
Bake
- 9.Place skillet in the oven and bake for 50 minutes.
- 10.Remove the skillet from the oven and let the potatoes stand for 20 minutes before serving.