Easy Potato Pavé Recipe: A Gourmet Dinner Side Dish

Introduction

Potato Pavé Recipe is a show-stopping dish that combines the humble potato with a gourmet touch, making it the perfect addition to any dinner table. With its crisp, golden layers and creamy interior, this French-inspired recipe elevates potatoes from simple to sensational. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to impress your family, Potato Pavé is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. In this article, you’ll learn how to master the art of Potato Pavé, from preparation to presentation, ensuring it becomes a star feature in your recipe repertoire.

Key Takeaways

What It Is: Potato Pavé is a French-inspired dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes baked into a golden, crispy layered block.
Why Make It: It’s an elegant yet surprisingly simple side dish that elevates any dinner menu.
Flavor & Texture: A perfect balance of crispy edges and a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth interior.
Ingredients: Made with simple staples like potatoes, butter, cream, and seasonings.
Pairing Suggestions: Complements roasted meats, grilled fish, or a hearty vegetarian main course.
Pro Tips: Use a mandoline for even slices and bake ahead of time for easy preparation.

What Is Potato Pavé? A Perfect Dinner Side Dish

Potato Pavé is a sophisticated and visually striking dish made from thinly sliced potatoes layered together, baked until tender, and finished with a golden, crispy exterior. The term “pavé” is French for “paving stone,” a nod to the dish’s block-like shape and neatly arranged layers.

Often considered a fine-dining favorite, Potato Pavé combines simplicity with elegance, requiring just a few basic ingredients like potatoes, butter, cream, and seasonings. The result is a side dish that’s both comforting and refined, offering a delightful contrast of textures: a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth center complemented by crisp, caramelized edges.

Whether served alongside roasted meats, grilled fish, or even a vegetarian main, Potato Pavé is versatile enough to elevate any dinner menu. It’s a go-to choice for impressing guests or adding a touch of luxury to a weeknight meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Potato Pavé

Making Potato Pavé requires simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create an elegant and flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients

Russet Potatoes (6–8 medium-sized): Ideal for their starchy texture, which helps achieve the creamy yet structured layers.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): Adds richness and ensures the potatoes stay moist during baking.
Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Enhances flavor and aids in crisping the edges.
Garlic (2–3 cloves, minced): Adds a subtle, savory depth of flavor.
Fresh Thyme (2–3 sprigs, optional): Infuses the dish with an aromatic, earthy note.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer.

For the Finishing Touch

Parmesan Cheese (optional, ¼ cup grated): For a cheesy, golden crust.
Olive Oil or Additional Butter: For brushing on top before the final crisping.

Optional Add-Ons

Shallots (thinly sliced): Adds a delicate sweetness.
Truffle Oil (a few drops): For a luxurious, earthy twist.

These simple ingredients come together to create a side dish that’s as elegant as it is delicious, with layers of flavor and texture that pair perfectly with any dinner.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Potato Pavé

Creating Potato Pavé may seem elaborate, but with these simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish ready for your dinner table.

1. Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

Prepare all the ingredients (refer to the ingredient list) and preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Tools needed: a mandoline for thin slicing, a baking dish, parchment paper, foil, and a sharp knife.

2. Prepare the Potatoes

Wash, peel, and thinly slice the potatoes (about 1/8-inch thick) using a mandoline for uniformity.

3. Layer the Potatoes

Line your baking dish with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to cover the top.
Arrange the potato slices in overlapping layers, ensuring each layer is evenly seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and thyme.

4. Add Cream and Butter

Drizzle heavy cream and melted butter evenly over the layered potatoes. Gently press down to ensure the cream is absorbed.

5. Bake the Potatoes

Tightly cover the dish with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the potatoes are tender and thoroughly cooked.

6. Compress and Chill

Once the baking is complete, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to cool slightly.
Fold the parchment paper over the top and place a weighted object (like another baking dish) on the potatoes to compress them.
Chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours or leave it overnight for optimal results.

7. Slice and Crisp the Pavé

Remove the chilled Potato Pavé from the baking dish and cut it into neat squares or rectangles.
Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of butter or oil and sear each piece until golden and crispy on all sides.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh thyme or grated Parmesan, if desired, and serve alongside your favorite dinner mains.

With this method, you’ll achieve a beautifully layered, crispy, and creamy Potato Pavé that’s sure to impress!

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Crispy Potato Pavé

Mastering Potato Pavé requires attention to detail to ensure a flawless combination of crispiness and creaminess. Follow these expert tips to get it just right:

1. Use the Right Potatoes

Opt for russet potatoes or another starchy variety. Their high starch content helps the layers stick together and creates a creamy texture.

2. Slice Thin and Even

Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin slices. Even slices cook evenly and ensure the layers stay compact.

3. Season Each Layer

Don’t skimp on seasoning. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and other spices between each layer to build depth of flavor throughout the dish.

4. Compress the Pavé After Baking

After baking, weight the dish down with a heavy object (such as a second baking dish or cans) to compact the layers. This step is crucial for achieving a dense, cohesive block that slices cleanly.

5. Chill Before Cutting

Refrigerate the pavé for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. Chilling firms up the layers, making it easier to cut perfect squares or rectangles without crumbling.

6. Use a Nonstick Skillet for Crisping

For the best crispy edges, sear the cut pieces in a nonstick skillet with butter or oil over medium-high heat. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow even browning.

7. Patience Is Key

Allow the pavé to crisp undisturbed for a few minutes on each side. This ensures an evenly golden, crunchy crust.

8. Experiment with Add-Ons

Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before crisping for an extra layer of flavor, or try a touch of truffle oil for a luxurious finish.

By following these tips, you’ll elevate your Potato Pavé from a simple side dish to a culinary masterpiece that’s crisp on the outside, creamy on the inside, and bursting with flavor.

Why Potato Pavé Is the Ideal Dinner Choice

Potato Pavé is more than just a side dish; it’s a statement of elegance, flavor, and versatility. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or preparing a weeknight meal, this dish ticks all the boxes for the perfect dinner addition. Here’s why:

1. Elegant Presentation

With its crisp, golden edges and perfectly layered interior, Potato Pavé adds a refined touch to your dinner table, making it ideal for entertaining or impressing guests.

2. Versatile Pairings

Potato Pavé complements a wide range of main dishes, from roasted meats and poultry to grilled seafood and vegetarian options. Its neutral flavor profile makes it a perfect companion for bold or subtle flavors alike.

3. Simple Yet Sophisticated

Despite its gourmet appearance, Potato Pavé is made with basic ingredients like potatoes, cream, and butter. This makes it accessible for home cooks while still delivering a high-end dining experience.

4. Perfect Texture Combination

The contrast between the creamy, tender layers and the crispy, caramelized exterior creates an irresistible texture that elevates the dining experience.

5. Make-Ahead Convenience

Potato Pavé can be prepared ahead of time, making it a stress-free choice for dinner parties or busy weeknights. Simply reheat and crisp before serving.

6. Customizable for Any Palate

You can easily adapt the recipe to suit different tastes by adding herbs, spices, cheese, or even a touch of truffle oil.

7. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal

Potatoes are a universally loved ingredient, and Potato Pavé’s rich, satisfying flavor ensures it’s a hit with adults and kids alike.

How to Serve Potato Pavé: Pairing Ideas for Dinner

Potato Pavé’s rich, creamy texture and crispy edges make it a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas to help you create a balanced and delicious dinner menu featuring Potato Pavé.

1. Classic Roasts

Roast Beef or Prime Rib: The buttery layers of Potato Pavé complement the savory, robust flavors of beef. Add a red wine reduction or au jus for an extra touch.
Roast Chicken: The crisp skin of a well-roasted chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy pavé for a comforting yet elegant meal.
Herb-Crusted Lamb: The earthy flavors of lamb and herbs enhance the simple richness of Potato Pavé.

2. Grilled or Pan-Seared Meats

Grilled Steak: Serve with a peppercorn sauce or chimichurri for a classic steakhouse-inspired dinner.
Pork Tenderloin: The light sweetness of pork pairs well with the creamy texture of Potato Pavé, especially when served with an apple or mustard glaze.

3. Seafood Options

Seared Salmon: The crispy exterior of Potato Pavé complements the tender, flaky texture of salmon. Add a lemon-dill sauce for freshness.
Grilled Shrimp or Scallops: Pair with a light beurre blanc or garlic butter sauce to balance the richness of the pavé.

4. Vegetarian Pairings

Grilled Portobello Mushrooms: Their meaty texture and umami flavor work beautifully with the creamy layers of Potato Pavé.
Vegetable Ratatouille: A vibrant, tomato-based vegetable medley balances the richness of the pavé.
Lentil Stew: The hearty and earthy flavors of lentils make a satisfying combination.

5. Light and Fresh Sides

Green Salad with Vinaigrette: A crisp, refreshing salad cuts through the richness of Potato Pavé and adds a pop of acidity.
Steamed Asparagus or Green Beans: A simple, lightly seasoned vegetable adds freshness and color to your plate.
Roasted Root Vegetables: Complement the buttery flavors of Potato Pavé with sweet, caramelized veggies like carrots, parsnips, or beets.

6. Sauces and Garnishes

Béarnaise or Hollandaise Sauce: For an indulgent touch.
Herb Butter: A dollop of chive or thyme-infused butter melts beautifully over the warm Potato Pavé.
Shaved Truffles or Truffle Oil: Elevate the dish for a fine-dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftover Potato Pavé

Potato Pavé is just as delicious the next day when stored and reheated properly. Follow these tips to maintain its texture and flavor.

Storage Tips

Cool Completely Before Storing
- Allow the Potato Pavé to cool to room temperature before transferring it to storage containers. This prevents condensation from making it soggy.
Use Airtight Containers
- Place the leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to lock in freshness.
Refrigeration
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing for Longer Storage
- For longer storage, freeze the pavé. Individually wrap portions in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or store them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen Potato Pavé will keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips

Thaw if Frozen
- If the pavé is frozen, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat in the Oven for Best Results
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the pavé pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out and bake for 15–20 minutes, then remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the edges.
Reheating in a Skillet
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat with a bit of butter or oil.
- Sear the pavé pieces for 2–3 minutes per side until heated through and crispy.
Avoid Microwaving
- While convenient, microwaving can make the layers soggy and ruin the crispy texture. If you must use a microwave, reheat on low power and finish with a quick sear in a skillet for crispiness.

FAQ

1. What potatoes are best?

Russet potatoes are ideal for their starchy texture. Yukon Golds work too for a firmer result.

2. Can I make it ahead?

Yes! Bake, chill, and reheat before serving for convenience.

3. How do I slice evenly?

Use a mandoline slicer for uniform, thin slices.

4. Can I customize it?

Add garlic, herbs, cheese, or truffle oil for extra flavor.

5. Can I freeze it?

Wrap portions well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.

6. How do I make it crispy?

Sear slices in a skillet or bake uncovered at high heat.

7. What should I serve with it?

Pair with roasted meats, seafood, or veggies for a balanced meal.

8. How long do leftovers last?

Refrigerate for 3–4 days or freeze for longer storage.

9. How do I reheat it?

Use the oven at 375°F or pan-sear for crispy edges.

Conclusion

Potato Pavé is the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, transforming basic ingredients into a visually stunning and delicious side dish. Its creamy layers, crispy edges, and versatile flavor make it a standout addition to any dinner table, whether you’re hosting a special occasion or enjoying a cozy meal at home.

This recipe’s make-ahead convenience, customizable options, and elegant presentation ensure it’s a go-to choice for elevating your cooking. Whether paired with roasted meats, seafood, or vegetarian mains, Potato Pavé will impress your guests and become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Table of Contents