Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Enjoy a comforting, creamy side dish with a fresh twist—potatoes au gratin made in foil packs. These single-serve portions combine thinly sliced potatoes, sautéed leeks, and herbs in a rich cream sauce, then topped with melted cheese and cooked right on the grill. It’s a hassle-free dish that’s big on flavor and easy to clean up.
Perfect for outdoor grilling or even oven-baking, this version brings a rustic charm to the traditional gratin, with added depth from garlic and thyme and a mellow sweetness from tender leeks.
Ingredients
- 4 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup leeks, finely chopped (use the white and light green parts only)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme, finely chopped, or ½ teaspoon of dried thyme
- 4o
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese or any good melting cheese
- 4 pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil, about 12×12 inches
How to Make It
- Preheat the Grill
Warm your grill to low indirect heat, about 300–325°F. - Prepare the Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream, leeks, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir occasionally until hot and steamy, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3–5 minutes. Remove from the heat once the leeks are tender and the flavors have blended. - Build the Foil Packs
Lay out the foil sheets and divide the sliced potatoes evenly among them. Slightly overlap the slices to create layers. - Add Creamy Leek Mixture
Spoon the warm cream sauce over the potatoes, making sure to include leeks in each portion. - Seal and Grill
Fold the foil over each pile of potatoes and crimp the edges tightly to form sealed packets. Place them on the grill and cook for about 25–30 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Test the potatoes for doneness by gently piercing them with a fork to ensure they’re tender. - Add the Cheese
Carefully open each packet (watch out for steam), sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and leave the packets open. Grill for another 5–7 minutes until the cheese has fully melted and started to bubble. - Serve and Enjoy
You can serve the dish straight from the foil packets or carefully transfer the contents to serving plates. - Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Helpful Tips and Variations
- Cheese Options: Swap in other melty cheeses like Swiss, cheddar, or smoked mozzarella.
- Add Depth: Stir a small pinch of nutmeg or cayenne into the cream for a flavor boost.
- Add Veggies: Include thinly sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
- No Grill? Bake the packets in a 375°F oven for 35–40 minutes on a baking sheet.
What to Serve With
- A fresh green salad with vinaigrette
- Grilled meats like steak, chicken, or pork
- Roasted asparagus or corn for a full meal
Why This Recipe Works
- Cook and serve in one packet—less mess
- Ideal for make-ahead preparation
- Combines gourmet flavor with casual presentation
- Versatile for grilling or baking