The creamy goodness of mashed potatoes contrasted with a thin layer of crunch, makes these mashed potatoes gratin a dish to remember. Cottage cheese and sour cream give these potatoes a mild, smooth, flavor which works well with the crisp topping of sharp cheddar cheese. No gravy needed for these potatoes. Revived from a 1960′s recipe, this retro dish is as easy to make as it is to eat, and very well could become one of your families favorites.

To prepare Mashed Potatoes Gratin:

• 5 cups potatoes, cooked and mashed
• 2 cups cottage cheese, small curd
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup white onion, chopped
• ½ cup gruyere, shredded (optional)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1½  cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Position a rack in the upper half of the oven and heat to 350° F. Prepare a 9″ x 13″ baking dish or other shallow heat-resistant dish by apply a light coat of cooking spray or oil (gratins are to be prepared in shallow baking dishes offering a large surface area for crisping). Peel and cook potatoes. Rice or mash the potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Add the cottage cheese, sour cream, onion, gruyere, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and mix well (I added a small amount of chopped parsley for a touch of color).

Place the potato mixture into your prepared shallow baking dish and smooth evenly with a spatula. Press the potatoes into the dish to remove air pockets.

Top evenly with the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley (I sprinkled the dish with a small amount of paprika to add a bit of color).

Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the cheese has turned a golden brown.

Allow to stand for 5 minutes before serving. I hope you enjoy these potatoes as much as our family does. They also make a great side dish for barbecue season. Try adding some diced green chilies and bacon. YUM!