Christmas Potato Gratin Tree with Glazed Ham, Comté Cheese and Thyme Onions

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 375 °F / 190 °C. Grease a large baking tray or baking dish with a little butter and, if you want a more defined shape, lightly sketch a tree outline on parchment paper as a guide.

2. 2

   In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream, whole milk, minced garlic, nutmeg, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper over medium heat until very hot but not boiling. Turn off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Place the potato slices in a large bowl. Pour the hot cream and milk mixture over them, add 160 g (5 2/3 oz) of the grated Comté cheese, and toss gently to coat the potatoes well.

4. 4

   On the prepared tray or baking dish, arrange the potatoes in overlapping layers to form a Christmas tree: a wide base and a narrow top. Pour any remaining liquid from the bowl over the top. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 35 minutes at 375 °F / 190 °C.

5. 5

   Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and 20 g (1 1/2 tbsp) of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spring onions or pearl onions, half of the fresh thyme, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender. Remove and set aside.

6. 6

   In the same skillet, add the remaining 20 g (1 1/2 tbsp) butter. Add the ham strips and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the Dijon mustard and honey, mix well, and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes until the ham looks glossy and lightly glazed. Turn off the heat.

7. 7

   Remove the potatoes from the oven, uncover, and check that they are nearly tender when pierced. Top with the glazed ham, the golden onions, and the dried cranberries. Sprinkle with the remaining 60 g (2 oz) grated Comté and the rest of the fresh thyme.

8. 8

   Return to the oven uncovered and bake for 25 to 30 minutes more at 400 °F / 200 °C, until the potatoes are fully tender and the top is golden and bubbling.

9. 9

   Let rest for 10 minutes before serving so it sets slightly and keeps its tree shape when sliced. Adjust salt if needed and serve hot.