Description
Creamy Papas Gratinadas (aka Papas Satinadas) with layers of potatoes, crema, ham, bacon, and melted cheese—comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients
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2 lb potatoes
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7 oz shredded Oaxaca cheese (or any melty cheese you prefer)
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⅔ cup ham (cut into small bites)
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1 cup bacon (cut into small bites)
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1 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)
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¼ cup milk
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2 small eggs
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1 Tbsp smoked paprika (or chili powder)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Boil the Potatoes:
Place whole potatoes in a pot and cover with cold water. Add salt and bring to a boil. Cook until just tender (about 20–25 minutes). Drain and let cool slightly. -
Slice the Potatoes:
Once cool enough to handle, peel (optional) and slice into thick rounds, about ½-inch thick. -
Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Reserve some bacon fat if desired for extra flavor. -
Make the Cream Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, crema, milk, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. -
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 355°F (180°C). Grease a medium casserole dish with butter or oil. -
Assemble the Layers:
Start with a light layer of the cream mixture at the bottom of the baking dish. Layer with sliced potatoes, followed by ham, bacon, shredded cheese, and a drizzle of cream mixture. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with cheese on top. -
Bake Covered:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. -
Bake Uncovered:
Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until golden and bubbly on top. -
Rest and Serve:
Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing to allow it to set properly.
Notes
Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for better texture; they hold up well when sliced.
Oaxaca cheese can be swapped with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of melty cheeses.
For more heat, add diced jalapeños or swap paprika for chipotle powder.
Don’t skip the resting step—it’s crucial for clean, structured servings.