Dinner

Classic Tartiflette

Layers of tender potatoes, smoky bacon and molten Reblochon — the bubbling Savoyard bake that defines cold-weather comfort.

October 30, 2026 By Chef Clara 4.94 (129 votes)
Classic Tartiflette
The Quick Takeaway

In a nutshell: This authentic french classic tartiflette comes together in just 1 hr 5 mins using simple whole ingredients. The chef's secret: parboiling to just-tender keeps the slices intact through baking — fully cooked potatoes. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Total Time 1 hr 5 mins
Cuisine French
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Classic tartiflette: sliced potatoes, bacon and onions baked under molten Reblochon cheese. A rich, bubbling French comfort bake.

Key Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Sharp knife

Chef's Pro-Tips

  • Do not fully cook the potatoes: parboiling to just-tender keeps the slices intact through baking — fully cooked potatoes collapse into mash.
  • Keep the rind on the Reblochon: it softens in the oven and carries the cheese's nutty, earthy flavour; scraping it off wastes the best part.
  • Rest before scooping: ten minutes lets the cream and cheese settle so servings hold their layers instead of sliding into a puddle.

Ingredients
6 servings

  • 2 ½ lbs waxy potatoes, such as Yukon Gold, peeled
  • 8 oz smoked bacon lardons, or thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 1 whole Reblochon cheese, about 14 oz, rind on
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, plus more for serving
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
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Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Parboil the Potatoes

Boil the potatoes in salted water for 12-15 minutes until just tender at the edges but still firm in the centre. Drain, cool slightly, and slice into 1/4-inch rounds.

2

Crisp the Bacon and Onions

Cook the lardons in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, then soften the onions in the same fat for 8-10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and wine and simmer until the wine has mostly evaporated.

3

Layer the Dish

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and butter a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer half the potatoes, then the bacon and onion mixture, then the remaining potatoes. Pour over the cream and season with thyme, pepper and the remaining salt.

4

Top with Reblochon

Halve the Reblochon horizontally and lay the halves rind-side up over the potatoes, or cut it into thick slices and arrange them over the top. The rind melts into the dish and is part of the flavour.

5

Bake Until Bubbling

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is molten, golden in spots and bubbling at the edges. Rest for 10 minutes before serving with a simple green salad.

Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks

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Frequently Asked Questions

A ripe, washed-rind cheese is the closest substitute — try Taleggio, or a soft Brie or Camembert in a pinch. The flavour will be milder, but the molten, golden result is the same.

Yes — assemble it up to a day ahead, cover and refrigerate, then bake, adding about 10 minutes to the time. Let it rest 10 minutes before serving.

A sharp green salad with a mustard vinaigrette and cornichons. The dish is very rich, so something crisp and acidic is the classic partner.

Peeling is traditional and gives the cleanest layers, but well-scrubbed unpeeled waxy potatoes work too and hold their shape even better.