Potato Galette – A Rustic French-Inspired Savory Tart You’ll Love

Golden, crispy edges. Layers of tender potatoes. A flaky crust wrapped around cheesy, herb-laced filling. That’s the magic of a Potato Galette—a beautifully rustic French dish that turns humble ingredients into something elegant and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, planning a cozy dinner, or celebrating Bastille Day with traditional French dishes, this savory tart is guaranteed to steal the show.

This galette is deceptively simple. The base? Thinly sliced roasted potatoes layered over sharp cheese and herbs, all encased in a golden pastry crust. While it looks impressive on the plate, it’s incredibly easy to make and endlessly customizable. Serve it warm, room temperature, or cold—it’s delicious every time.

Ready to master one of the best savory pies to ever come out of a home oven? Let’s dive into the details of making the perfect potato galette.

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What Exactly Is a Galette?

A galette is a French pastry made by folding dough over a filling and baking it free-form. You’ll find sweet versions filled with fruit, but savory galettes like this one feature vegetables, herbs, and cheese.

Compared to classic savory tart recipes, a galette is more rustic in style. There’s no tart pan involved, and no need for precise perfection. That’s part of its charm. Think of it as the French countryside cousin of the traditional quiche or pie—less refined but no less delicious.

This potato galette brings together soft, buttery potatoes, rich cheese, and herbs, all wrapped in a golden crust. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly versatile.

Why This Potato Galette Belongs in Your Recipe Rotation

Looking for something comforting but still elegant? This recipe fits the bill. The crisp crust contrasts beautifully with the soft interior, and the chives provide just enough bite to balance the richness of the cheese.

One of the best things about this galette is how effortlessly it transforms basic ingredients into a dish that feels gourmet. It’s just as welcome at a holiday brunch as it is on a quiet weeknight dinner table. Plus, it can be served hot or at room temperature, making it ideal for entertaining or make-ahead meals.

Still not convinced? Here’s why you’ll want to make this again and again:

• Requires just a handful of ingredients
• Makes a stunning centerpiece for brunch or lunch
• Easy to adapt with seasonal veggies or herbs
• Rustic look, but impressive presentation
• Perfect pairing with salads or soups

If you enjoy making French recipes at home, this one will become a go-to in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Galette

This galette uses simple, fresh ingredients that work together to create deep flavor and crave-worthy texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 sheet of store-bought pie crust or homemade galette dough
• 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• ½ cup shredded sharp white cheddar
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon cream or egg wash, for brushing the crust

Optional additions:

• Caramelized onions
• Sautéed leeks
• Crème fraîche or sour cream for serving

These ingredients create a harmonious mix of savory, creamy, and herbaceous elements. For best results, use high-quality cheeses and slice the potatoes as evenly as possible.

Choosing the Right Potatoes for a Galette

Not all potatoes perform the same way when baked. For this recipe, Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal. They offer a buttery flavor and tender texture that holds up well after roasting. Russet potatoes are also an option, but they may require a rinse to remove excess starch.

To ensure your potatoes cook evenly, slice them no more than ⅛ inch thick. A mandoline slicer makes this easy, but a sharp knife and steady hand work just as well.

If you’ve made roasted potato side dishes before, you’ll recognize the appeal of crispy edges and soft centers—this galette offers both, elevated by herbs and cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make a Potato Galette

This galette may look fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy to assemble. Here’s how to make it, step by step:

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and roll out your dough into a rough 12-inch circle. Place it on the prepared baking sheet.

In a mixing bowl, toss the thinly sliced potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. Set aside while you prepare the base.

Sprinkle the grated cheeses in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges. Scatter chopped chives over the cheese layer.

Next, arrange the potatoes over the cheese in overlapping circles or rows. Don’t worry about perfection—part of the galette’s charm is its rustic look.

Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating where necessary. This helps seal in the filling while creating a beautiful, hand-formed edge.

Brush the crust with cream or an egg wash for a golden finish.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, the cheese is melted, and the crust is golden brown and crisp.

Let the galette cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with more chives and serve warm, or at room temperature with a dollop of crème fraîche.

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Make Your Own Crust From Scratch

If you prefer homemade dough, here’s a quick and easy galette crust:

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 4–5 tablespoons ice water

Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough just comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling out.

This crust bakes up tender and flaky—perfect for both sweet and savory pies.

Flavor Variations to Make This Galette Your Own

This base recipe is incredibly versatile. Try one of these delicious variations:

• Mix in caramelized onions or sautéed shallots for sweetness
• Add a handful of mushrooms sautéed with thyme for an earthy touch
• Use rosemary or herbes de Provence to give it a more distinct French flair
• Swap the cheese for goat cheese or blue cheese for a bold flavor

These small changes make the galette adaptable to every season—and every taste.

What to Serve With a Potato Galette

Wondering what pairs well with a savory tart like this one? Try these ideas to complete your meal:

• Mixed greens with Dijon vinaigrette
• Warm lentil salad
• Tomato soup or French onion soup
• Roasted beet salad with feta
• Soft-boiled eggs and fruit for brunch

This galette is satisfying on its own, but it also plays well with light, fresh accompaniments.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Have leftovers? Here’s how to keep your galette tasting its best.

Refrigerate any remaining slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it softens the crust.

If freezing, assemble the galette and freeze unbaked. When ready to use, bake from frozen at 400°F, adding about 10 minutes to the baking time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the galette ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Bake just before serving.

Is this a traditional French recipe?
The galette technique is rooted in French cuisine. This version is a modern take on the savory pies common in rustic French dishes.

What cheeses can I use?
Gruyère, white cheddar, fontina, goat cheese, or even brie work wonderfully. Use what you enjoy.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free pie crust or make a gluten-free galette dough.

Does this work with sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced sweet potatoes are a great variation, especially with goat cheese and sage.

Conclusion

Elegant yet easy, comforting yet sophisticated, this Potato Galette is everything a great savory tart should be. It’s versatile, flavorful, and always a hit with guests—or just yourself, curled up with a fork and a cozy blanket.

Whether you’re preparing a simple lunch, adding to your Bastille Day menu, or craving something hearty and rustic, this galette delivers. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

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