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First things first, get those potatoes ready for their cheesy journey. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab those russet potatoes, peel them (or don't, if you like the rustic skin!), and slice them super thin, like paper-thin. A mandoline makes this a breeze, but a sharp knife and some patience work too. I always forget how much arm strength this takes, honestly! Arrange about half of them in a single layer in a buttered 9x13 inch baking dish. This is where the magic starts to build, layer by layer.
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Now, sprinkle a generous amount of salt and pepper over that first potato layer, then about half of your shredded Gruyere. Pour half of the heavy cream evenly over the potatoes and cheese. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, seasoning, cheese, and cream. Sometimes I get a little heavy-handed with the cheese, but hey, no regrets! Cover the dish tightly with foil. This ensures the potatoes steam and get wonderfully tender before they brown.
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Pop that covered potato bake into your preheated oven. Let it bake for about 40 minutes. This gives the potatoes time to soften up and absorb all that creamy, cheesy goodness. You'll start to smell that amazing cheesy aroma wafting through the kitchen, and trust me, it's a good sign! I always peek, even though I know I shouldn't, just to see the cream bubbling. Resist the urge to uncover it too soon!
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While the potatoes are baking, it's time for our star: the Garlic Butter Lamb Chops. Pat your lamb loin chops dry with paper towels – this is crucial for a good sear. Season them generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Don't be shy! Heat a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is my favorite for this) over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil until it's shimmering. I often forget to pat them dry, and then I get a less-than-perfect crust, oops!
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Carefully place the seasoned lamb chops in the hot skillet. Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, minced garlic, and rosemary sprigs to the skillet. Tilt the pan and spoon that glorious garlic butter over the chops for about 1-2 minutes. This basting really infuses the flavor into your Garlic Butter Lamb Chops. Transfer the skillet to the oven with the potatoes for the last 15-20 minutes, or until desired doneness (130-135°F for medium-rare).
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Once the lamb chops are in the oven, remove the foil from the potato bake. Let it bake uncovered for the remaining 15-20 minutes alongside the lamb. This allows the top to get golden brown and bubbly, with a slight crispiness. The smell at this point is just incredible – a mix of roasted lamb and cheesy potatoes! Let the lamb chops rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish everything with fresh parsley. Serve those amazing Garlic Butter Lamb Chops right alongside the creamy potato bake. Pure bliss!