Making potato pavé for my wife

Making potato pavé for my wife is a medium French recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Sam Jose on YouTube.

Prep: 6 hrs 22 min | Cook: 1 hr 5 min | Total: 7 hrs 42 min

Cost: $7.55 total, $1.89 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 large Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick)
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter (226 g, melted and clarified)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Herbs (Mixed thyme and rosemary, finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (Kosher or sea salt)
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (Finely chopped)

Instructions

  1. Melt Butter & Clarify

    In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. As it melts, skim off the milk solids that rise to the surface with a spoon and discard them, leaving clarified butter.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Herb‑Infused Butter

    Add the chopped thyme and rosemary to the clarified butter and stir for about 2 minutes until fragrant.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  3. Slice Potatoes

    Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1/4‑inch thick rounds. Pat each slice dry with paper towels.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Butter Dip

    Using a spoon, dip each potato slice into the herb butter, coating both sides.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Layer Potatoes

    Arrange the butter‑coated slices in a single, slightly overlapping layer inside the bread pan, pressing gently to form a compact block.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Oven Bake

    Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) and bake for 1 hour, until the potatoes are tender and the edges turn golden.

    Time: PT1H

    Temperature: 350°F

  7. Refrigerate & Press

    Remove the pan, cover with plastic wrap, place a heavy skillet on top, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (or overnight) to let the potatoes set and fuse.

    Time: PT6H

  8. Deep Fry

    Heat oil in a pot to 350°F (175°C). Lift the chilled potato block, cut into bite‑size pieces, and fry for 2–3 minutes until crisp and golden. Fry in batches to avoid crowding.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  9. Garnish

    Transfer fried bites to a paper‑towel‑lined plate, sprinkle with salt, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
8 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 11, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Making potato pavé for my wife

Recipe by Sam Jose

A decadent French-inspired potato pavé made with herb‑infused clarified butter, baked, chilled, then deep‑fried to a golden crisp and finished with Parmesan and parsley. Perfect as an indulgent side or appetizer.

MediumFrenchServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
6h 25m
Prep
1h 5m
Cook
54m
Cleanup
8h 24m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.55
Total cost
$1.89
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Remove milk solids from butter to prevent burning.
  • Layer potatoes tightly in the bread pan.
  • Refrigerate with a heavy weight for at least 6 hours.
  • Deep fry at the correct oil temperature for crispness.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot butter and oil can cause severe burns; handle with care and use oven mitts.
  • Never leave hot oil unattended; keep a lid nearby in case of flare‑up.
  • Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature and avoid overheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Potato Pavé in French cuisine?

A

Potato Pavé is a modern reinterpretation of classic French layered potato dishes such as gratin dauphinois. While not a traditional regional specialty, it reflects French culinary techniques of layering, butter‑infusion, and precise temperature control, often served in fine dining as a refined side.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of potato pavé in French cuisine?

A

In France, similar layered potato preparations appear in the Rhône‑Alps (gratin dauphinois) and Normandy (potatoes au gratin with cream). Some chefs replace butter with duck fat or add cheese varieties like Gruyère for regional twists.

cultural
Q

How is potato pavé traditionally served in French restaurants?

A

It is typically presented as a compact rectangular block, sliced into neat wedges, then finished with a brief pan‑sear or fry for a crisp exterior. It is often garnished with fresh herbs, grated cheese, and a light drizzle of clarified butter.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations is potato pavé commonly served in French culture?

A

Potato pavé is popular at holiday meals such as Noël (Christmas) and Réveillon, as well as at upscale dinner parties where a sophisticated potato side complements meat or fish courses.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional French potato pavé versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic French versions rely on high‑quality butter, fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, and a firm cheese such as Parmesan or Gruyère. Substitutes can include clarified butter or ghee, dried herbs (in smaller amounts), and Pecorino Romano if Parmesan is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other French dishes pair well with potato pavé?

A

Potato pavé pairs beautifully with classic French proteins such as coq au vin, braised short ribs, or pan‑seared salmon. A simple green salad with vinaigrette or a glass of Burgundy also complements the richness.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making herb butter potato pavé?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the butter and burning the milk solids, layering potatoes too loosely, skipping the long refrigeration step, and frying at the wrong oil temperature. Each of these can lead to a soggy or falling‑apart pavé.

technical
Q

Why does this potato pavé recipe use a 6‑hour refrigeration step instead of a shorter rest?

A

The extended chill allows the butter‑infused potatoes to firm up and fuse, creating a cohesive block that holds together during frying. A shorter rest often results in a crumbly texture that breaks apart when cut.

technical
Q

Can I make herb butter potato pavé ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Assemble and refrigerate the layered potatoes with a heavy weight for at least 6 hours (or overnight). Keep it covered in the fridge; you can also freeze the un‑fried block for up to a month and fry directly from frozen when needed.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Sam Jose specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Sam Jose focuses on home‑cooked comfort food, often featuring creative twists on classic dishes, step‑by‑step tutorials, and practical tips for everyday cooks.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Making my wife pasta for Valentine’s Day
10

Making my wife pasta for Valentine’s Day

A romantic Valentine’s Day dinner featuring homemade red pasta dough, a silky three‑cheese filling, and a quick creamy tomato sauce. The heart‑shaped ravioli look impressive yet are simple enough for a home cook, and the whole meal comes together in under two hours.

1 hr 37 minServes 4$15
Italian
Making my wife Dubai chocolate strawberries
8

Making my wife Dubai chocolate strawberries

A decadent dessert that layers rich melted chocolate, a creamy pistachio‑tahini coating, and toasted phyllo crumbs on fresh strawberries. Inspired by a Dubai‑style trend, this recipe combines homemade pistachio paste with buttery toasted phyllo for a crunchy, nutty finish.

1 hr 10 minServes 8$46
Middle Eastern
The Most Addictive 1000 Layer Potato Pave You Will Ever Eat!
8

The Most Addictive 1000 Layer Potato Pave You Will Ever Eat!

A show‑stopping side of ultra‑thin, layered potatoes baked in chicken fat until tender, then finished at high heat for a golden, crackly crust. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any time you want a comforting, crowd‑pleasing dish.

1 hr 30 minServes 4$32
American
I can’t stop making these Crispy Parmesan Potato Chips
10

I can’t stop making these Crispy Parmesan Potato Chips

A guilt‑free alternative to store‑bought chips, these thin potato slices are par‑boiled, layered on a bed of shredded Parmesan, seasoned with paprika and onion powder, and baked until golden and crunchy. Perfect for snacking or serving at gatherings.

55 minServes 4$5
American
We can’t stop making this Smashed Potato Salad
4

We can’t stop making this Smashed Potato Salad

A bright, creamy potato salad that combines roasted smashed potatoes with a tangy Greek‑yogurt‑mayo dressing, fresh cucumber, shallot, parsley and dill. Perfect as a side for summer barbecues or a hearty lunch.

1 hr 42 minServes 4$4
American
Making the Viral Sweet Potato with Butterkase Cheese Snack Thanks to Courtney Cook
11

Making the Viral Sweet Potato with Butterkase Cheese Snack Thanks to Courtney Cook

A simple, satisfying snack of baked sweet potatoes split open and filled with a soft, buttery cheese. Inspired by a TikTok trend, this recipe requires only two ingredients, no extra seasoning, and bakes at 400°F for about an hour.

1 hr 30 minServes 2$4
American