Plantain and Cheese Gratin (Plátanos al Horno con Queso)

Sweet, ripe plantains baked with layers of melted cheese until golden and bubbly, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Calories

2581 kcal

Difficulty

Easy

Equipment

3 items

Cost

£1.36/serving

Season:

☀️ Summer

Meal Type:

Lunch•Dinner

Cuisine:

French

Cooking Style:

Baking

Mood:

Healthy

Ingredients

Servings

3mediumVery ripe plantains(Skin should be mostly black)

£1.50

8ozMozzarella cheese(Shredded)

£2.20

4ozMonterey Jack cheese(Shredded)

£1.50

2tablespoonsButter(Unsalted)

£0.25

0.3teaspoonSalt(Or to taste)

0.3teaspoonBlack pepper(Freshly ground, or to taste)

Total Cost

£5.45

£1.36 per serving

Instructions

1.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish with butter.
2.
Peel the plantains and slice them crosswise into 1/4 inch thick rounds.
3.
In a skillet over medium heat (optional, for faster browning), melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the plantain slices in batches and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step is optional but enhances the flavor.
4.
In the greased baking dish, create a layer of plantain slices, slightly overlapping them.
5.
Sprinkle about 1/3 of the mozzarella and 1/3 of the Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the plantain layer. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
6.
Repeat layers of plantains, mozzarella cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese, seasoning each layer with salt and pepper. You should have three layers of plantains and cheese.
7.
Top with the remaining mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese.
8.
Dot the top with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
9.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbly.
10.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

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My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (284g)

2581 kcal / 10798 kJ

Carbs

217g

83% of RDA

Fat

149g

213% of RDA

Protein

108g

216% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

22 g

73% of RDA

Sugar

89 g

99% of RDA

Sodium

2102 mg

91% of RDA

Saturated Fat

93 g

465% of RDA

Chef's Tips

For a richer flavor, use a mix of different cheeses such as cheddar, queso fresco, or parmesan.

If you prefer a sweeter gratin, sprinkle a little brown sugar between the layers.

To prevent the plantains from sticking to the baking dish, ensure it is well-greased.

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce between the layers.

Cooking Equipment

Oven

Stovetop (optional)

Baking dish (8x8 inch)

Wine Pairings

No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.

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