The Ultimate Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Caramelized Onions Recipe

My latest culinary adventure involves these cheesy scalloped potatoes with caramelized onions that promise pure comfort.

Layers of creamy goodness peek through golden-brown edges, beckoning hungry souls.

Thin potato slices nestle between rich, melted cheese and sweet caramelized onions.

Crisp edges contrast with soft, luxurious centers in this irresistible dish.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through each carefully crafted bite.

Sharp cheddar and delicate herbs create a symphony of flavors that sing.

When you take your first forkful, prepare for an unexpected journey of deliciousness.

Why Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Stand Out

• Comfort Food Champion: Dive into a creamy, cheesy potato dish that wraps you in pure culinary comfort with its rich layers and golden-brown cheese topping.
• Wow-Worthy Flavor Fusion: Caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese create an unexpected taste explosion that elevates this classic side dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep this dish in advance and store in the refrigerator, making it perfect for busy weeknights or stress-free entertaining with minimal last-minute cooking.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences and skill levels, this recipe welcomes both novice and experienced home cooks to create a delicious masterpiece.

Key Ingredients For Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Butter: Provides richness and helps caramelize onions.
• Cream, Milk: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the sauce.
• Gruyere Cheese: Adds a nutty and complex flavor to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp, melty topping with golden color.

• Potatoes: Serves as the main body of the casserole with a creamy texture.
• Onions: Brings a sweet and deeply caramelized flavor to the dish.
• Garlic: Enhances the overall depth of flavor.

• Thyme: Provides an aromatic and earthy herb note.
• Salt, Pepper: Balances and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Cayenne: Adds a subtle background heat to the creamy sauce.

• Wine: Helps to deglaze and caramelize the onions, adding complexity.

Cooking Instructions For Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F, preparing it for potato magic.

Step 2: Create Caramelized Onion Goodness

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and introduce onions.

Stir occasionally, letting them soften and transform for about 10 minutes.

Pour in wine and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until onions become deep golden and irresistibly sweet.

Step 3: Enhance Flavor Profile

• Garlic
• Thyme

Season with salt and pepper.

Cook for 2 more minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Build Potato Layers

Generously butter a 9×13 inch casserole dish.

• Cream
• Milk
• Cayenne
• Salt
• Pepper
• Gruyere cheese

Pour 1/3 of milk mixture into dish bottom.

• 1/3 potatoes
• 1/2 caramelized onions
• Another 1/3 milk mixture
• Next potato layer
• Remaining onions
• Final potato layer
• Remaining milk mixture

Ensure potatoes spread evenly.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover and bake for 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.

Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.

Bake additional 20 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.

Step 6: Make Ahead Strategy

Prepare through step 5, stopping after initial 2-hour bake.

Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate up to 4 days.

Before serving, bring to room temperature, add cheddar cheese, and bake 20-30 minutes until heated through.

Useful Tips For Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Take your time and cook onions slowly over medium-low heat to develop deep, rich flavor without burning.
• Slice potatoes uniformly using a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Create multiple layers by alternating potato slices, caramelized onions, and cheese mixture to distribute flavors evenly and maximize taste in every bite.
• Cover the casserole with foil during initial baking to retain moisture, then uncover to allow cheese to brown and create a delicious golden crust.
• Prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate up to 4 days, which allows flavors to meld and simplifies meal preparation for busy days.

Creative Twists For Scalloped Potatoes

• Vegan Potato Gratin: Replace dairy cream with coconut milk, use plant-based cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheddar, and swap butter with olive oil for a dairy-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Bake: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, maintain the cheese and caramelized onion layers for a keto-friendly alternative that reduces carbohydrate content.
• Herb-Infused Potato Casserole: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage instead of thyme, add roasted garlic for extra depth of flavor and create a more aromatic potato dish.

Pairing Suggestions For Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Rustic Family Dinner Star: Serve this hearty potato dish as a stunning side for Sunday roast or holiday meals, making every bite feel like a warm family gathering.
• Gourmet Potluck Showstopper: Bring this cheesy creation to potlucks or gatherings where you want to impress friends with a luxurious, crowd-pleasing potato casserole that stands out.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, caramelized onion flavor with a crisp Chardonnay or medium-bodied Pinot Noir that enhances the creamy, cheesy profile of the dish.
• Protein Partner: Pair alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon to create a complete meal that balances the potato's decadence with lean protein options.

Proper Storage For Scalloped Potatoes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Wrap the cooled scalloped potatoes in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and create a creamy texture when baked.

• Can I substitute the Gruyere cheese?

Yes, you can use Swiss or Emmental cheese as alternatives that have similar melting properties and rich flavor profiles.

• How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming watery?

Slice the potatoes uniformly thin and pat them dry before layering to ensure they absorb the cream mixture without releasing excess moisture.

• Is it necessary to caramelize the onions?

Caramelizing the onions adds depth and sweetness to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor, so it’s recommended but not strictly mandatory.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Caramelized Onions Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cheesy scalloped potatoes with caramelized onions deliver comfort and elegance in one delectable dish. Layers of creamy potatoes, sweet caramelized onions, and melted cheese create a memorable side that will delight you at any gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 russet or Yukon gold potatoes (cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices)
• 3/4 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 yellow onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 clove garlic (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 pinch cayenne
• kosher salt
• black pepper

Cooking Liquids and Fat:

• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350°F, creating an ideal environment for a rich, bubbling potato dish.
2. In a large skillet, gently melt butter and incorporate onions over medium-high heat. Slowly transform the onions, stirring periodically until they soften and turn golden, approximately 10 minutes. Introduce wine and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until onions achieve a deep caramel complexity.
3. Infuse the caramelized onions with minced garlic and fragrant thyme. Season generously with salt and pepper, allowing the aromatics to bloom for 2 minutes before removing from heat.
4. Generously coat a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter. Craft a luxurious cream mixture by combining dairy, seasonings, and grated Gruyere in a large measuring cup. Create strategic layers: first, pour 1/3 of the cream mixture into the dish’s base, followed by a layer of potatoes and half the caramelized onions. Repeat the layering process, ensuring even distribution and complete potato coverage.
5. Seal the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, allowing the potatoes to become tender and absorb the creamy essence. Uncover and sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, then return to the oven for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese turns golden and irresistibly melted.
6. For advance preparation, complete the dish up to the initial baking stage. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, carefully covering the casserole. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature, top with cheddar, and bake for 20-30 minutes until heated through and beautifully golden. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs before presenting this decadent potato masterpiece.

Notes

• Select starchy, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for creamy, tender texture that holds shape during baking.
• Slice potatoes uniformly using a mandoline for consistent cooking and elegant presentation.
• Rinse potato slices in cold water to remove excess starch, preventing gummy texture and ensuring crispy edges.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to cream mixture for subtle depth and warmth that complements the cheese beautifully.
• Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for superior melting and richer flavor profile.
• Replace milk with vegetable broth and use plant-based cheese alternatives for dietary restrictions.
• Make dish gluten-free by ensuring all cheese and dairy products are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 464 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 282 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 116 mg