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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 350°F, creating an ideal environment for a rich, bubbling potato dish.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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