Imagine a dish that combines the creamy richness of melted cheese, the earthy sweetness of caramelized onions, and perfectly tender potatoes - all baked to golden perfection. This Potato and Onion Bake is not just a side dish; it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. Whether you're looking for a cozy family dinner or an impressive side dish for your next gathering, this recipe is about to become your new comfort food obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon thyme
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough to cook the potatoes and onions evenly.
- Prepare your ingredients by peeling and slicing the potatoes into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. Do the same with the onions, slicing them into thin rings or half-moons.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced potatoes and onions. Add salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. Toss the mixture well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, pour in the milk and mix in half of the shredded cheese. This will create a creamy layer that will enhance the flavor of the bake.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the potato and onion mixture at the bottom. Pour half of the milk and cheese mixture over this layer.
- Add the remaining potato and onion mixture on top of the first layer, followed by the rest of the milk and cheese mixture. Make sure the top layer is well covered with the creamy mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the dish for a deliciously cheesy crust.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly and to help steam the potatoes until they are tender.
- Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to serve.
- Serve warm as a comforting side dish or main course, and enjoy your delicious Potato and Onion Bake!
Tips
- Slice your potatoes and onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dish.
- For extra flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses like sharp cheddar and gruyère to add depth to the creamy layers.
- If you want a crispy top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly thin and consistent potato and onion slices if you have one available.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set, making it easier to serve and preventing burns from hot cheese.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or a lighter milk for whole milk, though the richness will be slightly reduced.
- Fresh thyme is fantastic, but dried thyme works well too - just use about 1/3 the amount of fresh herbs.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
