Scalloped Potatoes with Caramelized Onions and Gruyere

If you’re looking for a comforting side dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve found it! These scalloped potatoes with caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. I love making this dish for family gatherings or even just cozy weeknights. It’s simple yet elegant enough to impress guests, and the combination of creamy potatoes, sweet onions, and rich cheese is simply irresistible.

This recipe is special to me because it skips the heavy béchamel sauce, offering a lighter take without sacrificing any flavor. The aroma that fills your kitchen while these scalloped potatoes bake is enough to make anyone’s mouth water!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few steps, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the cheesy goodness and comforting flavors.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Versatile Occasion Fit: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy dinner at home.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The caramelized onions add a depth of sweetness that perfectly complements the creamy potatoes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a look at the simple and wholesome ingredients that come together to create this comforting dish. You might already have some of these in your kitchen!

For the Potatoes

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cups thinly sliced onions (sliced crosswise)
• 6 medium-small Yukon gold potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds), peeled and thinly sliced (1/8-inch thick)
• 3/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese, divided (1/2 cup, 1/4 cup)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper if that is what you have)
• 1 teaspoon of butter (for greasing the dish)
• 1/3 cup stock (chicken, beef, or vegetable; use vegetable stock for vegetarian option)
• 1 teaspoon finely minced fresh rosemary

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with it based on your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• Add Some Greens: Toss in some spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrients.
• Cheese Swap: Try swapping Gruyere with cheddar or gouda for a different flavor profile.
• Herb It Up: Experiment with other herbs like thyme or sage for added freshness.
• Layer in Veggies: Thinly sliced zucchini or mushrooms make for tasty additions between potato layers.

How to Make Scalloped Potatoes with Caramelized Onions and Gruyere

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This ensures that your scalloped potatoes start cooking evenly right from the beginning.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a thick-bottomed sauté pan. Add your sliced onions, stirring well to coat them in the oil. Cook until they’re golden brown—this should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Caramelizing the onions brings out their natural sweetness and adds a wonderful flavor base for our dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes

In a large bowl, gently toss your sliced potatoes with another tablespoon of olive oil along with 1/2 cup of grated Gruyere cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and white pepper. It’s crucial to coat them well with olive oil to prevent them from turning grey later on!

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Butter your large gratin dish lightly and layer those delicious caramelized onions evenly at the bottom. Then arrange your cheese-coated potatoes on top in an attractive pattern. Pour stock over everything and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. This layering creates both beauty and flavor throughout.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it for about 50 minutes—just until fork-tender. This step allows all those amazing flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Broil for Perfection

Remove the foil and switch on your broiler. Broil uncovered for about 5 minutes until everything is lightly browned and bubbly on top. Finally, sprinkle some minced rosemary over before serving—it adds such freshness!

Did you love this recipe? Let us know how yours turned out with a rating and review! Enjoy every mouthful of these scalloped potatoes with caramelized onions and Gruyere!

Pro Tips for Making Scalloped Potatoes with Caramelized Onions and Gruyere

Creating the perfect scalloped potatoes is all about attention to detail, and these tips will help you achieve that creamy, cheesy goodness every time!

• Use a mandoline for slicing: Uniformly sliced potatoes cook evenly, ensuring a consistent texture in every bite. A mandoline can help you achieve that perfect 1/8-inch thickness with ease.

• Don’t rush the caramelization: Take your time with the onions! Cooking them slowly allows their natural sweetness to develop, creating a deeper flavor that enhances the dish. Aim for that beautiful golden-brown color.

• Layer wisely: When arranging the potatoes over the onions, try to overlap them slightly. This not only looks beautiful but also helps retain moisture and ensures that every layer gets some of that delicious cheese.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing your finished dish to sit for about 10 minutes after baking lets the flavors meld and makes it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.

• Experiment with cheeses: While Gruyere brings a wonderful nuttiness, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or fontina for an interesting twist on flavor and texture.

How to Serve Scalloped Potatoes with Caramelized Onions and Gruyere

Serving your scalloped potatoes beautifully can make all the difference at your dinner table. Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens the dish.
• Cracked black pepper: A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper just before serving gives an extra kick and enhances all the savory flavors.

Side Dishes

• Steamed green beans: Bright green beans add a lovely crunch and complement the creamy potatoes perfectly. Toss them in olive oil and lemon juice for added zest.

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their slightly bitter flavor contrasts wonderfully with the richness of the potatoes. Simply toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until crispy.

• Mixed greens salad: A light salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette balances out the richness of scalloped potatoes. Incorporate seasonal vegetables like radishes or cucumbers for extra crunch.

With these serving suggestions, your scalloped potatoes will not only taste divine but also look stunning on your dining table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These scalloped potatoes with caramelized onions and Gruyere are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving time on busy weeknights or festive gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use a microwave.

Freezing

• Cool the dish thoroughly before freezing.
• Cut into individual portions for easy reheating later.
• Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through (about 20-25 minutes).
• For a crisp top, broil for a few minutes after reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make Scalloped Potatoes with Caramelized Onions and Gruyere in advance?

Absolutely! This dish is fantastic for meal prep. Just follow the storing instructions above to enjoy it throughout the week.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Gruyere cheese?

If Gruyere isn’t available, you can use Swiss cheese or a combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for a similar flavor profile.

How do I know when my scalloped potatoes are done?

The scalloped potatoes are done when they are fork-tender, which should take about 50 minutes of baking covered. A golden brown top after broiling indicates they’re ready to serve!

Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes! While Yukon golds provide a creamy texture, you can also use Russet or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that different types may change the overall texture slightly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these scalloped potatoes with caramelized onions and Gruyere! They truly elevate any meal with their creamy goodness and rich flavors. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience with us!