Cheesy Sweet & Russet Potato Bake with Crispy Onion Topping
Indulge in this delightful cheesy potato bake that harmoniously combines the earthy flavors of russet and sweet potatoes with a creamy, cheesy filling. Adapted from the renowned Williams-Sonoma's Holiday Celebrations cookbook, this dish is made simpler and more accessible with the use of sharp cheddar cheese. The addition of goat or feta cheese lends a rich tang, while the hint of dried thyme elevates the dish further. A decadent layer of French-fried onions on top adds that perfect crunch, making it a favorite for family gatherings and festive occasions. Serve this comforting gratin as a side dish or enjoy it on its own for a deliciously satisfying meal.
N/A
Servings
412
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Russet potatoes
1.5 lbs (peeled and thinly sliced)
Sweet potato
1 lb (peeled and thinly sliced)
Cheddar cheese
1.5 cups (shredded)
Feta cheese or goat cheese
0.25 lbs (crumbled)
Parmesan cheese or Romano cheese
0.25 cups (shredded)
Dried thyme
1 tsp (none)
Salt
1 tsp (none)
Ground pepper
to taste (none)
Flour
2 tbsp (none)
Heavy cream
1 cup (none)
Chicken broth
1 cup (none)
French-fried onions
1.5 cups (crushed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2
Peel and thinly slice the russet and sweet potatoes using a mandoline or food processor for consistent thickness. Begin layering half of the potato slices, alternating between russet and sweet potatoes, in the prepared baking dish.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled goat or feta cheese, half of the shredded Parmesan or Romano, dried thyme, salt, and a few cracks of ground pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
4
Sprinkle half of the cheese mixture evenly over the layered potatoes, followed by a light dusting of flour to help thicken the sauce.
5
Layer the remaining potato slices over the first layer and top with the remaining cheese mixture.
6
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and chicken broth. Slowly pour this mixture over the layered potatoes, ensuring even distribution.
7
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 1 1/2 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
8
While the potatoes are baking, crush the French-fried onions into small pieces, setting them aside.
9
After 1 1/2 hours, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and remove the foil. Sprinkle the crushed French-fried onions generously over the top of the gratin.
10
Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
11
Once done, remove from the oven and allow the gratin to rest for 20 minutes before serving. This will help the layers firm up for easier slicing.
Nutrition Information
26g
Fat
35g
Carbs
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this potato dish?
The dish is called Cheesy Sweet & Russet Potato Bake with Crispy Onion Topping.
What types of potatoes are required for this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of 1.5 lbs of Russet potatoes and 1 lb of Sweet potatoes.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How should the potatoes be sliced?
Potatoes should be peeled and thinly sliced using a mandoline or food processor for consistent thickness.
What size baking dish is needed?
You will need a 9x13-inch baking dish, lightly greased.
What kinds of cheese are used in the filling?
The filling uses shredded cheddar cheese and either crumbled goat or feta cheese.
How much cheddar cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Why is flour used in the layering process?
A light dusting of flour is sprinkled over the cheese and potato layers to help thicken the sauce.
What liquids form the base of the gratin sauce?
The sauce consists of a mixture of 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup chicken broth.
How long does the dish bake while covered?
The dish should be covered with foil and baked for approximately 1 1/2 hours.
What is the crispy topping made of?
The topping is made from 1.5 cups of crushed French-fried onions.
When do I add the French-fried onions?
Add the onions after the first 1 1/2 hours of baking, once the foil has been removed.
How long do the onions bake for?
Bake the dish uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
How long should the gratin rest before serving?
It is recommended to allow the gratin to rest for 20 minutes to help the layers firm up.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 412 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 26 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 11 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
It was adapted from Williams-Sonoma's Holiday Celebrations cookbook.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I use Romano cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes, the recipe allows for 0.25 cups of either shredded Parmesan or Romano cheese.
What is the purpose of resting the dish for 20 minutes?
Resting helps the layers firm up, which makes the bake much easier to slice.
What is the total baking time including the topping?
The total baking time is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Is the dish baked covered or uncovered initially?
It is initially baked covered with aluminum foil for the first 90 minutes.
How much salt and pepper should be added?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt and ground pepper to taste.
What makes the potato layers stay together?
The combination of cheese, flour, and the reduction of cream and broth helps bind the layers.
Can I use Feta cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can use 0.25 lbs of crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese.
What preparation is needed for the French-fried onions?
The French-fried onions should be crushed into small pieces before being sprinkled on top.
Is this dish suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a favorite for family gatherings and festive occasions.