Creamy Sweet Onion and Potato Gratin
This Creamy Sweet Onion and Potato Gratin is a delightful twist on a classic side dish. Featuring tender slices of Red Bliss potatoes enveloped in a rich sour cream and sweet onion sauce, this dish brings together layers of comforting flavors that are sure to impress. Perfect for family gatherings or as a cozy weeknight dinner companion, this gratin is easy to prepare and will have everyone coming back for seconds. The topping of seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese adds a satisfying crunch, making every bite irresistible. Enjoy this cheesy, savory dish alongside your favorite protein for a complete meal!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red Bliss Potatoes
2 lbs (washed, skins on, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds)
Salt
2 tablespoons (for boiling water and seasoning)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (for tossing potatoes)
Black Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Onion Soup Mix
1 (2 ounce) package (mixed into sour cream)
Hood Sour Cream
1 cup (for the creamy sauce)
Minced Scallions
2 tablespoons (freshly chopped)
Hood 1% Low-Fat Milk
2 tablespoons (for thinning the sour cream mixture)
Seasoned Breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons (for the topping)
Parmesan Cheese
2 tablespoons (grated, for topping)
Cooking Spray
as needed (for greasing the baking pan)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a rolling boil and stir in 2 tablespoons of salt.
3
Spray a 9" x 13" baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
4
Wash the Red Bliss potatoes thoroughly and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
5
Carefully add the potato slices to the boiling water and blanch for 5 minutes.
6
Drain the potatoes well and immediately transfer them to a bowl of cold water to stop cooking. Once cool, strain them again to remove excess moisture.
7
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the drained potato slices with olive oil, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8
In a separate bowl, combine Hood sour cream, minced scallions, Hood 1% low-fat milk, and onion soup mix. Mix well until smooth.
9
Pour the sour cream mixture over the seasoned potatoes and gently toss to coat all the slices evenly.
10
Layer the coated potatoes into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution.
11
In a small bowl, mix together the seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the potato layer.
12
Lightly spray the top with cooking spray to promote browning.
13
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
14
For reheating leftovers, drizzle 1/4 cup of Hood sour cream and 1/4 cup of Hood 1% low-fat milk over the gratin before warming it in the oven.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Sweet Onion and Potato Gratin?
It is a savory side dish featuring Red Bliss potatoes in a rich sour cream and sweet onion sauce, topped with seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
What kind of potatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for Red Bliss potatoes, which hold their shape well and offer a great texture with the skins left on.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, you should wash the potatoes thoroughly and leave the skins on before slicing them into rounds.
How thick should the potato slices be?
The potatoes should be sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds for even cooking and layering.
How long should I blanch the potatoes?
Add the potato slices to boiling salted water and blanch them for 5 minutes.
Why do I need to put the potatoes in cold water after boiling?
Transferring them to cold water immediately stops the cooking process, ensuring they don't become too soft before baking.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What size baking dish is required?
A standard 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Spray the baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
What ingredients are in the creamy sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of Hood sour cream, minced scallions, Hood 1% low-fat milk, and onion soup mix.
What type of onion soup mix is used?
Use one 2-ounce package of standard onion soup mix.
How many scallions do I need?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of freshly minced scallions.
What is the purpose of the olive oil?
The olive oil is used to gently toss the drained potato slices before adding the sauce for better seasoning distribution.
How long does the gratin bake?
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
What makes the topping crunchy?
A combination of seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese creates a satisfying crunch.
Can I use a different type of milk?
While the recipe suggests Hood 1% low-fat milk, you can likely substitute with other milk varieties, though consistency may vary.
How much salt is used in the boiling water?
Add 2 tablespoons of salt to 3 quarts of boiling water for blanching the potatoes.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Drizzle 1/4 cup of Hood sour cream and 1/4 cup of Hood 1% low-fat milk over the leftovers before warming them in the oven.
Why do I spray the top of the dish with cooking spray?
Lightly spraying the breadcrumb and cheese topping helps promote even browning during the baking process.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the layers and keep it refrigerated, though you may need to adjust the baking time if starting from a cold dish.
How do I season the potatoes?
Toss the blanched slices with olive oil and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your personal preference.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
Grated Parmesan cheese is used for its salty and savory flavor.
How much sour cream is in the recipe?
The main recipe uses 1 cup of Hood sour cream for the sauce.
Is this a good dish for family gatherings?
Yes, it is a comforting and crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs well with many proteins.
What should I do if the topping isn't browning?
Ensure you have used the cooking spray on top and that your oven is fully preheated to 350 degrees.
Can I use dry breadcrumbs instead of seasoned?
Yes, but you may want to add a pinch of herbs or salt to the dry breadcrumbs to match the flavor profile.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Check the ingredients of your onion soup mix, as some contain beef fat or bullion, but otherwise, the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
How many potatoes do I need?
You will need approximately 2 pounds of Red Bliss potatoes.
Should the sauce be smooth?
Yes, mix the sour cream, milk, and soup mix until well combined and smooth before coating the potatoes.
What does the onion soup mix add to the dish?
It provides a deep, savory, and sweet onion flavor that permeates the entire creamy sauce.