Creamy Swiss Buttermilk Scalloped Potatoes with Sweet Onions
Indulge in the savory layers of Creamy Swiss Buttermilk Scalloped Potatoes with Sweet Onions, a comforting and rich side dish that will elevate any meal. This recipe features thinly sliced roasting potatoes and sweet onions, all generously coated in a creamy buttermilk mixture infused with grainy mustard for a delightful tang. Topped with melty Swiss cheese, this dish is baked to perfection, resulting in tender potatoes that are beautifully browned and crunchy on top. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it pairs wonderfully with meats or can stand alone as a satisfying vegetarian dish. Gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your guests with this classic comfort food with a twist!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
buttermilk
2/3 cup (liquid)
grainy mustard
1 tablespoon (mashed with butter)
butter
2 tablespoons (softened)
roasting potato
1 large (thinly sliced)
sweet onion
1 medium (thinly sliced)
salt
to taste (seasoning)
pepper
to taste (seasoning)
Swiss cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, mash together the grainy mustard and softened butter with a tablespoon of buttermilk until smooth and well-combined; set aside for later use.
3
Pour a small amount of buttermilk into an au gratin dish, just enough to cover the bottom.
4
Begin layering the dish by placing a layer of sweet onion slices, followed by a layer of thinly sliced roasting potatoes. Season each potato layer with salt and pepper to taste and distribute small dollops of the butter-mustard mixture on top of the potatoes. Repeat this process until you reach the top, finishing with a final layer of potatoes and any remaining blobs of the butter mixture.
5
Pour the remaining buttermilk over the entire layered dish, gently lifting the layers with a fork to allow the buttermilk to seep through all the ingredients.
6
Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the dish.
7
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is golden brown and crispy.
8
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy scalloped potatoes!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Creamy Swiss Buttermilk Scalloped Potatoes?
It is a savory side dish made of layered roasting potatoes and sweet onions coated in a tangy buttermilk-mustard mixture and topped with melted Swiss cheese.
What type of potatoes are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one large roasting potato, which should be thinly sliced.
What kind of onion should I use?
A medium sweet onion is recommended for its flavor and ability to caramelize during baking.
What is the primary liquid used for the creamy sauce?
The primary liquid is 2/3 cup of buttermilk, which provides a rich and tangy base.
How is the mustard mixture prepared?
Mash together one tablespoon of grainy mustard with two tablespoons of softened butter and one tablespoon of buttermilk until smooth.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you begin assembly.
What is the first step in assembling the dish?
Start by pouring a small amount of buttermilk into the bottom of an au gratin dish just to cover it.
What is the layering order for the potatoes and onions?
Begin with a layer of sweet onion slices, followed by a layer of thinly sliced potatoes.
How should I season the individual layers?
Season each potato layer with salt and pepper to taste and add small dollops of the butter-mustard mixture.
How do I ensure the buttermilk distributes evenly through the layers?
After pouring the remaining buttermilk over the dish, gently lift the layers with a fork to allow the liquid to seep through.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of shredded Swiss cheese to create a melty, browned top.
How long does the dish need to bake while covered?
The dish should be covered with aluminum foil and baked for the first 30 minutes.
What is the total baking time required?
Total baking time ranges from 45 to 60 minutes, including both covered and uncovered stages.
How do I know when the scalloped potatoes are finished baking?
The potatoes are done when they are fork-tender and the Swiss cheese topping is golden brown and crispy.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe that can be served as a side or a main dish.
Should the butter be cold when mixing the mustard?
No, the butter should be softened to ensure it mashes easily with the mustard and buttermilk.
What purpose does the grainy mustard serve?
The grainy mustard adds a delightful tang and a unique texture to the creamy buttermilk sauce.
Can I serve this dish immediately out of the oven?
It is recommended to allow the dish to cool slightly before serving to let the sauce set.
What type of baking dish is best for this recipe?
An au gratin dish is the preferred vessel for these scalloped potatoes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients: buttermilk, grainy mustard, butter, roasting potato, sweet onion, salt, pepper, and Swiss cheese.
What does the foil do during the baking process?
The foil traps steam to help the potatoes cook through and become tender without the top burning too quickly.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires one medium sweet onion.
Is the potato peeled before slicing?
The recipe specifies thinly sliced roasting potatoes; peeling is optional based on preference, though roasting potatoes often have thin skins.
Can I use regular mustard instead of grainy mustard?
While grainy mustard is specified for its texture and tang, you could use Dijon as a substitute, though it will change the profile slightly.
What should the texture of the onions be after baking?
The onions should be tender and melded into the creamy sauce layers.
What makes this dish a 'comfort food'?
Its combination of rich cheese, creamy buttermilk, and tender potatoes creates a warm, satisfying texture and flavor.
How should the cheese be prepared?
The Swiss cheese should be shredded to ensure it melts evenly over the top of the potatoes.
What is the final layer of the dish before the cheese?
The final layer should be potatoes topped with any remaining blobs of the butter-mustard mixture.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, while it is a classic side, its richness allows it to stand alone as a satisfying vegetarian main dish.
What is the role of the fork in the instructions?
The fork is used to gently lift the layers after pouring the buttermilk to ensure the liquid reaches every part of the dish.