Creamy Baked Potatoes with Caramelized Onions
This luxurious casserole elevates baked potatoes with caramelized onions, a silky Parmesan cream sauce, and golden, crisp edges, making it a comforting and elegant side dish perfect for any dinner table.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 70
- Total Time: 90
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
4 large russet potatoes
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus 1 tablespoon for greasing the dish)
1.5 cups finely chopped red or yellow onions
1 teaspoon sea salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups heavy cream
0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter and set aside
Peel the potatoes and slice them into very thin rounds (about 1/16-inch thick)
Sprinkle the potato slices with 0.5 teaspoon of sea salt and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper and set aside
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until deeply caramelized. Season with the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of sea salt and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper and set aside
In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh thyme leaves to create a smooth, silky sauce
Layer half of the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, followed by half of the caramelized onions
Repeat with another layer of potato slices and the remaining onions
Pour the cream and Parmesan sauce evenly over the layers, ensuring the top is covered
Dot the surface lightly with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45-55 minutes
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving
Notes
To ensure the potatoes cook through and remain tender, keep the slices uniformly thin
The cream sauce should be poured while the casserole is hot in the oven to help it distribute evenly
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and heavy cream with vegan alternatives and skip the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free option
Leftovers are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days