The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe: Creamy Bacon and Red Onion Potato Gratin

On those chilly autumn days, nothing beats the warmth of a serving of Creamy Bacon and Red Onion Potato Gratin. It’s not just food; it’s a feeling of cosiness, bringing together family and friends around the table. With layers of soft potatoes, crispy bacon, and a rich creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish offers comfort in every bite.

Bacon and Red Onion Potato Gratin - The Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 kg potatoes, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 180 g bacon lardons

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• Salt for seasoning

• 400 g Gouda cheese, grated

• 600 ml double cream

• 300 ml milk

• Fresh thyme leaves for garnish

  
  

Method

Preparing the Potatoes

Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). As the oven heats up, prepare your potatoes by peeling and slicing them thinly. Aim for uniform thickness—about 2mm works best for even cooking and those perfect melt-in-your-mouth layers.

After slicing, place the potatoes in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning. This is particularly vital if you’re not assembling the gratin right away.

Cooking the Bacon and Onions

In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the bacon lardons and cook until they are crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Bacon not only adds flavour but also infuses the butter with its rich essence.

Next, toss in the sliced red onion and sauté this mixture for another 5 minutes, until the onions turn soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for a further minute.

Assembling the Gratin

In a buttered baking dish, lay down your first layer of potatoes. Follow this with a sprinkle of salt, a portion of your bacon and onion mixture, and a generous handful of grated Gouda cheese. Repeat these layers until all the potato slices are used, sprinkle with a final layer of cheese. I like to reserve some of the bacon and onion mixture for a garnish at the end.

In a separate bowl, mix the double cream and milk. Pour this creamy blend evenly over your layered ingredients. This mixture will seep down, ensuring every bite is mouth wateringly rich.

Baking the Gratin

Cover the baking dish with aluminium foil and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 45 minutes. After this, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown, bubbly top.

To check for doneness, insert a knife into the centre. If it glides through the potatoes easily, your gratin is ready to be shared.

Adding Fresh Thyme

Once you pull the gratin from the oven, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top along with the reserved bacon and onion. This step adds a burst of flavour and a pop of colour.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Bacon and Red Onion Potato Gratin is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a main dish with a simple green salad or pair it alongside roasted meats for a hearty feast. It also keeps well in the fridge, meaning the flavours will develop even more, making it a delightful leftover option.