Savory Potato and Cheese Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes 2 pounds (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes
• 2 pounds (900g) Russet potatoes 2 pounds (900g) Russet potatoes
• 8 ounces (225g) bacon, diced 8 ounces (225g) bacon, diced
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 Reblochon cheese (about 8 ounces/225g), sliced 1 Reblochon cheese (about 8 ounces/225g), sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 420 kcal / 1760 kJ
• Fat: 25g (15g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (4g sugars)
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2.
   Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin rounds.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
4. 4.
   In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and thyme leaves, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. 5.
   Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Arrange a layer of potato slices on the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping them. Season with salt and pepper.
6. 6.
   Spread half of the caramelized onions and bacon over the potatoes, then place half of the sliced Reblochon cheese on top.
7. 7.
   Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, onions, bacon, and cheese.
8. 8.
   Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
9. 9.
   Allow the Tartiflette to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure even cooking throughout the casserole.
• Reblochon cheese — If you can't find Reblochon, you can substitute it with a similar soft and creamy cheese like Camembert or Brie.
• Bacon — For a smokier flavor, you can use smoked bacon instead of regular bacon.
• Onions — Slowly caramelizing the onions will bring out their natural sweetness and add depth to the dish.
• Thyme — Fresh thyme leaves provide a fragrant and earthy flavor. If you don't have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme, but reduce the amount by half.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can use a mandoline slicer to quickly and uniformly slice the potatoes.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
• Serve the Tartiflette with a side of fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or enjoyed cold the next day.
• If you prefer a crispier top, broil the Tartiflette for a few minutes at the end of baking.

Serving advice

Serve the Savory Potato and Cheese Casserole hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a glass of dry white wine or a light-bodied red wine. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for an extra touch of elegance.

Presentation advice

Present the Tartiflette in the baking dish, allowing the golden and bubbling cheese to take center stage. Sprinkle some additional thyme leaves on top for a pop of color. Serve with rustic bread on the side for dipping into the creamy layers.