Imagine a dish that combines the rich, sweet caramelized onions, crispy smoked bacon, and creamy Anya potatoes into one irresistible bake that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This British-inspired potato bake is not just a side dish - it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, mouth-watering masterpiece that will elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 500g Anya potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 large onions, caramelised
- 200g smoked bacon, diced
- 300ml double cream
- 100g grated cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a large ceramic baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash and thinly slice the Anya potatoes using a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure uniform thickness. Dice the smoked bacon into small, even pieces.
- Caramelize the onions by slicing them thinly and cooking slowly in a pan with a little olive oil over medium-low heat. Stir frequently and cook for approximately 20-25 minutes until they turn a rich golden brown and develop a sweet, soft texture.
- Layer the bottom of the baking dish with a thin layer of sliced Anya potatoes, slightly overlapping each slice to create an even base.
- Sprinkle half of the caramelized onions and diced smoked bacon over the potato layer, ensuring even distribution.
- Season the layer with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then pour half of the double cream over the ingredients.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes, onions, bacon, seasoning, and cream, creating a second complete layer.
- Top the final layer with grated cheese, covering the entire surface evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the cream to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve hot as a side dish or light main course, garnished with fresh herbs like thyme or chives if desired.
Tips
- Slice potatoes uniformly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure even thickness, which guarantees consistent cooking and a beautiful layered presentation.
- Take your time caramelizing onions: Low and slow is the key to developing deep, sweet flavors. Don't rush this step - good caramelization takes about 20-25 minutes.
- Choose high-quality ingredients: Use good smoked bacon and fresh Anya potatoes for the best flavor profile.
- Cover with foil initially: This helps the potatoes cook evenly and prevents the top from burning before the bottom is tender.
- Let it rest: Allowing the bake to rest for 10 minutes after cooking helps the cream set and makes serving easier.
- Optional garnish: Fresh herbs like thyme or chives can add a beautiful finishing touch and extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 451kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 14g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
