POTATO CASSEROLE WITH BACON AND CARAMELIZED ONION

Potato Casserole with Bacon and Caramelized Onion image

In the old days, this casserole of potatoes and onions was baked beneath a roast, which allowed the casserole to be seasoned by the savory fat and juices of the roast. To get the same luxurious results without the roast, we started by rendering a small amount of bacon, which lent the dish a meaty flavor with a hint of smokiness. We then browned the onions in the rendered bacon fat, which gave the dish remarkable complexity.

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

MEAT AND POTATOES A LA FRANCAISE
From America's Test Kitchen Season 13:
Serves 6 to 8 as a side dish
Why this recipe works: In the old days, this casserole of potatoes and onions was baked beneath a roast, which allowed the casserole to be seasoned by the savory fat and juices of the roast. To get the same luxurious results without a roast?
(Watch the video on americastestkitchen.com)
In the old days, this rich dish got its deep flavor and silky texture from meat drippings. Could we get the same luxurious results without a roast?
--------------------INGREDIENTS--------------
3 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large onion, halved and sliced thin
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/4 cups beef broth
3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled, DON'T RINSE OR SOAK!
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces

Steps:

Do not rinse or soak the potatoes, as this will wash away their starch, which is essential to the dish. A mandoline makes slicing the potatoes much easier. For the proper texture, make sure to let the casserole stand 20 minutes before serving.
---------------INSTRUCTIONS-------
Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 425 degrees. Grease 13 by 9-inch baking dish.
Cook bacon in medium saucepan over medium-low heat until crisp, 10 to 13 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate. Remove and discard all but 1 tablespoon fat from pot. Return pot to medium heat and add onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring frequently, until onion is soft and golden brown, about 25 minutes, adjusting heat and adding water 1 tablespoon at a time if onion or bottom of pot becomes too dark. Transfer onion to large bowl; add bacon, thyme, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Add broths to now-empty saucepan and bring to simmer over medium-high heat, scraping bottom of pan to loosen any browned bits.
Slice potatoes 1/8 inch thick. Transfer to bowl with onion mixture and toss to combine. Transfer to prepared baking dish. Firmly press down on mixture to compress into even layer. Carefully pour hot broth over top of potatoes. Dot surface evenly with butter.
Bake, uncovered, until potatoes are tender and golden brown on edges and most of liquid has been absorbed, 45 to 55 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and let stand for 20 minutes to fully absorb broth before cutting and serving.