FRENCH ONION SOUP POTATO BAKE RECIPES

Steps:

• For the caramelized onions: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Once melted and bubbling, add a large handful of the onions and cook until translucent, 1 to 2 minutes. Repeat until all the onions have been added. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn medium brown, about 30 minutes. If the onions start to get too dark, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of beef stock as necessary. Add the sherry to deglaze the pan. Add the mustard and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat and set aside.
• For the potato gratin: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, cut the potatoes into thin slices. Do your best to keep the potatoes in a stack--this will make it easier to layer them in the pan. Set the potatoes aside.
• Use the reserved butter wrapper to lightly grease the bottom and sides of a large (12-inch) cast-iron skillet. Discard the wrapper.
• Arrange a thin shingled layer of potatoes in concentric circles around the skillet. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper, then arrange an even layer of caramelized onions on top of the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
• In a medium bowl, combine the Gruyere and mozzarella and reserve half for later use. Sprinkle on a layer of the remaining cheese mixture over the onions. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients (not including the reserved cheese) have been used. Press down firmly on the layers to flatten.
• In a large bowl or measuring cup, combine the heavy cream and beef stock and pour over the gratin. Cover the skillet with foil and place on a sheet pan. Bake the potatoes, covered, until the top and edges have begun to brown and the potatoes are tender, 1 hour 15 to 1 hour 30 minutes. You can test by inserting a knife into the potatoes; if it goes in and comes out without resistance, then the potatoes are done.
• Remove the skillet from the oven, remove the foil and turn the broiler on high. Combine the croutons and French fried onions. Cover the gratin with a layer of the crouton mixture followed by the remaining cheese. Broil until golden brown and bubbly, 5 to 8 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Steps:

• Melt the butter and oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add half the onions and celery, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Top with the remaining onions and celery, 1/2 teaspoon salt, a few grinds of pepper, the bay leaves and the thyme sprigs. Cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until all the liquid evaporates and the onions are very soft and golden brown, 45 minutes to 1 hour. (If the onions are soft but could be more golden, increase the heat slightly for a few minutes toward the end of cooking.)
• Add the flour, and stir until completely absorbed, about 1 minute. Add the broth and wine, and simmer until almost completely evaporated, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, and let cool for a few minutes. Remove the bay leaves and thyme stems. (The onions can be made, cooled and refrigerated up to 2 days ahead.)
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake the baguette slices on a baking sheet until they're slightly toasted but not golden, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Let cool.
• Shingle and slightly overlap half the bread slices in a 3-quart flameproof baking dish. Top with the onion mixture in 1 layer. Shingle, overlapping, with the remaining bread. Sprinkle the Gruyere over the top. Cover with foil, and bake until the onion mixture is hot and the cheese is melted, about 40 minutes. Remove the foil, switch the oven from bake to broil and broil until the top is golden in spots. Sprinkle the thyme leaves over the top. Serve hot.