French Onion Potato Bake

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French Onion Potato Bake: A Cozy, Cheesy, and Irresistible Side Dish

When it comes to comfort food, potatoes and caramelized onions are a match made in heaven. This French Onion Potato Bake takes the classic flavors of French onion soup—rich, slow-cooked onions, melty cheese, and savory broth—and combines them with tender, golden potatoes to create an unbelievably delicious and satisfying dish.

Perfect for holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, or a cozy side dish, this cheesy, onion-infused potato bake is as easy as it is impressive. Whether served alongside roast chicken, steak, or just enjoyed on its own, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Potato Bake

✔ Incredibly Flavorful – Rich, caramelized onions, melty cheese, and herby potatoes make every bite delicious.
✔ Cozy & Comforting – Warm, cheesy, and hearty—perfect for cold-weather meals.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients come together for a show-stopping dish.
✔ Great for Any Occasion – Works as a holiday side, potluck dish, or weeknight comfort food.
✔ Customizable – Swap cheese, add bacon, or make it extra creamy!

What is French Onion Potato Bake?

Inspired by classic French onion soup, this baked potato dish features:

  • Thinly sliced potatoes, layered with buttery, caramelized onions.
  • A rich beef or vegetable broth, infusing every bite with flavor.
  • Melty Gruyère or Swiss cheese, making it gooey and irresistible.
  • Fresh thyme and garlic, enhancing its savory depth.

It’s like a potato gratin meets French onion soup—and it’s absolutely delicious!

Ingredients for French Onion Potato Bake

This recipe keeps things simple but packs in the flavor.

For the Caramelized Onions:

  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, helps onions caramelize faster)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
  • ½ cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)

For the Potato Bake:

  • 4 large Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced ¼-inch thick
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

For Garnishing:

  • Fresh thyme sprigs
  • Extra Parmesan cheese
  • Crispy fried onions (optional, for extra crunch!)

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

  1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add the sliced onions, salt, pepper, sugar, garlic powder, and thyme.
  3. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes, until onions are deep golden brown.
  4. Pour in ½ cup beef broth, stir, and cook for 5 more minutes, until onions are soft and jammy.
  5. Remove from heat and set aside.

(Pro Tip: The slower you cook the onions, the sweeter and richer they become!)

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon butter.
  3. Slice the Yukon Gold potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds.
  4. Toss the potatoes with heavy cream, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

  1. Arrange half of the potatoes in a single layer in the baking dish.
  2. Spread half of the caramelized onions over the potatoes.
  3. Sprinkle with ½ cup Gruyère cheese and ¼ cup Parmesan.
  4. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese.
  5. Pour the remaining cream over the top.

Step 4: Bake the Dish

  1. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
  2. Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  3. For an extra crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with fresh thyme and crispy fried onions (optional).
  3. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, oniony goodness!

Tips for the Best French Onion Potato Bake

✔ Use Yukon Gold Potatoes – They stay creamy and tender without becoming mushy.
✔ Low & Slow for Onions – The longer you caramelize onions, the deeper the flavor!
✔ Broth Adds Flavor – A little beef or vegetable broth enhances the richness.
✔ Use High-Quality Cheese – Gruyère, Swiss, or sharp cheddar work best.
✔ Don’t Skip the Cream – It creates a silky, luscious texture.

Delicious Variations

Want to mix things up? Try these fun variations:

1. Cheesy Bacon French Onion Potatoes

  • Add ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon between the layers.
  • Use smoked Gouda cheese for an extra savory kick.

2. French Onion Sweet Potato Bake

  • Swap Yukon Golds for sweet potatoes for a sweet-savory twist.
  • Use goat cheese instead of Gruyère for extra tang.

3. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

  • Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the cream mixture.
  • Use Parmesan and mozzarella for a super cheesy version.

4. Vegan French Onion Potato Bake

  • Use vegan butter and coconut cream instead of dairy.
  • Substitute vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigeration:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Freezing:

  • Assemble but do not bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw overnight, then bake as directed.

Reheating:

  • Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until hot.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

What to Serve with French Onion Potato Bake

This hearty, cheesy side dish pairs perfectly with:

  • Grilled steak or roast chicken 🍗
  • Garlic butter salmon 🐟
  • Crispy Brussels sprouts or green beans 🥦
  • Crusty French bread to soak up the sauce 🥖

For a comfort food feast, serve it alongside French onion soup and a fresh salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the bake up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate. Bake as directed.

2. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Gruyère is classic, but Swiss, cheddar, or provolone also work well.

3. Can I make this without cream?

Yes! Substitute milk or extra broth for a lighter version.

4. Can I use canned French fried onions?

Absolutely! Sprinkle them on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Potato Bake is rich, cheesy, and packed with caramelized onion flavor. Whether you’re making it for a holiday dinner, potluck, or weeknight meal, this dish is sure to steal the show.

So grab your potatoes, caramelize those onions, and enjoy this irresistible comfort food today!

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