Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions:
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- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
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- 2 tablespoons butter
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- 1 tablespoon olive oil
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- 1 teaspoon salt
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- ½ teaspoon black pepper
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- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, helps onions caramelize faster)
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- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
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- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
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- ½ cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
For the Potato Bake:
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- 4 large Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced ¼-inch thick
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- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
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- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella)
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- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
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- ½ teaspoon salt
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- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
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- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
For Garnishing:
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- Fresh thyme sprigs
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- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Crispy fried onions (optional, for extra crunch!)
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add the sliced onions, salt, pepper, sugar, garlic powder, and thyme.
- Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes, until onions are deep golden brown.
- Pour in ½ cup beef broth, stir, and cook for 5 more minutes, until onions are soft and jammy.
- 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
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon butter.
- Slice the Yukon Gold potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds.
- Toss the potatoes with heavy cream, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
- Arrange half of the potatoes in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Spread half of the caramelized onions over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle with ½ cup Gruyère cheese and ¼ cup Parmesan.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese.
- Pour the remaining cream over the top.
Step 4: Bake the Dish
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- For an extra crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh thyme and crispy fried onions (optional).
- Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, oniony goodness!
Notes
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.