French Onion Potato Bake

Why Make This Recipe

French Onion Potato Bake combines the comforting flavors of rich caramelized onions with creamy potatoes. It’s deliciously cheesy and perfect for a family meal or as a side dish for special occasions. The warmth and depth of this bake make it a heartwarming addition to any table. If you’re a fan of French onion soup, you’ll love this twist!

How to Make French Onion Potato Bake

Ingredients

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

Directions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and golden. If you like, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of sugar to help them caramelize faster. Stir in garlic powder and thyme, then add ½ cup of broth. Cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter. Slice the Yukon Gold potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake
Layer half of the potato slices at the bottom of the baking dish. Spread half of the caramelized onion mixture on top. Sprinkle with half of the Gruyère and half of the Parmesan cheese. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheeses.

Step 4: Bake the Dish
In a bowl, mix together the heavy cream (or whole milk), ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and fresh thyme leaves. Pour this mixture evenly over the assembled layers in the baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Enjoy your delicious French Onion Potato Bake!

French Onion Potato Bake

How to Serve French Onion Potato Bake

Serve this delightful dish hot as a main course or side. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or a fresh salad. You can also add crispy fried onions on top for an extra bit of crunch.

How to Store French Onion Potato Bake

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to two months. Just make sure to cover it well to avoid freezer burn.

Tips to Make French Onion Potato Bake

  • Slice your onions evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
  • Use a mix of cheeses for a richer taste.
  • Don’t rush the caramelizing process, as it enhances the flavor.
  • You can substitute the Yukon Gold potatoes with other types, but they hold up well in this recipe.

Variation

Feel free to add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for a different flavor profile. You can also use sweet potatoes for a twist!

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! You can substitute Gruyère with Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella based on your preference.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the layers ahead, cover them, and refrigerate. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

3. Is this dish vegetarian?
You can make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Print
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French Onion Potato Bake


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  • Author: recipesforcook
  • Total Time: 80 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A comforting bake combining rich caramelized onions and creamy Yukon Gold potatoes, all topped with a delicious blend of cheeses.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
  • ½ cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
  • 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
  • Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
  • Crispy fried onions (optional, for extra crunch)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 20 minutes, until soft and golden. Optional: add 1 teaspoon of sugar to enhance caramelization. Stir in garlic powder and thyme, then add ½ cup broth and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter. Slice the Yukon Gold potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds.
  3. Layer half of the potato slices at the bottom of the baking dish. Spread half of the caramelized onion mixture on top. Sprinkle with half of the Gruyère and half of the Parmesan cheese. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheeses.
  4. Mix together the heavy cream (or whole milk), ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and fresh thyme leaves in a bowl. Pour this mixture evenly over the assembled layers in the baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
  5. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Notes

Slice onions evenly for uniform cooking and consider using a combination of cheeses for extra flavor. This dish can be made vegetarian by substituting beef broth with vegetable broth.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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