French Onion Potato Bake Recipe

Introduction

French Onion Potato Bake combines the rich, sweet flavors of caramelized onions with creamy layers of tender potatoes and melted cheese. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a delicious twist on classic French onion soup.

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 (for garnishing)
• Extra Parmesan cheese (for garnishing)
• Crispy fried onions (optional, for extra crunch!)

Instructions

1. Step 1: 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.
2. Step 2: 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.
3. Step 3: 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.
4. Step 4: 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.
5. Step 5: Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme and crispy fried onions if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, oniony goodness!

Tips & Variations

• Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
• For a richer texture, substitute whole milk with heavy cream entirely.
• Add crispy fried onions on top for extra crunch and flavor.
• Try different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella if Gruyère isn’t available.
• Cook onions slowly to develop a sweeter, deeper flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the crispy top. Alternatively, microwave slices on medium power, though the texture may soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, but Russet or red potatoes can work well too. Just slice them evenly for consistent cooking.

How do I make this dish vegan?

Use olive oil instead of butter, substitute dairy cheeses with vegan alternatives, replace cream with plant-based milk or cream, and use vegetable broth. The caramelized onions will still provide rich flavor.

French Onion Potato Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 64 reviews

This French Onion Potato Bake combines sweet, caramelized onions with creamy, tender potatoes and melted Gruyère cheese for a comforting and flavorful dish. Layers of sliced Yukon Gold potatoes soaked in rich cream and fresh thyme are baked to golden perfection and topped with savory cheeses and optional crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch. Perfect as a hearty side or vegetarian main, this bake offers a rich twist on classic French onion flavors.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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!)

Instructions

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 the onions become a deep golden brown. Pour in ½ cup beef broth, stir, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the 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!)
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 potato slices with heavy cream, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme to evenly coat.
3. Assemble the Bake: Arrange half of the potato slices in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the caramelized onions evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded Gruyère cheese and ¼ cup grated Parmesan over the onions. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, caramelized onions, and cheeses. Pour the remaining cream mixture over the top layer to moisten thoroughly.
4. Bake the Dish: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. For an extra crispy cheese topping, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
5. Serve & Enjoy: Allow the potato bake to rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, extra Parmesan cheese, and crispy fried onions if desired. Serve warm to enjoy the full cheesy, caramelized onion flavor.

Notes

• Using vegetable broth makes the dish vegetarian-friendly.
• Gruyère cheese adds a classic nutty flavor, but Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella can be substituted according to preference.
• Slicing potatoes evenly (¼-inch thick) ensures uniform cooking.
• Broiling at the end gives a nicely crisp and browned cheese crust—keep a close eye to avoid burning.
• Optional sugar in the caramelized onions helps speed up the browning process but can be omitted for a natural sweetness.
• Resting the bake before serving helps it set up, making it easier to cut and serve.

Keywords: French onion, potato bake, caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, creamy potatoes, baked casserole, vegetarian side dish