Name: French Onion Potato Bake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: French
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); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme); ½ cup beef broth (or vegetable broth); 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)

Jump to Recipe

If ever there was a casserole that could instantly transport you to a cozy Parisian bistro, it’s this French Onion Potato Bake. Imagine layers of perfectly caramelized onions melting into tender golden potatoes, bathed in creamy sauce and bubbling under a golden crust of cheese. This comforting dish is rich, hearty, and just gracefully walks the line between rustic and elegant. Whether you’re gathering around the dinner table on a chilly evening or making something special for a potluck, the French Onion Potato Bake promises to be a show-stopper, and you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds.

French Onion Potato Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Forget overly complicated shopping lists; this irresistible recipe keeps things beautifully simple. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to balance flavor, texture, and creaminess that make French Onion Potato Bake totally irresistible.

Yellow onions: Slow caramelization unlocks their sweetness and forms the backbone of deep savory flavor.
Butter: The key fat for rich caramelized onions and greasing your baking dish for luscious results.
Olive oil: Combines with butter for mellow frying and prevents burning.
Salt & black pepper: Layered in at every stage to season the onions and potatoes perfectly.
Sugar (optional): Just a tiny bit speeds up caramelization for golden, jammy onions.
Garlic powder: Gives a subtle savory note that infuses the entire dish.
Dried or fresh thyme: Herbal, woodsy, and the unmistakable secret of French comfort food.
Beef broth (or vegetable broth): A splash at the end makes the onions lush and saucy—choose veggie broth to keep it meat-free.
Yukon Gold potatoes: Creamy, buttery, and ideal for soaking up the luscious sauce without falling apart.
Shredded Gruyère cheese: Melty and nutty, this is the classic French touch—swap for Swiss, cheddar, or even mozzarella if you prefer.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy layer, especially delicious on top.
Heavy cream or whole milk: Makes every layer unbelievably rich and silky, binding it all together.
Fresh thyme leaves: A finishing sprinkle for color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish): Optional but so gorgeous and aromatic on the table.
Extra Parmesan cheese (for garnish): For those who can never have enough cheese.
Crispy fried onions (optional garnish): The crowning glory for extra texture and wow-factor crunch!

How to Make French Onion Potato Bake

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by heating butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add your beautifully sliced onions, salt, pepper, sugar, garlic powder, and thyme. Stir everything together, then let the onions do their thing, cooking slowly for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring here and there until they’re a deep golden brown. A splash of beef broth at the end forms a rich, jammy mixture. Take your time here—the magic of French Onion Potato Bake truly begins with perfectly caramelized onions.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Slice your Yukon Golds into neat ¼-inch rounds—uniform slices mean even cooking! Toss them with heavy cream, salt, pepper, and a touch of fresh thyme. The cream will seep into every nook and cranny, promising bite after silky bite.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

Layer half the potatoes in your buttered dish, topped with a generous helping of caramelized onions and a sprinkle of Gruyère and Parmesan. Repeat with the rest of the ingredients, pour any leftover cream over the top, and prepare yourself for layers upon layers of flavor and comfort.

Step 4: Bake the Dish

Cover your masterpiece with foil and pop it in the oven for 40 minutes. This gentle bake softens the potatoes and lets all the flavors meld. Remove the foil and let it cook for another 20 minutes so the top becomes bubbly and golden. For those who adore a little extra crunch, a quick broil at the end finishes it off perfectly.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Patience pays off—let the French Onion Potato Bake rest for about 5 minutes. This makes serving neater and lets the flavors harmonize. Garnish with a burst of fresh thyme and a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for texture, then serve it up while it’s warm and bubbling. Each bite is a blissful mix of cheesy, creamy, and deeply savory goodness!

How to Serve French Onion Potato Bake

Garnishes

For a truly gorgeous finish, top your French Onion Potato Bake with fresh thyme sprigs and an extra dusting of Parmesan. If you love texture, scatter a handful of crispy fried onions over the top—guests will swoon for the crunch! These simple garnishes take your dish from delicious to visually stunning.

Side Dishes

This decadent bake plays well with simple accompaniments. Try a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or pair it with steamed green beans or roasted carrots. For larger gatherings, offer artisan bread to mop up any leftover creamy sauce and a simple roast chicken for a classic French-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

To turn French Onion Potato Bake into a breathtaking centerpiece, bake individual portions in ramekins—guests will feel like they’re dining in a fancy bistro. For a casual gathering, just serve family-style and let everyone dig in. This dish is also stunning alongside a roast or as the unexpected star of a vegetarian spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer the cooled French Onion Potato Bake to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors intensify overnight, making for a truly wonderful next-day treat. Reheat individual servings for a quick lunch or dinner side.

Freezing

French Onion Potato Bake freezes quite well! After baking and cooling completely, wrap the dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and be aware that the texture may be slightly softer, but the flavor will be just as comforting.

Reheating

Pop individual servings into the microwave, or reheat the whole bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven (covered) until hot and bubbly, about 20–25 minutes. If you love a crisp top, remove the cover for the last few minutes to restore that cheesy, golden crust.

FAQs

What kind of onions are best for French Onion Potato Bake?

Yellow onions are the first choice for their natural sweetness and caramelizing power, but you can also use white or sweet onions if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the beef broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll create a meat-free masterpiece that loses none of the savory, rich undertones.

Should I peel the Yukon Gold potatoes?

Yukon Gold skins are thin and tender, so feel free to leave them on for extra fiber and rustic charm, or peel them if you prefer a smoother finish—both ways are delicious.

What can I use instead of Gruyère cheese?

Gruyère is classic, but feel free to use Swiss, cheddar, or even mozzarella—each brings a unique quality to the dish, from nutty and melty to sharp and creamy.

Can I assemble French Onion Potato Bake ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish (minus garnishes) up to one day ahead, then cover and refrigerate. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed for best results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that brings comfort and wow-factor to your table, French Onion Potato Bake is truly hard to beat. Each layer is full of love, bubbling cheese, and soothing flavors. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it again and again—it’s irresistible!

French Onion Potato Bake Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 11 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

French Onion Potato Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines caramelized onions, tender Yukon Gold potatoes, and gooey cheeses. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or special gathering.

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions – Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet. Add onions, salt, pepper, sugar, garlic powder, and thyme. Cook until golden brown. Add broth and cook until soft.
Prepare the Potatoes – Preheat oven. Grease baking dish. Slice potatoes and toss with cream, salt, pepper, and thyme.
Assemble the Bake – Layer potatoes, onions, cheeses. Repeat layers. Pour remaining cream over the top.
Bake the Dish – Cover and bake, then remove foil and bake until golden. Broil for a crispy top.
Serve & Enjoy! – Let rest, garnish, and serve warm.