Rich, cheesy, and packed with savory caramelized flavor, French Onion Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food side dish. Imagine the soul-soothing flavor of French onion soup wrapped around tender, golden potatoes with layers of gooey melted cheese—that’s what this dish delivers in every bite.
Whether you’re planning a cozy winter dinner or bringing a standout side to the holiday table, this recipe will quickly become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This French Onion Potato Bake
✔ Deep Flavor – Caramelized onions, garlic, thyme, and cheese create magic.
✔ Ultra Comforting – Creamy, warm, and perfect for cool nights.
✔ Simple to Make – Basic ingredients, big flavor payoff.
✔ Versatile – Works with chicken, beef, or stands alone.
✔ Customizable – Use your favorite cheese or add bacon!
What Is It?
Think of French Onion Potato Bake as the perfect marriage of creamy potato gratin and rich French onion soup. You’ll layer thinly sliced potatoes with buttery caramelized onions, pour over a savory broth and cream mixture, then top it all with melty Gruyère and Parmesan. The result? A bubbling, golden masterpiece full of cozy goodness.
Ingredients
For the Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme)
- ½ cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
For the Potatoes:
- 4 large Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced ¼-inch thick
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss, cheddar, mozzarella)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Crispy fried onions (optional)
How to Make French Onion Potato Bake
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Melt butter and oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions, salt, pepper, sugar, garlic powder, and thyme. Cook for 20–25 minutes until golden and soft. Add broth, simmer 5 more minutes until jammy. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13″ baking dish with butter. Slice potatoes into thin rounds and toss with cream, salt, pepper, and thyme.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
Layer half the potatoes in the baking dish. Top with half the onions, ½ cup Gruyère, and ¼ cup Parmesan. Repeat with remaining layers. Pour leftover cream on top.
Step 4: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake another 20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Broil for 2–3 minutes for a crisp top.
Step 5: Serve
Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with thyme, extra cheese, or crispy onions. Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite.
Tips & Variations
- Cheese Swap: Try white cheddar or fontina for a twist.
- Add Protein: Bacon bits or shredded rotisserie chicken fit right in.
- Make It Creamier: Mix in 2 oz cream cheese with the cream for added richness.
- Vegetarian? Use veggie broth and double the Parmesan.
Final Thoughts
If you love French onion soup and creamy potatoes, this French Onion Potato Bake is your dream come true. It’s rich, cozy, and loaded with layers of melty cheese and flavor-packed onions—perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight indulgence. One bite, and you’ll be hooked.
French Onion Potato Bake
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich, cheesy, and packed with savory caramelized flavor, French Onion Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food side dish. Imagine the soul-soothing flavor of French onion soup wrapped around tender, golden potatoes with layers of gooey melted cheese—that’s what this dish delivers in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 4 large Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss, cheddar, mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Crispy fried onions (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Melt butter and oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions, salt, pepper, sugar, garlic powder, and thyme. Cook for 20–25 minutes until golden and soft. Add broth, simmer 5 more minutes until jammy. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13″ baking dish with butter. Slice potatoes into thin rounds and toss with cream, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Layer half the potatoes in the baking dish. Top with half the onions, 1/2 cup Gruyère, and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Repeat with remaining layers. Pour leftover cream on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake another 20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Broil for 2–3 minutes for a crisp top.
- Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with thyme, extra cheese, or crispy onions. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Try white cheddar or fontina for a cheese swap.
- Add bacon bits or shredded chicken for protein.
- Mix in 2 oz cream cheese for extra richness.
- Use veggie broth and more Parmesan for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: french onion potato bake, cheesy potato casserole, caramelized onion potatoes, baked potato gratin