If you’re looking for a dish that’s hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor, French Onion Potato Bake is calling your name. This casserole combines tender potatoes, rich French onion flavors, and gooey melted cheese, making it the ultimate comfort food. Perfect as a side dish or even the star of your meal, it’s a recipe that everyone will love digging into.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
French Onion Potato Bake is the best of both worlds: the bold, savory taste of French onion soup meets the creamy, cheesy goodness of a potato casserole. It’s easy to make, ideal for any occasion, and pairs beautifully with so many mains.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the key ingredients. You’ll find the complete list and measurements below.
- Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
- French onion soup mix
- Heavy cream
- Shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Aim for even slices to ensure they cook evenly in the dish.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, mix heavy cream with French onion soup mix until well combined. This will create that signature flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a baking dish and layer half the potato slices in the bottom. Pour half the cream mixture over the top, spreading it evenly. Add a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, cream, and cheese.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Potato Prep: Use a mandoline slicer for uniform potato slices—it’ll save time and ensure even cooking.
- Extra Crunch: Add a topping of crispy fried onions during the last 10 minutes of baking for added texture.
- Test for Doneness: Poke a knife into the center to check if the potatoes are tender before removing them from the oven.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Cheese Options: Swap Gruyère for cheddar, mozzarella, or even Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Add Protein: Toss in cooked, shredded chicken or crumbled bacon for a heartier dish.
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based cream and cheese alternative to make it vegan-friendly.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve French Onion Potato Bake alongside roast chicken, steak, or pork chops. It also pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For drinks, a glass of white wine like Chardonnay or a light beer works beautifully with this dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm portions in the microwave or cover with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.
- Freeze: Assemble but don’t bake. Freeze for up to 2 months, then bake from frozen, adding extra cooking time.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-sliced frozen potatoes?
Yes, you can! Thaw them first to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
2. What’s the best potato variety for this recipe?
Yukon Golds are creamy and buttery, but Russets work well if you prefer a fluffier texture.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just bake fresh when you’re ready to serve.
4. Can I add caramelized onions?
Definitely! Adding caramelized onions layers even more flavor into the dish.
Conclusion
French Onion Potato Bake is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite. Try it out, and let the rich flavors and irresistible aroma win over your kitchen!
Print
French Onion Potato Bake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: : 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Description
French Onion Potato Bake is a comforting side dish that combines tender, thinly sliced potatoes with a rich and savory French onion cream sauce. Topped with melty cheese and crispy fried onions, this dish is the perfect addition to any meal, from holiday feasts to cozy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (optional, for topping)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Peel and slice the potatoes thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion slices and sauté until caramelized, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, French onion soup mix, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat until the mixture begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Layer half the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour half the cream mixture over the potatoes.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes and cream mixture.
- Add Cheese and Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with shredded Gruyère cheese, and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Optional Topping:
- Sprinkle crispy fried onions on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for extra crunch.
- Serve:
- Let the bake rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
Notes
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Gruyère cheese adds a nutty flavor, but cheddar or mozzarella works well too.
- For extra richness, add ¼ cup sour cream to the sauce
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of the dish
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 65mg