Easy French Onion Potato Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Easy French Onion Potato Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender potatoes with caramelized onions and creamy Gruyère cheese. It’s perfect as a side or a hearty vegetarian main that’s simple to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs starchy potatoes (Russets or Yukon Golds)
• 2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or Walla Walla)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• Fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté them until they are golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Step 3: Thinly slice the potatoes. In a bowl, combine the sliced potatoes with the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme.
4. Step 4: Grease a baking dish. Layer half of the potato mixture in the dish, then spread half of the caramelized onions over the top. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and onions, and finish by sprinkling the shredded Gruyère cheese on top.
5. Step 5: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sprinkle a little nutmeg into the cream and potato mixture before baking.
• Use a mix of Gruyère and Parmesan cheese for a sharper taste.
• Fresh thyme can be substituted with rosemary or sage to change the herb profile.
• Try adding cooked bacon or pancetta between layers for a meaty twist.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 minutes, to maintain the crispy top.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this bake?

Yes, Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for their starchy texture, but you can also use red potatoes if you prefer a waxier bite. Just adjust the cream slightly if needed.

Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the bake and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a little extra baking time if baking straight from cold.

Easy French Onion Potato Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 75 reviews

This Easy French Onion Potato Bake combines tender, creamy potatoes with sweet, caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese for a comforting and flavorful side dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts, this recipe delivers rich, savory layers with fresh thyme and a golden, cheesy crust.

• Author: Viktoria
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 2 lbs starchy potatoes (Russets or Yukon Golds)

Onions

• 2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or Walla Walla)

Dairy & Cheese

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter

Herbs & Seasonings

• Fresh thyme (about 1 tablespoon, chopped)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking by the time you finish preparing the ingredients.
2. Caramelize the Onions: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and sauté gently, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and caramelized, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes. This will bring out their natural sweetness and add depth to the dish.
3. Prepare the Potato Mixture: Thinly slice the potatoes and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the heavy cream, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped fresh thyme. Stir everything together so the potatoes are evenly coated with the creamy seasoning.
4. Layer the Bake: Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking. Layer half of the potato mixture evenly on the bottom of the dish. Next, spread half of the caramelized onions over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and onions, then top the final layer with the shredded Gruyère cheese, creating a delicious cheesy crust.
5. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in, and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld together.
6. Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This final step helps develop a golden, bubbly cheese topping and a slightly crisp edge, enhancing both texture and flavor.

Notes

• For best results, use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds as they become tender and creamy when baked.
• Caramelizing the onions slowly is key to developing a deep, sweet flavor—avoid rushing this step over high heat to prevent burning.
• Fresh thyme adds a subtle herbal note; feel free to adjust the quantity according to your preference.
• If Gruyère cheese is unavailable, Emmental or a mild Swiss cheese can be used as a substitute.
• Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes after baking to let the layers set and make serving easier.

Keywords: French Onion Potato Bake, baked potatoes, caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, cheesy potato casserole, easy side dish, French cuisine