Easy French Onion Potato Bake Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
