why make this recipe
French Onion Potato Bake is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions and creamy potatoes. This recipe brings a comforting classic to the table, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. The gooey, cheesy topping paired with the soft layers of potatoes makes it not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Plus, it’s a compatible side dish that complements a wide range of main courses.
how to make French Onion Potato Bake
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, helps onions caramelize faster)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
- ½ cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 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, for extra crunch!)
Directions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and the optional sugar. Cook the onions slowly, stirring frequently until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Add garlic powder and thyme at the end, followed by the beef or vegetable broth. Cook for another few minutes and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter. Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish, followed by half of the caramelized onions. Sprinkle half of the Gruyère cheese and some Parmesan cheese over this layer.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
Create another layer with the remaining potato slices and the rest of the caramelized onions. Top with the remaining Gruyère and Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Bake the Dish
In a bowl, combine the heavy cream (or whole milk), ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered potatoes and onions. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Once baked, let the dish cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and, if you like, crispy fried onions for added texture.
how to serve French Onion Potato Bake
Serve this delightful dish warm, straight from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as part of a festive holiday meal. You can also serve it as a hearty vegetarian main dish. A simple green salad on the side can help balance the richness of the bake.
how to store French Onion Potato Bake
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely. Cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it before baking. Just wrap it tightly, and it should last for about 2 months. To reheat, bake straight from the fridge or allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.
tips to make French Onion Potato Bake
- For the best flavor, take your time to properly caramelize the onions. This step enhances their sweetness and depth.
- Use a mix of cheeses like Gruyère and Parmesan for a more complex flavor profile.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked or frozen potatoes for the layers.
- Add extra herbs or spices that you enjoy; rosemary or sage can elevate the taste.
- For crunch, sprinkle some crispy fried onions on top in the last few minutes of baking.
variation
You can customize this bake by adding cooked bacon or sausage for a heartier version. Another great variation is to incorporate various vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the layers in advance and store them in the fridge for a day. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use different kinds of cheese?
Absolutely! While Gruyère offers a wonderful flavor, you can substitute it with any cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar.
3. Is this dish vegetarian?
It can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The rest of the ingredients are vegetable-friendly.
French Onion Potato Bake
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting dish featuring layers of caramelized onions and creamy potatoes, topped with gooey cheese.
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 for a vegetarian version)
- 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)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and optional sugar. Cook onions, stirring frequently until caramelized, about 20-25 minutes. Add garlic powder and thyme, followed by broth. Cook for a few minutes and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter. Layer sliced potatoes at the bottom, followed by half of the caramelized onions. Sprinkle half of the Gruyère and some Parmesan cheese.
- Layer the remaining potato slices and caramelized onions, topping with remaining Gruyère and Parmesan.
- In a bowl, combine heavy cream, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves. Pour evenly over layered potatoes and onions. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Allow cooling slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme and optional crispy fried onions.
Notes
For best flavor, properly caramelize the onions. Feel free to add extra herbs or customize with different cheeses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French