French Onion Potato Bake

Save this recipe on:

Golden roasted potatoes smothered in caramelized onions and gooey melted cheese—this French Onion Potato Bake is comfort food at its finest. With its crispy edges, rich onion flavor, and creamy interior, it brings the soul-warming essence of French onion soup into a heartier, more satisfying casserole-style dish. It’s a dish that’s as perfect for a Sunday dinner as it is for a holiday table spread.

The layers of flavor come from slowly caramelizing onions until they’re deeply golden and sweet, then mixing them with tender roasted potatoes and cheese. Once baked, the result is a bubbling, golden-topped bake that’s hard to resist. Whether served as a cozy vegetarian main or a robust side dish, this recipe is one to remember.

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Potato Bake

• Deep, rich flavor from caramelized onions
• Crispy yet creamy textures in every bite
• Melty cheese adds indulgent comfort
• Easy to prep ahead for guests or busy nights
• Great for potlucks, family dinners, and holidays

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment)

To create the perfect French Onion Potato Bake, having the right tools is key:

• Large Oven-Safe Skillet or Baking Dish: Essential for both sauteing and baking, this allows you to cook the onions and bake the dish in one vessel.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: Precision slicing of onions and dicing potatoes ensures even cooking.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring without damaging your cookware, especially during onion caramelization.
• Box Grater or Food Processor: For shredding cheese quickly and efficiently.
• Mixing Bowl: Helps toss the potatoes with herbs, oil, and seasoning before layering.

Each tool contributes to prepping efficiently and achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

---

Preparation Tips

The magic of this dish lies in taking your time with the onions—low and slow is the secret to drawing out their natural sweetness. Choose a mix of yellow and white onions for depth. For the potatoes, waxy varieties like Yukon Golds hold their shape and develop a creamy bite when roasted. Make sure to cut the potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking. And don’t skimp on the cheese—a combo of Gruyère and mozzarella gives a wonderful melt with the signature flavor reminiscent of French onion soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning as you go to bring out all the savory notes.

---

Ingredients for this French Onion Potato Bake

• 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and cubed (skin-on for extra texture)
• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar (for caramelizing onions)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth (or beef broth for richer flavor)
• Fresh rosemary or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

---

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and cube the Yukon Gold potatoes into evenly sized chunks, about 1-inch thick. Place them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried thyme. Toss well to coat evenly, then set aside.

---

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add the sliced onions. Stir in the sugar and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn deep golden brown. Add minced garlic during the last 2 minutes of cooking. This step builds the base flavor of the dish.

---

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Spread half of the seasoned potatoes on the bottom. Spoon half of the caramelized onions over the top, followed by a mix of Gruyère and mozzarella. Repeat the layers with remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese. Pour the broth evenly over the entire dish to help keep it moist and flavorful as it bakes.

---

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking uncovered for another 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbling. If desired, sprinkle Parmesan on top during the last 10 minutes for extra crispiness.

---

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Let the bake rest for about 5–10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the cheese and juices to settle. Garnish with freshly chopped rosemary or parsley for color and added aroma. Serve warm as a standalone dish or alongside roasted meats, salads, or seasonal vegetables.

---

Notes

Using Yukon Gold potatoes provides the ideal creamy texture without falling apart during baking. Caramelizing the onions properly is non-negotiable—it develops the rich, sweet-savory flavor that defines this dish. You can prepare the onions a day ahead and store them in the fridge to save time. For added depth, try mixing a small amount of beef broth into the vegetable broth even if you’re keeping it vegetarian—it adds a subtle umami kick.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Rushing the onions: Turning up the heat too high or undercooking the onions will result in bitterness instead of the desired sweet, golden result.
• Uneven potato cuts: Inconsistent sizes lead to uneven cooking; some chunks may be underdone while others overcook.
• Skipping the broth: The liquid ensures the dish stays moist and cohesive. Without it, the bake can dry out.
• Using pre-shredded cheese: It often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Always use freshly grated cheese for the best texture.
• Overcrowding the pan: Make sure there is enough room in your baking dish to allow even cooking and bubbling.

---

Storage Instructions

Let the French Onion Potato Bake cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, use an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through—this preserves the crisp edges better than microwaving. You can also freeze portions for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

---

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 370 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Cholesterol: 40mg

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of potatoes work best?

Yukon Golds are ideal because they hold their shape well and have a naturally buttery texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding 5-10 extra minutes.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely. Gruyère gives the classic flavor, but Swiss, cheddar, or even fontina work well.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, if you use vegetable broth and ensure the cheese is rennet-free.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes, with vegan cheese, plant-based butter, and broth, but be sure to adjust seasoning as vegan substitutes may be less rich.

How do I know when the bake is done?

The top should be bubbling and golden brown, and a fork should easily pierce the potatoes.

What can I serve this with?

It pairs beautifully with roast chicken, steak, or a green salad for a lighter contrast.

Can I freeze it?

Yes. Cool the bake completely, portion it, and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month.

---

Conclusion

The French Onion Potato Bake blends rich, homey flavors with satisfying textures that hit all the right notes—crispy, creamy, savory, and cheesy. Whether you’re hosting dinner or looking for an indulgent side, this dish is both comforting and crowd-pleasing. With a bit of prep and patience, you’ll have a golden-baked masterpiece perfect for any occasion.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: