Name: Easy French Onion Potato Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: For the Potato Bake:; 900 g starchy potatoes (such as Russets or Yukon Golds), peeled and thinly sliced; 2 large sweet onions (e.g., Vidalia or Walla Walla), thinly sliced; 240 ml heavy cream; 170 g Gruyère cheese, shredded; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; Fresh thyme, finely chopped (to taste); Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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This Easy French Onion Potato Bake combines layers of tender potatoes, sweet caramelized onions, and melty Gruyère cheese to create a golden, comforting dish. The perfect balance of flavors and textures makes it a great side dish or even a main course. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or preparing a weeknight meal, this bake is simple to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.

Easy French Onion Potato Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish takes the beloved flavors of French onion soup and transforms them into a hearty potato bake. The caramelized sweet onions add a deep, rich sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the creamy, cheesy potatoes. The Gruyère cheese adds a nutty, savory flavor that ties everything together, while the layers of thinly sliced potatoes ensure each bite is as satisfying as the last. It’s a vegetarian, gluten-free option that’s both indulgent and comforting — a dish you’ll want to make over and over again.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

900 g starchy potatoes (such as Russets or Yukon Golds), peeled and thinly sliced
2 large sweet onions (e.g., Vidalia or Walla Walla), thinly sliced
240 ml heavy cream
170 g Gruyère cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Fresh thyme, finely chopped (to taste)
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Caramelize the Onions: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté, stirring frequently, for about 15–20 minutes, or until they are deeply golden and caramelized.
Prepare the Potato Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced potatoes with the heavy cream, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.
Assemble the Bake: Lightly grease a baking dish. Spread half of the potato mixture evenly on the bottom of the dish. Layer with half of the caramelized onions. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and onions.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the top layer of potatoes and onions.
Bake the Dish: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
Rest the Bake: Allow the bake to rest for a few minutes before serving to help set the layers.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes

Variations

Cheese: If you prefer, you can substitute Gruyère with Swiss cheese, which will provide a milder, less nutty flavor.
Add Garlic: Add a clove or two of minced garlic when caramelizing the onions for extra depth of flavor.
Herb Variations: While thyme is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or oregano.
Cream Substitute: For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even milk.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings, though the texture may not be as crisp.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Swiss cheese is a great alternative to Gruyère, offering a milder flavor. You can also use sharp cheddar for a more robust taste.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from the fridge.

3. Can I use a different type of potato?

While starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds work best, you can use waxy potatoes if you prefer. However, they may not yield the same creamy texture.

4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

5. Can I freeze the French Onion Potato Bake?

Yes, you can freeze this dish before baking. Just assemble it, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.

6. Can I skip caramelizing the onions?

Caramelizing the onions is what gives this dish its rich, sweet flavor. If you’re short on time, you can sauté the onions until soft, but caramelizing them will take the flavor to the next level.

7. Can I add more vegetables to the bake?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted bell peppers to enhance the flavor and texture.

8. How do I prevent the top from becoming too dark?

If the top of the bake is getting too dark, cover it loosely with foil and continue baking until it’s fully cooked through.

9. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this Easy French Onion Potato Bake is gluten-free as long as you ensure that your cheese and cream do not contain any gluten-based additives.

10. How thick should I slice the potatoes?

Aim for slices that are approximately 3 mm thick. This ensures the potatoes cook evenly and allow the flavors to meld perfectly.

Conclusion

This Easy French Onion Potato Bake is the perfect dish for anyone craving a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful meal. The caramelized onions, tender potatoes, and melted Gruyère create a mouthwatering combination that’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a versatile and stress-free option for busy days. Enjoy this delicious bake as a side or main dish that will satisfy your comfort food cravings!