Description
This Easy French Onion Potato Bake is the perfect comfort food for family dinners, combining tender potatoes, sweet caramelized onions, and melty Gruyère cheese into a golden, satisfying dish. With a creamy custard-like texture and savory flavor, this bake is perfect as a hearty side dish or even a main course. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is simple to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Gluten-free and vegetarian, it’s an indulgent treat that suits various dietary preferences.
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
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Caramelize the Onions: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté, stirring frequently, for about 15-20 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized.
- Prepare the Potato Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced potatoes with 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 with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Rest the Bake: Let the bake rest for a few minutes before serving to set the layers.
Notes
- Cheese: Swap Gruyère with Swiss cheese or sharp cheddar for a different flavor.
- Add Garlic: Add minced garlic when caramelizing onions for more depth.
- Herbs: Experiment with rosemary or oregano to change the flavor profile.
- Cream Substitute: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
