Description
French Onion Potato Bake is the ultimate indulgence in comfort food. This decadent dish combines creamy potatoes with caramelized onions, rich heavy cream, and gooey Gruyère cheese. Topped with a crunchy finish of crispy fried onions, it’s a side dish that will have everyone asking for more!
Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
- 3 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 tsp salt (for seasoning)
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Cheese:
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
Optional Topping:
- ½ cup crispy fried onions (for added crunch and flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Peel and slice the potatoes thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife for even cooking.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the onion slices and sauté until caramelized, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, French onion soup mix, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat until the mixture begins to simmer, then remove from heat.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes, ensuring they are well coated.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes and cream mixture.
- Add Cheese and Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes to soften the potatoes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese evenly on top. Continue baking for another 20–25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Optional Topping:
- In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle crispy fried onions on top for a crunchy finish.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or extra cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are starchy and create a fluffy texture, while Yukon Gold potatoes are creamier and hold their shape better.
- Caramelize the Onions Slowly: Low and slow cooking brings out the onions’ natural sweetness, so don’t rush this step.
- Slice Potatoes Evenly: Uniform slices ensure all layers cook evenly and consistently.
- Customize the Cheese: Swap Gruyère with Swiss, mozzarella, or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dish up to a day in advance and bake just before serving for a convenient and quick side dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American