French Onion Potato Bake
This French Onion Potato Bake combines tender sliced potatoes with deeply caramelized onions, rich beef broth, creamy heavy cream, and melted Gruyère cheese.
Inspired by classic French onion soup, this cozy casserole is savory, creamy, and full of comforting flavor. It makes a wonderful side dish for family dinners, holidays, or any meal that could use something warm and satisfying.
French Onion Potato Bake
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Directions
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with butter or oil.
2. Caramelize the onions
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced onions and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft, deeply golden, and caramelized.
If needed, you can add a small pinch of sugar to help encourage browning.
3. Prepare the potatoes
While the onions cook, thinly slice the potatoes.
For the most even cooking, try to keep the slices similar in thickness. A mandoline works especially well for this.
4. Add the broth
Once the onions are caramelized, pour in the beef broth.
Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cook for about 5 minutes, then remove from the heat.
5. Assemble the casserole
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
Season with half of the salt, black pepper, and thyme.
Spoon half of the caramelized onion and broth mixture over the potatoes.
Sprinkle with half of the shredded Gruyère cheese.
Repeat the layers using the remaining potatoes, seasonings, onion mixture, and cheese.
6. Add the cream
Drizzle the heavy cream evenly over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften and absorb the savory broth and cream.
8. Finish uncovered
Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven.
Bake for another 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese on top is bubbling and golden brown.
9. Rest and serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
This helps the creamy layers settle and makes the dish easier to serve.
Rich, cheesy, and full of sweet caramelized onion flavor, this French Onion Potato Bake is a comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meat, chicken, or a simple green salad.
