Name: Easy French Onion Potato Bake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 lbs starchy potatoes (Russets or Yukon Golds); 2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or Walla Walla); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese; 2 tablespoons butter; Fresh thyme (to taste); Salt (to taste); Black pepper (to taste)

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Introduction

Discover the comforting flavors of our Easy French Onion Potato Bake, a delightful twist on classic French onion soup combined with tender potatoes and melted Gruyère cheese. This dish is perfect as a hearty side or a satisfying main for any cozy meal.

A close-up view of baked potato slices layered smoothly with melted cheese, showing a crispy golden brown crust on top. The thin potato layers are soft yellow with a light browning from baking, mixed with translucent cooked onions sitting between some layers. Small green parsley bits are sprinkled evenly over the top, adding a fresh color contrast. The dish is served in a black pan, placed against a white marbled texture in the background. The food looks warm, gooey, and savory. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs starchy potatoes (Russets or Yukon Golds)
2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or Walla Walla)
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
Fresh thyme
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the sliced onions until they become golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Thinly slice the potatoes and combine them in a bowl with the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme.
Step 4: Grease a baking dish and layer half of the sliced potatoes, then spread half of the caramelized onions on top. Repeat the layers and finish by sprinkling the shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the top.
Step 5: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Tips & Variations

Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture or Russets for a fluffier bake.
Swap Gruyère for Swiss or mozzarella cheese if preferred, though Gruyère adds a signature nutty flavor.
Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or caramelize the onions with a touch of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.
Fresh thyme can be replaced with rosemary or sage depending on your taste.

Storage

Store leftover bake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the top crisp and the inside creamy. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a cooked potato and onion dish in a cast iron pan, featuring about two layers; the bottom layer is a mix of golden-brown caramelized onions with a soft, glossy texture, and the top layer shows sliced potatoes with crispy edges and a tender, pale yellow inside. Small green thyme sprigs are scattered on top, adding a fresh color contrast. The dish glistens with oil or butter, and there are specks of black pepper for seasoning. The background shows a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bake a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add extra baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What can I serve with this bake?

This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It also complements roasted meats or grilled chicken perfectly.