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Easy French Onion Potato Bake Recipe

4.6 from 53 reviews

This Easy French Onion Potato Bake combines tender sliced potatoes with sweet caramelized onions, creamy heavy cream, and melted Gruyère cheese for a rich, savory casserole. Perfect as a comforting side dish, it layers flavors beautifully and finishes with a golden, bubbly cheese crust.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 2 lbs starchy potatoes (Russets or Yukon Golds)

Onions

  • 2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or Walla Walla)

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Herbs & Seasonings

  • Fresh thyme (to taste)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
  2. Caramelize Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and cook the thinly sliced onions for 15-20 minutes until they become golden brown and sweetly caramelized, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Prepare Potatoes: Thinly slice the potatoes and combine them in a bowl with the heavy cream, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper, ensuring the slices are evenly coated for maximum flavor and creaminess.
  4. Assemble Layers: Grease a baking dish then layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Spread half of the caramelized onion mixture on top. Repeat with remaining potatoes and onions, then finish by sprinkling the shredded Gruyère evenly over the top.
  5. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld.
  6. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

  • Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for a creamy texture.
  • Caramelize onions slowly to bring out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • Fresh thyme adds a subtle herbal note; adjust the amount to your taste preference.
  • Covering with foil during the initial bake prevents the casserole from drying out.
  • Gruyère cheese offers great melting quality and a slightly nutty flavor; you can substitute with Swiss cheese if needed.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to help it set before serving.

Keywords: French onion potato bake, potato casserole, baked potato dish, Gruyère cheese potatoes, caramelized onion bake