French Onion Potato Bake Recipe
If you’re craving something cozy, golden, and brimming with the deep flavors of classic comfort food, this French Onion Potato Bake absolutely hits the spot. Imagine layers of creamy potatoes, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey, bubbling cheese all nestled together in a single pan—this dish brings home-cooked happiness straight to your fork. With just a handful of pantry staples and a couple of special touches, you get a side (or even a main dish) that stands tall on any table. Trust me, French Onion Potato Bake is the recipe you’ll be thinking about long after the last bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about French Onion Potato Bake is that it transforms humble, everyday ingredients into pure magic. Each element is chosen to add something special, whether it’s richness, aroma, or that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Russet potatoes: Their starchy goodness helps create a fluffy, tender interior that soaks up all the savory flavors.
- Medium onion: Sliced thin, this is the heart of the “French onion” flavor, adding sweetness and depth.
- Dry onion soup mix: An absolute flavor booster that brings an instant umami kick and classic oniony notes.
- Dried thyme: Just a pinch brightens the dish and ties together all those aromatic flavors.
- Beef broth: Adds meaty richness and helps the potatoes become extra tender and flavorful as they bake.
- Melted butter: Brings a silky texture and helps everything bake up golden brown.
- Shredded Swiss cheese: For that nutty, melty layer that pairs so well with onions.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly and adds a stretchy, gooey finish to every bite.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Brightens up the final dish with a pop of color and fresh, herbal flavor.
How to Make French Onion Potato Bake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F, setting the scene for all those cozy aromas to come. Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick greasing with cooking spray to make serving a breeze and prevent any stubborn sticking later on.
Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, unite your potato chunks, thin slices of onion, the dry onion soup mix, dried thyme, beef broth, and melted butter. Stir it all together until every piece is well coated and promising maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
Tip your well-mixed potato and onion combo into the prepared baking dish. Spread everything out evenly for consistent cooking and perfect bites from corner to corner.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Cuddle the dish with a blanket of foil and let it bake for 30 minutes. This allows the potatoes to start softening and mingling with all those sumptuous flavors.
Step 5: Bake Uncovered for Color and Flavor
Lift off the foil, give the potatoes a gentle stir, and return the dish to the oven for another 30 minutes. Letting it bake uncovered gives the French Onion Potato Bake that signature golden top and lets the edges get just a little caramelized.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Melt
Scatter the shredded Swiss and mozzarella over the top, then put the dish back in the oven for about 5 minutes. Watch as the cheese bubbles, melts, and transforms your potato bake into a gooey, irresistible masterpiece.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Hot
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like, and serve your French Onion Potato Bake piping hot—because that’s when it’s at its absolute best.
How to Serve French Onion Potato Bake
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley really wakes up the whole dish and gives it a beautiful pop of green against all that creamy cheese. If you’re feeling fancy, a few extra crispy fried onions on top wouldn’t hurt either!
Side Dishes
This French Onion Potato Bake pairs like a dream with roast chicken, grilled steak, or even alongside a fresh salad. Try it with garlic green beans or simple sautéed greens for a well-balanced plate that doesn’t steal the spotlight from your potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your French Onion Potato Bake into mini individual casseroles for dinner parties, or use a rustic skillet for a homey touch. It even looks gorgeous spooned into ramekins for a fun, elegant twist at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the French Onion Potato Bake cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. It holds up well in the fridge for up to 4 days—just the right amount of time to enjoy second (or third!) helpings.
Freezing
You can freeze this bake! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, so the texture stays as creamy and delicious as possible.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the French Onion Potato Bake with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 15–20 minutes). If you want to revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven cheesiness, uncover for the last few minutes so the top crisps up again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! While russets give a fluffy texture, Yukon golds are a fantastic substitute for a creamier bite. Just avoid waxy potatoes, as they tend to hold their shape rather than melt into the bake.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap in a good quality vegetable broth for the beef broth, and you’ll still get plenty of deep flavor while keeping things fully vegetarian-friendly.
Can I assemble the French Onion Potato Bake ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble everything up to the pre-baking stage, cover tightly, and keep it in the fridge overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if you’re starting with a chilled dish.
What other cheeses can I use?
If you’re out of Swiss or mozzarella, Gruyère or provolone are excellent options. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top also adds a tasty, salty crunch!
Can I make this gluten free?
For a gluten-free French Onion Potato Bake, use a certified gluten-free onion soup mix and check that your broth is gluten free as well. That’s all it takes!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dish that brings smiles and empty plates, French Onion Potato Bake is the way to go. It’s truly a celebration of simple ingredients made extraordinary, and once you try it, it’ll quickly earn a place in your recipe rotation. Give it a whirl—you’ll be glad you did!
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French Onion Potato Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful French Onion Potato Bake that combines tender russet potatoes with caramelized onions, savory onion soup mix, and a gooey cheese topping.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture:
- 2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes – peeled and cut into 1/2 to 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion – thinly sliced
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup butter – melted
Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley – optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the potatoes, onion, dry onion soup mix, thyme, beef broth, and melted butter. Stir well to coat evenly.
- Bake Covered: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Swiss and mozzarella cheeses over the top and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: French Onion Potato Bake, Potato Casserole, Cheesy Potato Bake
