Easy French Onion Potato Bake

This creamy, cheesy French Onion Potato Bake combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions and Gruyère cheese with tender potatoes for a comforting side dish or main event!
Servings: 6 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 65 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes | Calories: 395 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish (9×13-inch works well). - Caramelize Onions
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, for 15–20 minutes until golden and caramelized. Add minced garlic and thyme, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. - Add Broth
Stir in beef broth and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly reduced. Remove from heat and set aside. - Prepare Cream Mixture
In a small bowl, mix heavy cream with a pinch of salt and pepper. - Layer the Dish
Arrange half the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the greased baking dish. Spoon half the onion mixture over the potatoes, drizzle with half the cream, and sprinkle with half the Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses. Repeat with remaining potatoes, onion mixture, cream, and cheeses. - Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. - Rest & Serve
Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Tips & Variations
- Make it Vegetarian: Swap beef broth for vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
- Cheese Swap: Try cheddar or provolone if you don’t have Gruyère or Swiss.
- Time-Saver: Use a mandoline to slice potatoes thinly and evenly for quicker prep.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
This French Onion Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner. Pair it with a green salad or roasted meats for a complete meal. Share your spin on this recipe in the comments or tag us on social media!
Looking for more comfort food? Try our Southern Potato Salad, Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup, or Are You Kidding Me? Cake for easy, crowd-pleasing dishes!