French Onion Potato Bake is a comforting and savory dish that combines the rich, creamy flavor of French onion soup with tender, perfectly baked potatoes. This dish is sure to be a hit on any dinner table, especially for special occasions or holiday gatherings. The combination of caramelized onions, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness makes it the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until they become golden and caramelized.
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the onions and stir to combine.
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and milk.
In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the caramelized onions. Pour half of the cream mixture over the top, then sprinkle with half of the Gruyère and Parmesan cheese.
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, onions, cream mixture, and cheeses.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Storage/Reheating
I recommend storing any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the potato bake in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quicker option.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this French Onion Potato Bake a day in advance. Simply assemble the dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake it, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold ingredients.
Can I use other types of cheese?
While Gruyère and Parmesan provide excellent flavor, you can definitely experiment with other cheeses. A mild cheddar or mozzarella would also work well for a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
I prefer using russet potatoes because they become soft and tender when baked, but you could try Yukon Gold potatoes as a substitute. Just be sure to adjust cooking time as needed, depending on the variety.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze this French Onion Potato Bake. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this French Onion Potato Bake is vegetarian. It doesn’t contain any meat, making it a great option for vegetarians or as a side dish to complement a vegetarian meal.
Conclusion
This French Onion Potato Bake is an easy yet indulgent side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It brings together the comforting flavors of French onion soup with tender, creamy potatoes for a dish that will leave everyone asking for more. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a holiday spread, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. I love how simple it is to prepare, and the combination of cheese and caramelized onions is absolutely divine.
Recipe:

French Onion Potato Bake
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
French Onion Potato Bake is a comforting and savory dish that combines the rich, creamy flavor of French onion soup with tender, perfectly baked potatoes. The caramelized onions, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness make it a hit at any dinner table, especially during special occasions or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup milk
1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until they become golden and caramelized.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the onions and stir to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and milk.
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the caramelized onions. Pour half of the cream mixture over the top, then sprinkle with half of the Gruyère and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, onions, cream mixture, and cheeses.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
If making ahead, refrigerate the assembled dish and bake it when ready to serve. Just add 10-15 extra minutes for cooking.
You can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a slightly different flavor profile.
Russet potatoes are preferred for their soft, tender texture after baking, but Yukon Gold potatoes can also be used.
This dish can be frozen after baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap and freeze. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes.
This recipe is vegetarian, making it a great choice for vegetarians or as a side to a vegetarian meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg