French Onion Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food mash-up—everything you love about classic French onion soup, transformed into a cozy, cheesy potato casserole. Caramelized onions, tender potato rounds, and an irresistibly creamy cheese sauce melt together in a bubbling, golden-topped bake that’s equally at home on a holiday table or at a casual Sunday dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy, Creamy Layers: Between the Gruyère and sharp white cheddar, every bite is pure gooey, cheesy heaven.
- Major French Onion Soup Vibes: That savory blend of caramelized onion and cheese brings out all the nostalgic soup flavors—just with more comfort and no ladling required.
- Perfect for Sharing: With enough servings for a full table, French Onion Potatoes are a show-stopping addition whether you’re feeding a family or throwing a potluck.
- Simple to Prepare: Surprisingly easy steps and everyday ingredients mean you can whip this up on a weeknight or make it ahead for stress-free entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it classic and comforting with simple, familiar ingredients, but every single component has an important job to do—think melt-in-your-mouth potatoes, layers of sweet onion, buttery roux, and signature French onion cheese pull. Gather these kitchen staples for a truly memorable side dish!
- Russet potatoes (4): Their starchy texture soaks up all the rich cheese sauce, making each bite super creamy.
- Yukon Gold potatoes (5-6, ~1 lb): Add a buttery, golden flavor and color contrast to the russets—don’t skip this combo!
- White onion (1, medium): Thinly sliced, it brings that essential mellow sweetness found in French onion soup.
- Butter (2 tbsp): For building a deeply flavorful roux and adding richness to every spoonful.
- All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Thickens your sauce to just the right consistency, so it hugs the potatoes.
- Milk (1 cup, 2% preferred): Gives the sauce its luscious, creamy body. Whole milk works if you want it even richer.
- Onion dip mix (1 packet): Secret shortcut! Packs a concentrated oniony punch—so much flavor with zero fuss.
- Sharp white cheddar (½ cup, shredded): Brings a tangy, melty quality—and that irresistible cheese pull.
- Gruyère cheese (1 6-oz block, shredded): The star of the show! Gruyère melts beautifully, delivering classic French onion soup flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp): Deepens the savoriness and adds a little umami magic.
- Onion powder (½ tsp): Layers in more warm onion flavor.
- Salt (1 tsp): Essential for seasoning potatoes and balancing all the flavors.
- Minced dried onion (1 tsp): Adds texture and a deeper onion bite.
- Green onion or fresh rosemary (for garnish): A pop of color and fresh flavor just before serving.
Variations
The beauty of French Onion Potatoes is how beautifully customizable the recipe is—feel free to swap cheeses, switch up the potato varieties, or even add extra veggies to match your mood or dietary needs. There’s no wrong way to enjoy these golden, cheesy layers!
- Try gruyère alternatives: Can’t find Gruyère? Swiss or Emmental also melt nicely and provide that nutty, classic flavor.
- Add a breadcrumb crunch: Sprinkle panko mixed with a little parmesan on top right before broiling for a crisp finish.
- Make it vegetarian-friendly: Use a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce or skip it for an equally tasty result.
- Boost the veggies: Thin-sliced mushrooms or leeks tucked between the potatoes add extra depth and subtle sweetness.
How to Make French Onion Potatoes
Step 1: Slice the Potatoes and Onion
Start by prepping your produce: use a mandoline or sharp chef’s knife to slice your russet potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, and white onion into ultra-thin rounds—about ¼-inch thick is ideal for evenly cooked layers and maximum tenderness. Uniform slices make for a prettier casserole and the potatoes soak up more of that luscious sauce.
Step 2: Grate the Cheeses
Grab a cheese grater and freshly shred both the sharp white cheddar and your block of Gruyère. Pre-shredded cheese just doesn’t melt the same way—fresh is worth the extra minute!
Step 3: Make the French Onion Cheese Sauce
Set a saucepan over medium heat and melt your butter until foamy. Whisk in the flour, cooking it for a minute so there’s no raw taste, then slowly pour in your milk. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens into a smooth roux.
Step 4: Flavor and Melt the Sauce
To the hot roux, add all of the shredded cheddar and all but ¼ cup of Gruyère (save that for the topping). Sprinkle in your onion dip mix, salt, onion powder, minced dried onion, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until the cheese has totally melted, leaving you with a creamy, dreamy, onion-forward sauce.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a large casserole dish with cooking spray and pour about a third of the cheese sauce onto the bottom. Arrange your sliced potatoes and onions by stacking a few pieces of each type in alternating order—it’s not just beautiful, it ensures every bite gives you the full French Onion Potatoes experience!
Step 6: Pour, Top, and Bake
Generously pour the rest of the oniony cheese sauce over your neatly arranged layers, letting it seep into every nook and cranny. Use a spatula to help spread the sauce evenly, then top with your reserved Gruyère. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 45 minutes—when a fork slides through the potatoes with no resistance, you’re almost there!
Step 7: Broil for a Golden Finish
After baking, remove the foil and switch your oven to broil. Let the French Onion Potatoes crisp up for 3-5 minutes, just until the top is bubbling and golden brown on the edges—watch closely, so it doesn’t go from perfect to burnt!
Pro Tips for Making French Onion Potatoes
- Mandoline Magic: Using a mandoline for slicing your potatoes and onions will give you razor-thin, even slices, which ensures everything bakes at the same rate and delivers that signature, scalloped-potato-style bite.
- Cheese Selection Counts: For best meltability and flavor, always buy cheese in block form and grate it yourself—especially for Gruyère and cheddar.
- Broiler Watch: Stay at the oven while broiling the casserole—Gruyère browns quickly, and those last few minutes make the difference between perfectly golden topping and overcooked edges.
- Flavor Layering: Don’t be shy with the onion dip mix or Worcestershire sauce; they pack in that “French onion” depth in every creamy, cheesy mouthful.
How to Serve French Onion Potatoes
Garnishes
Just before serving, sprinkle the finished casserole with chopped green onion or a scattering of fresh rosemary leaves. These fresh greens not only brighten the rich flavors but also add a welcoming pop of color for a truly tempting presentation.
Side Dishes
French Onion Potatoes play well with just about anything! They’re a natural alongside roast chicken, juicy steak, baked ham, or whatever main you crave. For balance, pair with a crisp green salad or garlicky sautéed green beans to cut through all that cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, bake individual portions in ramekins for a dinner party-worthy touch. Or, serve French Onion Potatoes in rustic spoonfuls right from the baking dish, family-style with plenty of extra napkins—it’s the definition of cozy, homey food that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually get even better as the cheese and onion meld with the potatoes!
Freezing
French Onion Potatoes freeze surprisingly well. Cool the casserole completely, wrap tightly or portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the potatoes and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20–25 minutes. For crispy edges, uncover during the last 5 minutes or pop under the broiler before serving.
FAQs
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Can I prep French Onion Potatoes in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover tightly, and store in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven straight from cold.
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What’s the best way to get even, thin potato slices without a mandoline?
No mandoline? A sharp chef’s knife and steady hand do the trick. Just try to keep slices about ¼-inch thick and as uniform as you can—they’ll bake more evenly and look beautiful stacked in the dish.
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Can I use only one type of potato?
Definitely! While the mix of russet and Yukon Gold gives lovely texture variety, you can use all russet or all Yukon Gold if that’s what you have—the final result will still be deliciously creamy and satisfying.
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Is there a substitute for the onion dip mix?
If you don’t have onion dip mix, bump up the minced dried onion, onion powder, and add a shake of garlic powder for a DIY savory onion flavor. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Final Thoughts
These French Onion Potatoes are everything you want in a comfort food side—melty, golden, and absolutely packed with rich flavor. Whether you serve them up for a gathering or just want to treat yourself on a cozy night in, I hope you’ll fall in love with every bite as much as my family does. Give them a try—your taste buds are in for a serious treat!
Print
French Onion Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
French Onion Potatoes is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender sliced potatoes and onions with a rich, cheesy onion sauce. Baked to perfection, this dish is ideal for gatherings or as a satisfying side.
Ingredients
Russet Potatoes:
4 potatoes
Yukon Gold Potatoes:
5-6 potatoes (approximately 1 lb)
White Onion:
1 medium-sized
Butter:
2 tbsp
All-Purpose Flour:
2 tbsp
Milk:
1 cup (2% Fairlife)
Onion Dip Mix:
1 packet
Sharp White Cheddar:
1/2 cup shredded
Gruyere Cheese:
1 block (6 oz), shredded
Worcestershire Sauce:
1 tsp
Onion Powder:
1/2 tsp
Minced Dried Onion:
1 tsp
Green Onion or Fresh Rosemary:
For garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Slice potatoes and onions thinly. Grate Gruyere and cheddar cheese.
- Create Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, add flour and milk to make a roux. Stir in cheeses, salt, onion dip mix, minced dried onion, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Assemble Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread a third of the cheese mixture in a greased casserole dish. Layer potatoes and onions, then pour cheese sauce over them. Top with remaining gruyere.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and broil for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- You can customize this dish by adding crispy bacon or breadcrumbs on top before baking for extra flavor and texture.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of Worcestershire sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 275 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
