Golden roasted potatoes swimming in a pool of caramelized onion goodness, melted cheese, and hints of garlic and herbs—this French Onion Potato Bake is the comfort food you didn’t know you needed. Perfect as a hearty side or a meatless main, it delivers on both texture and flavor. The crispy top layer with gooey cheese and soft-centered potatoes makes each bite irresistibly delicious.

Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner, potluck dish, or a new holiday staple, this bake will win hearts around the table. It’s simple to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a gourmet experience that echoes the beloved flavor of French onion soup with the homestyle appeal of cheesy potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Potato Bake

Comfort food at its best: cheesy, savory, and perfectly crisped.
No soup mix shortcuts—real caramelized onions for deep flavor.
Pairs beautifully with roast chicken, steak, or even on its own.
A great make-ahead dish for holidays or meal prep.
Uses pantry staples and minimal prep effort.

What Kind of Potatoes Work Best?

Yukon Golds are the top choice for this recipe. Their buttery texture holds up well in baking without getting mushy. You can also use red potatoes or baby potatoes—just avoid russets as they tend to fall apart. Keep the skins on for extra flavor and a rustic finish.

Ingredients for the French Onion Potato Bake

Yukon Gold Potatoes
These offer the perfect creamy texture that doesn’t fall apart when baked.

Yellow Onions
Caramelized to golden brown, they create the rich base that gives this bake its “French onion” soul.

Fresh Garlic
Adds depth and aromatic warmth to balance the sweetness of the onions.

Beef or Vegetable Broth
Deglazes the onions and adds savory depth to the dish.

Butter
Used to sauté the onions slowly and helps the bake achieve that beautiful golden top.

Olive Oil
Coats the potatoes and prevents sticking while roasting.

Gruyère Cheese
Classic French cheese that melts beautifully and brings nutty, complex flavor.

Mozzarella Cheese
For extra gooeyness and stretch in every bite.

Salt & Pepper
Season to bring out the best in all ingredients.

Fresh Thyme or Rosemary
A touch of fresh herbs makes this dish fragrant and holiday-ready.

How To Make the French Onion Potato Bake

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add 3 large thinly sliced yellow onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. Deglaze the pan with 1/2 cup of beef or vegetable broth and cook until most of the liquid evaporates. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and cut 2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes into 1.5-inch chunks. Toss them in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Roast on a baking sheet for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

Transfer roasted potatoes into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spoon the caramelized onion mixture evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake the dish for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden-brown in spots.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped fresh thyme or a sprig of rosemary before serving.

How to Serve This Cozy Potato Bake

This dish feeds 6 to 8 people comfortably as a side or 4 as a main. It’s ideal alongside roasted meats, green beans, or a crisp salad. For brunch, pair it with a soft poached egg on top and crusty bread on the side.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake covered at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through. For best results, avoid freezing—the texture of the potatoes can become grainy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought French onion dip instead of caramelized onions?
While it might save time, caramelizing your own onions gives the dish a much richer and more authentic flavor.

What cheese can I use instead of Gruyère?
You can substitute with Swiss cheese or even sharp white cheddar for a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Is it okay to peel the potatoes?
Yes, but leaving the skins on adds a rustic feel and more nutrients.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble everything (minus the final cheese topping), refrigerate, and bake it when you’re ready. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to baking time.

Want More Comforting Bake Ideas?

If this cozy French Onion Potato Bake has you craving more warm, cheesy dishes, check out these favorites:

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add bacon or keep it veggie? Did you sneak in some red pepper flakes for kick?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Find more daily comfort recipes and dinner inspiration on Life With Livia.

French Onion Potato Bake

Author: Livia Scott
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 casserole (serves 6–8)
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Golden, cheesy, and packed with slow-caramelized onions, this French Onion Potato Bake is the ultimate easy dinner idea or comfort food side dish. A cozy blend of roasted Yukon Golds, Gruyère, garlic, and herbs—it’s a simple yet gourmet recipe that turns any meal into something memorable. Whether you’re after dinner ideas, a hearty holiday side, or a make-ahead bake for potlucks, this flavorful dish fits beautifully into your weeknight rotation.

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown.

2. Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for 2 more minutes. Deglaze the pan with broth and simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated. Set aside.

3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss chopped potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a sheet pan for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Lower oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, combine roasted potatoes with the onion mixture. Top evenly with Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses.

5. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown on top.

6. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary before serving.

Notes

Make sure onions caramelize slowly for best flavor—don’t rush them.

For a crispier top, broil the bake for the last 2 minutes.

Gruyère is key, but white cheddar or Swiss also works in a pinch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American/French

Nutrition

Serving Size: Approx. 1 cup
Calories: 310
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 410mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 11g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: dinner ideas, comfort food, cheesy potatoes, potato bake, easy recipe