If you adore the flavors of classic French onion soup and dream of cozy, cheesy comfort food, these irresistible French Onion Potatoes are about to become your new obsession. This luscious casserole layers tender potatoes, melting onions, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar, all bathed in a creamy sauce that will make your whole kitchen smell like home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the French Onion Soup Flavor—With Potatoes! Every bite is packed with caramelized onion depth, hearty potatoes, and a whisper of savory bacon.
- Ridiculously Easy, Ultra Comforting Minimal prep and pantry staples deliver maximum cheesy comfort that tastes like you fussed for hours (but didn’t!).
- Perfect for a Crowd (or Just Leftovers) The generous casserole size means it’s absolutely made for potlucks, holidays, Sunday dinners, or “meal prep and enjoy all week” plans.
- Customizable for Every Craving Whether you want it vegetarian, extra cheesy, or a little spicy, French Onion Potatoes can be tweaked to fit your favorite flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of French Onion Potatoes is how a few simple ingredients—each one a staple—come together to create something magical. Each plays a starring role, from the sweet onions to the bubbling cheese, building layers of flavor and texture that no one can resist.
- Cooking spray: This keeps your casserole from sticking, so every golden cheesy layer lifts out beautifully.
- Large onions, sliced: The soul of the dish—slice them thin so they soften and mingle with every bite. Yellow or sweet onions work especially well.
- Dry French onion soup mix: This is the secret weapon for instant depth, umami, and those signature soup flavors without a lot of fuss.
- Diced cooked bacon (optional): Adds smoky, salty pops throughout. Feel free to leave out for a meatless version, but bacon lovers, don’t skip!
- Large potatoes, peeled and sliced: Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Gold are best; cut them about 1/4-inch thick for even baking.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For glorious meltiness and rich flavor—feel free to splurge with a good sharp cheddar if you love bold taste.
- Heavy cream: This makes the casserole incredibly rich and indulgent, blending everything together in a luscious sauce.
Variations
French Onion Potatoes are endlessly adaptable—let your pantry and cravings inspire you! Whether you’re swapping cheeses, skipping the bacon, or leaning vegetarian, it’s easy to make this dish your own every time.
- Make It Vegetarian: Simply leave out the bacon or swap in sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, meatless twist.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle crushed fried onions or a handful of panko mixed with melted butter on top before the final bake for extra crunch.
- Switch Up the Cheese: Gruyère, Swiss, mozzarella, or fontina are fantastic alternatives to cheddar—try mixing a few for extra melty magic.
- Lighter Cream: Use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream to reduce richness without sacrificing sauciness.
How to Make French Onion Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients & Dish
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for that blast of heat that gets the cheese and potatoes bubbling. Generously spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to ensure every caramelized corner slides out easily. While the oven heats, peel and slice those potatoes and onions—thin, even slices are your secret to perfectly cooked layers.
Step 2: Begin the Layering Magic
Start by laying down a scatter of sliced onions across the base of your dish, then sprinkle over a little of the French onion soup mix. Next, add a layer of bacon bits (if using), followed by a snug shingle of potato slices. Top this with a generous handful of shredded cheddar and a splash of cream. Repeat these layers—onions, soup mix, bacon, potatoes, cheese, and cream—until you’ve used everything up, finishing with a glorious blanket of cheese on top.
Step 3: Cover and Bake
Lightly coat a sheet of aluminum foil with cooking spray (no sticking here!) and cover your casserole, sprayed side down. Slide it into the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the aroma is irresistible. This steamy bake helps the potatoes and onions soften and soak up all that French onion flavor.
Step 4: Brown and Bubble
Remove the foil and let your French Onion Potatoes bake for an additional ten minutes. This last lap lets the cheese get golden and bubbly—don’t skip it! When you see a little crisping at the edges, you know you’ve nailed it.
Pro Tips for Making French Onion Potatoes
- Slice Thickness Matters: Cut potatoes and onions evenly (about 1/4 inch) to ensure they cook through at the same rate and your casserole bakes perfectly tender all the way through.
- Let the Casserole Rest: Once baked, give your French Onion Potatoes at least 10 minutes to cool before slicing—this lets all the creamy goodness settle and makes serving easier.
- Layer Wisely: Always finish with a final flourish of cheese on top so you get that irresistible golden crust everyone fights over.
- Get Creative with Mix-Ins: Add fresh herbs, a pinch of cayenne for heat, or swap in other veggies to make every batch uniquely yours.
How to Serve French Onion Potatoes
Garnishes
A scattering of chopped fresh parsley or chives makes the casserole pop with color and adds a fresh, oniony note. For true French onion soup vibes, a sprinkle of crispy fried onions on top is heaven. Even a little cracked black pepper makes the flavors feel complete.
Side Dishes
French Onion Potatoes are a natural side with roast chicken, steak, or pork chops. Try them with grilled sausages for a hearty Sunday feast, or serve alongside a green salad and crusty bread for a simple, soul-satisfying vegetarian meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a showstopper holiday presentation, bake individual portions in small ramekins or mini cocottes—guests love the personal touch! Or, cut neat squares once cooled for buffet-style gatherings. You can even spoon the potatoes into crispy baked potato skins for the ultimate twice-baked upgrade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftover French Onion Potatoes tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen and meld, so don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s slice is even more delicious!
Freezing
This casserole absolutely freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap portions tightly in foil or store in airtight containers. For best results, enjoy within 2 months—the potatoes will be tasty but may soften a little more after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat French Onion Potatoes in a covered baking dish at 350°F until heated through (about 20–30 minutes). For a crispy cheesy top, uncover in the last few minutes. Individual portions can also go in the microwave, but a quick broil after microwaving restores that dreamy golden finish.
FAQs
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Can I make French Onion Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes of cooking time straight from the fridge.
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What’s the best potato for French Onion Potatoes?
Both Russets and Yukon Gold potatoes work beautifully in this recipe—Russets give you a classic, fluffy result, while Yukon Golds add a buttery richness. Just be sure to slice them evenly for best texture!
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Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?
You bet! Gruyère is a luscious, melty classic that channels even more French onion soup vibes. Swiss, mozzarella, or fontina also work perfectly, or mix a few cheeses for extra depth.
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Is it possible to make French Onion Potatoes without bacon?
Of course—just skip the bacon entirely, or add sautéed mushrooms or even a pinch of smoked paprika for extra savory notes. The dish is still loaded with flavor and totally satisfying!
Final Thoughts
Trust me: if you’re a potato lover or just crave stick-to-your-ribs comfort, French Onion Potatoes will capture your heart and taste buds at first bite. They’re the kind of cozy dish you can share with friends or savor as leftovers all week—absolutely worth making, and sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Enjoy every delicious, cheesy forkful!
Print
French Onion Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
- Yield: 1 (9×13-inch) casserole 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and comforting, these French Onion Potatoes are a perfect side dish for any meal. Layers of potatoes, onions, cheese, and bacon baked to perfection, creating a mouthwatering casserole that is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
Cooking spray:
- As needed
Onions, sliced:
- 2 large
Dry French onion soup mix:
- 1 (1.5 ounce) package
Diced cooked bacon (Optional):
- 1 1/3 cups
Potatoes, peeled and sliced:
- 6 large
Shredded Cheddar cheese:
- 3 1/2 cups
Heavy cream:
- 2 1/2 cups
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Layer Ingredients: Layer sliced onions, soup mix, bacon, potatoes, cheese, and cream in the baking dish, repeating until all ingredients are used, ending with a cheese layer.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40-50 minutes until tender. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until browned and bubbly.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
