French Onion Potatoes Recipe

(Creamy, Cheesy, and Irresistibly Savory!)

Why You’ll Love These French Onion Potatoes

Looking for the ultimate comfort food side dish that pleases every guest at the table? These French Onion Potatoes are rich, savory, and cheesy with all the flavor of classic French onion soup—but in casserole form!

This recipe takes thinly sliced potatoes, sweet caramelized onions, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, and layers them into an easy-to-bake dish that’s perfect for:

Sunday dinner
Holiday gatherings
Potluck parties
Cozy weeknight meals

If you love dishes like Cheesy Biscuit Breakfast Bake or Sausage Hashbrown Casserole, this one’s a must-try!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Potatoes:

2.5 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

For the Sauce:

1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or baking pan.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and sweet.

Add minced garlic in the last 2 minutes for extra flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the condensed French onion soup, heavy cream, and sour cream until smooth. This is your luscious, savory base.

Step 4: Slice the Potatoes

Use a sharp knife or mandolin to thinly slice the potatoes (about 1/8-inch thick). Thin slices cook faster and more evenly.

Step 5: Layer the Ingredients

Start with a layer of potato slices in the baking dish. Spread over half of the caramelized onions, pour over some of the cream sauce, and sprinkle a portion of the cheese.

Repeat the layers:
Potatoes → Onions → Sauce → Cheese

Step 6: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for another 20–25 minutes or until bubbly, golden, and fork-tender.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Tips for Perfect French Onion Potatoes

Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a buttery texture, or Russets for a fluffier bite.
Toast your cheese: For an extra crispy top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Add crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms for more depth.
Swap out the French onion soup for homemade caramelized onion cream if preferred.

Make It Your Own (Variations)

Bacon & Onion Potatoes

Stir crispy bacon pieces into the caramelized onions before layering.

Garlic Herb Twist

Add rosemary and more garlic for a rustic, herb-forward flavor.

Spicy Kick

Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes between the layers.

Extra Cheesy

Triple the cheese blend with Parmesan or Fontina for a gooey finish.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these French Onion Potatoes with:

Roast beef or pork chops
Grilled chicken thighs
Steamed green beans or roasted carrots

Want a full comfort meal lineup? Add:

Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta
Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes for dessert

Storing & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month
Reheat: Bake covered at 350°F or microwave individual portions

Note: Sauce may separate slightly upon reheating—stir gently and add a splash of cream to restore creaminess.

FAQs About French Onion Potatoes

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time if cooking from cold.

Q: What’s the best cheese to use?

Gruyère gives that classic French onion flavor. Swiss, Mozzarella, or cheddar work great too.

Q: Can I use canned fried onions?

Yes, for crunch! Sprinkle them on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for extra texture.

Q: Is this gluten-free?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check that your French onion soup and cheese are certified GF.

Explore More Savory Recipes

If you enjoy rich, comforting sides like this one, try these from our collection:

Looking for traditional recipes? Check out the Top 20 Potato Recipes on AllRecipes.

Final Thoughts: Comfort in Every Bite

These French Onion Potatoes are the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug. The sweet caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and creamy sauce turn ordinary potatoes into a show-stopping side dish that’s as elegant as it is comforting.

1 French Onion Potatoes Recipe