Easy French Onion Potato Bake Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a decadent crowd-pleaser with minimal effort. The combination of French onion soup mix, cream, and melted cheddar creates a luscious sauce that coats every slice of potato. It’s versatile enough to serve as a side for grilled meats or as a main dish for comfort-food nights. Plus, the make-ahead potential makes it a stress-free option for entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooking spray
2 large onions, sliced
1 (1.5-ounce) package dry French onion soup mix
1 ⅓ cups diced cooked bacon (optional)
6 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
3 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
2 ½ cups heavy cream (or light cream if preferred)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Create the first layer: Arrange sliced onions in the bottom of the dish, sprinkle with soup mix, add bacon (if using), a layer of potato slices, a layer of cheese, and drizzle with some cream.

3. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous cheese layer on top.

4. Lightly coat a piece of aluminum foil with cooking spray and cover the dish, coated-side down.

5. Bake for 40–50 minutes, until potatoes and onions are tender.

6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

7. Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 16
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms for a savory boost.

• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper between layers.

• Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend.

• Herb Twist: Add fresh thyme or parsley between the layers for an aromatic touch.

• Lighter Option: Use light cream or half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the oven helps retain crispiness on top.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Do I need to cook the potatoes before layering?

No, they cook perfectly in the cream and cheese during baking.

Can I use sweet potatoes?

Yes, but the flavor will be sweeter and cooking time may vary slightly.

Can I freeze French Onion Potatoes?

Yes, freeze before baking for up to 2 months, then thaw and bake as directed.

How can I make this less rich?

Use light cream or a mix of milk and cream instead of full heavy cream.

What type of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold or russet potatoes work well for both texture and flavor.

Can I make it without soup mix?

Yes, replace with 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of dried thyme.

Will the bacon stay crispy?

Bacon will soften during baking but still adds great flavor. For extra crispness, sprinkle some on top after baking.

How do I know when it’s done?

Potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the top should be bubbly and golden.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, thinly sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach can be layered in for extra nutrition.

Conclusion

French Onion Potatoes are a decadent, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious to eat. With its layers of tender potatoes, savory onions, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s a guaranteed hit for family dinners, potlucks, and special gatherings. This is comfort food at its finest, and one you’ll want to make again and again.