French Onion Potato Bake is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup with tender potatoes. This easy-to-make casserole features layers of creamy, cheesy potatoes smothered in a rich French onion-inspired sauce. Topped with crispy cheese and baked to perfection, it’s a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a family meal or as a main course, French Onion Potato Bake is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

Ingredients:

For the casserole:

• 1.5 kg (3 lbs) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup French onion soup (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

For the topping:

• 1 cup French fried onions (store-bought)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheese flavor)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is caramelized and golden brown.
3. In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, heavy cream, French onion soup, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Add the caramelized onions and chopped thyme to the cream mixture, stirring to incorporate.
5. Layer the thinly sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly. Pour the cream and onion mixture over the potatoes, ensuring all the layers are covered.
6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the potatoes.
7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
8. In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the French fried onions on top of the potatoes and bake uncovered until the onions are crispy.
9. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes:

• Potato Variety: Russet potatoes work best for this recipe because they break down a little during baking, making the casserole creamy. However, Yukon gold potatoes can also be used for a slightly creamier texture.
• Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of flour to the sour cream mixture and whisk until smooth before adding to the potatoes.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the French fried onions during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Storage: Leftover French Onion Potato Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the texture of the potatoes intact.

Conclusion:

French Onion Potato Bake is a rich and satisfying dish that combines the comforting flavors of French onion soup with the heartiness of baked potatoes. With its creamy texture, caramelized onions, and crispy cheese topping, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite at your dinner table. Perfect as a side dish or a main course, it’s a comforting and flavorful way to enjoy potatoes. Whether for a family dinner or a holiday feast, French Onion Potato Bake is a dish that everyone will love.