Golden roasted potatoes meet the deep, savory sweetness of caramelized onions in this mouthwatering French Onion Potato Bake. Topped with melty Gruyère and fresh herbs, every bite is rich, comforting, and layered with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or need a crowd-pleasing side, this dish delivers a bold, cheesy punch in the coziest way.
Inspired by the flavors of classic French onion soup, this potato bake uses simple ingredients to achieve extraordinary taste. The combination of crispy edges and gooey cheese makes it a standout dish for holidays or everyday meals.
What Kind of Potatoes Work Best in a French Onion Potato Bake?
Yukon Gold or russet potatoes are ideal due to their ability to crisp up beautifully while still becoming tender inside. Yukon Golds have a naturally buttery flavor, while russets absorb the oniony richness perfectly. Choose whichever you prefer, just make sure they’re diced uniformly for even cooking.
Ingredients for the French Onion Potato Bake
- Potatoes: The hearty base of the dish; Yukon Golds or russets hold up well during roasting.
- Yellow Onions: Slowly caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness and build the dish’s iconic flavor.
- Butter: Essential for caramelizing the onions and giving them a rich depth.
- Olive Oil: Helps crisp the potatoes while roasting.
- Gruyère Cheese: The signature topping for French onion flavor with its melty, nutty richness.
- Garlic: A punch of aromatic warmth to complement the onions.
- Thyme: Brings in an herby, earthy note that balances the cheese and onions.
- Salt & Pepper: Classic seasoning to enhance all the ingredients.

How To Make the French Onion Potato Bake
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter and slowly cook the sliced yellow onions until they’re deep golden brown—this can take up to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if they start to stick.
Step 2: Prep and Roast the Potatoes
While the onions cook, toss cubed potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 25-30 minutes until golden and tender.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
In a large baking dish, layer the roasted potatoes and caramelized onions. Sprinkle fresh thyme over the top, then pile on shredded Gruyère cheese generously.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly
Place the dish back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and slightly golden on top.
Serving and Storing Your French Onion Potato Bake
Serve this dish hot, straight from the oven, while the cheese is gooey and the onions are fragrant. It makes a great side for roasted meats or a comforting main with a simple salad.
To store leftovers, let the dish cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to bring back its crisp texture. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the edges crispy.
What to Serve With French Onion Potato Bake?
Herb-Crusted Chicken
A simple baked chicken with rosemary or thyme pairs perfectly with the dish’s rich flavors.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Their tangy sweetness balances the richness of the cheese and onions.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
The potatoes act as a decadent base for juicy, seared steak bites.
Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Crunchy and savory, these make a great green side to lighten the meal.
Tomato Cucumber Salad
For a refreshing contrast, serve with a bright salad featuring lemon or vinaigrette.
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This soup and bake combo makes a warm, cozy comfort meal.
Buttery Dinner Rolls
For soaking up all that cheesy, oniony goodness at the bottom of the dish.
Want More Potato Side Dish Ideas?
If you love this French Onion Potato Bake, explore these other crave-worthy comfort dishes:
- Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes for a buttery, layered classic.
- Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Broccoli with a crisp cheesy crust.
- Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage for a full-flavor meal in one dish.
- Scalloped Potatoes if you’re craving a creamy, old-school favorite.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can revisit it any time you need the ultimate comfort food.
And if you gave it a twist or paired it with something unexpected, I’d love to hear about it in the comments! Don’t be shy with your questions either—we’re all learning together.
Explore beautifully curated comfort meals and cozy dinner ideas on ChefAlchemy’s Pinterest and discover your next crave-worthy recipe!

French Onion Potato Bake
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
If you’re craving a cozy, oven-baked comfort dish that’s golden, gooey, and layered with flavor, this French Onion Potato Bake is exactly what you need. With sweet caramelized onions, crispy roasted potatoes, and melty Gruyère cheese, this easy recipe is a winner for holiday spreads or weeknight dinner ideas. A perfect pick for anyone searching for food ideas that are hearty, savory, and effortlessly delicious — it fits right into your list of easy recipes, quick dinners, or healthy-ish indulgent sides.
Ingredients
2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
2 large yellow onions, sliced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat and cook onions until deeply caramelized, about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
2. Toss cubed potatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden and tender.
4. In a baking dish, layer roasted potatoes with caramelized onions and sprinkle thyme.
5. Top with Gruyère cheese and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Serve hot, and enjoy the savory, cheesy goodness.
Notes
Slice the onions evenly and be patient while caramelizing to unlock their full flavor.
For extra crisp edges, broil for 2 minutes at the end — but watch closely!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: french onion potato bake, cheesy potato bake, easy dinner side, comfort food, holiday casserole
