french onion scalloped potatoes

If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and cheesy side dish that’s easy to make and perfectly satisfying, this french onion scalloped potatoes recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It combines tender sliced potatoes with rich caramelized onions and a luscious, cheesy sauce to create a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or anytime you want a warm hug on a plate. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this delicious french onion scalloped potatoes classic your own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Layers of creamy potatoes and caramelized onions create a cozy, indulgent dish.
• Simple Ingredients: Easy to find pantry staples come together to form a gourmet-tasting side.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepares well in advance, making busy evenings stress-free.
• Flexible and Customizable: Easily adjusts to fit vegetarian, gluten-free, or low-fat preferences.
• Impressive Yet Effortless: Perfect for special occasions without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, straightforward ingredients that each add essential flavor and texture to the dish. From tender potatoes to savory onions and melty cheese, these components come together to create that irresistible french onion scalloped potatoes flavor.

• Potatoes: Choose starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold for creamy texture and perfect layering.
• Yellow Onions: Caramelized slowly to bring out natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps to sauté the onions beautifully.
• Flour: Used to thicken the creamy sauce without lumps.
• Milk and Heavy Cream: Together, they create a luscious, velvety sauce that coats every slice.
• Gruyère Cheese: Melts perfectly with a nutty flavor that complements the onions and potatoes.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the full taste of all ingredients.
• Garlic: Delivers a subtle savory kick that enhances the overall flavor.
• Fresh Thyme (optional): Adds an aromatic herbal note for a gourmet touch.

Variations for french onion scalloped potatoes

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, letting you tweak ingredients based on your pantry, dietary needs, or flavor preferences. Feel free to experiment and make it your own.

• Cheese Swap: Use sharp cheddar or mozzarella for different cheesy profiles.
• Incorporate Bacon: Add crispy cooked bacon bits for smoky crunch and added indulgence.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy with coconut milk and vegan cheese alternatives.
• Herb Boost: Mix in rosemary, sage, or chives to enhance the fresh taste.
• Spicy Kick: Add ground cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a gentle heat.

How to Make french onion scalloped potatoes

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced yellow onions and a pinch of salt, then cook slowly, stirring often, until the onions turn golden brown and caramelized—this usually takes about 25-30 minutes. The sweetness and depth from this step are what make the dish so special.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, sprinkle flour over the caramelized onions and stir for a minute to cook out the raw taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens to a smooth, velvety consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic to taste. A touch of fresh thyme can be added here if you like.

Step 3: Slice the Potatoes

While the sauce simmers, wash and peel your potatoes, then slice them thinly and evenly using a knife or mandoline for consistent layers that cook perfectly.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Grease a baking dish lightly with butter. Arrange a layer of potato slices at the bottom, then spoon over some caramelized onion cream sauce and sprinkle a handful of Gruyère cheese. Repeat layering potatoes, sauce, and cheese until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making french onion scalloped potatoes

• Uniform Slices: Use a mandoline to slice potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
• Low and Slow Onions: Patience is key; caramelizing onions slowly builds the best flavor.
• Layer Strategically: Ensure sauce gets between every slice to keep the dish moist and flavorful.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit 10 minutes out of the oven to firm up and make serving easier.
• Cheese Choices Matter: Gruyère melts beautifully and has the ideal nutty flavor for this dish.

How to Serve french onion scalloped potatoes

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a lovely pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. A light drizzle of browned butter over the serving also amplifies the savory flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken or beef, or alongside sautéed greens and a crisp salad to balance the creamy heaviness with fresh textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties, or layer the potatoes in a clear glass dish to showcase the beautiful, cheesy layers as a visual treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover french onion scalloped potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight before warming in the oven to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil until warmed through to avoid drying out the creamy potatoes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the texture uneven.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese in french onion scalloped potatoes?

Absolutely! While Gruyère is traditional, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or fontina all melt well and offer tasty alternatives depending on your preference.

Are russet potatoes the best choice for this recipe?

Russet and Yukon Gold are ideal because they become tender and creamy when baked, but avoid waxy potatoes as they won’t absorb the sauce as well.

How long does it take to caramelize the onions properly?

Plan on about 25 to 30 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to encourage the natural sugars to brown slowly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply swap the milk and cream with unsweetened plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free cheese to keep it creamy without dairy.

Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?

Definitely. You can assemble the dish a day ahead, refrigerate it covered, and bake it fresh when ready. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking straight from chilled.

Final Thoughts

This french onion scalloped potatoes recipe is a beautifully simple way to bring comfort and flavor to your table with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just indulging yourself, this creamy, cheesy dish will quickly become a cherished favorite. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!

Related Posts

• Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake
• Brazilian Shrimp Stew
• French Onion Beef Stew with Cheesy Bread Topping

Print