Description

French onion scalloped potatoes offer a rich, savory combination of caramelized onions, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese sauce. This comforting and elegant dish is perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions, delivering deep, layered flavors and a golden, bubbly crust that satisfies every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)

Dairy & Fats

4 tablespoons butter
2 cups milk (can substitute reduced-fat for lighter version)
2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded

Pantry & Broth

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Herbs (optional)

2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions: Slice yellow onions thinly and sauté in butter over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally for 30-40 minutes until onions turn golden brown and develop a rich sweetness—this creates the signature French onion flavor.
Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes evenly about 1/8 inch thick using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to ensure uniform cooking.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pan used for onions, sprinkle the flour over the butter and onion mixture, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and beef broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded Gruyère cheese until melted and creamy.
Assemble the Dish: Grease a baking dish and layer the sliced potatoes with caramelized onions. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the layers, seasoning with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme if using. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 60 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes to allow the top to become golden and bubbly. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to set.

Notes

Caramelize onions slowly to develop deep, rich flavor without burning.
Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and texture.
Whisk constantly when adding liquids to avoid lumps in the cheese sauce.
Let the dish rest after baking to firm up and make serving easier.
Use freshly shredded Gruyère cheese for optimal melting and flavor.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: French onion, scalloped potatoes, caramelized onions, creamy potato bake, comfort food, cheesy potatoes