French Onion Potato Bake combines creamy roasted potatoes, sweet caramelized onions, savory soup mix, and rosemary for the perfect cozy dish.
Do you ever have one of those days where you want to make something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly how French Onion Potato Bake came into my life. It wasn’t planned—honestly, I was just trying to use up a bag of potatoes that had been sitting on my counter for way too long. (Anyone else guilty of buying more potatoes than they know what to do with?)
I dug around the pantry, found a forgotten packet of French onion soup mix, and thought, “Why not?” I threw everything together, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best. What came out of the oven was nothing short of magic. The potatoes were crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and those caramelized onions? Absolute game-changer.
Now, this dish has become my go-to for everything—weeknight dinners, potlucks, even holidays. And every time I make it, someone asks, “How did you make this?!” It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug, which, let’s be honest, we all need sometimes.
Why You’ll Love This French Onion Potato Bake Recipe?
Why should French Onion Potato Bake be on your table? Let’s break it down:
- Sweet Meets Savory: The caramelized onions balance out the savory soup mix perfectly.
- Minimal Effort, Big Flavor: Toss everything in a dish, let the oven do its thing, and voilà—culinary magic.
- Rustic Charm: The rosemary sprigs add a little flair that makes it feel fancy without any extra work.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: It pairs with everything and pleases even the pickiest eaters. Seriously, who doesn’t love potatoes?
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s chat about why these simple ingredients work so well together:
- White Potatoes: The creamy texture of these potatoes holds up beautifully to roasting. Peel them for a smooth finish or leave the skins on for extra texture (and less work!).
- French Onion Soup Mix: This is the secret weapon. It adds a punch of flavor that makes this dish taste like you spent hours on it.
- Caramelized Onions: Yes, they take a little patience, but trust me, they’re the soul of this dish. Sweet, rich, and absolutely worth it.
- Butter and Olive Oil: The dream team for crispy edges and buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Rosemary: It’s like the cherry on top, but for potatoes. Adds a touch of elegance and an herby aroma that’s downright irresistible.
How To Make French Onion Potato Bake?
This recipe is so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it your whole life. Let’s break it down:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 200°C (or 180°C fan-forced). I know it’s tempting to skip preheating, but trust me, starting with a hot oven is what gives you those crispy edges.
Step 2: Prep the Potatoes
In a large roasting pan, toss the peeled and chopped potatoes with diced butter and sliced garlic. Sprinkle the French onion soup mix evenly over everything. Then pour in the boiling water—it might look a little soupy, but don’t worry, the potatoes will soak it all up. Add a couple of rosemary sprigs because we’re fancy like that.
Step 3: Bake and Stir
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Halfway through, stir everything around to make sure all the potatoes get coated in that buttery, savory goodness. Your kitchen will already smell incredible at this point.
Step 4: Caramelize the Onions
While the potatoes are baking, heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and let them cook slowly, stirring occasionally. After about 10 minutes, sprinkle in the brown sugar and stir for another 5 minutes until they’re golden, soft, and oh-so-sweet.
Step 5: Add the Onions and Finish Baking
After 30 minutes, take the pan out of the oven and remove the foil. Spoon the caramelized onions evenly over the potatoes and give everything a gentle mix. Pop it back into the oven, uncovered, for another 5–10 minutes. This is where the magic happens—the edges crisp up, and the flavors come together beautifully.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the potatoes are done, take out the rosemary sprigs (or leave them in for decoration, your call). Garnish with a little fresh rosemary, serve it hot, and watch everyone go back for seconds.
Storage Options:
If you’ve got leftovers (rare, but it happens), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, the oven is your best bet—it brings back that crispy texture. Just pop them in at 180°C for about 10 minutes. Microwaving works too, but you’ll lose a little of that crispiness. And no, this dish doesn’t freeze well—something about freezing potatoes just makes them sad.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feeling adventurous? Here’s how you can mix things up:
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded Gruyère or Parmesan on top for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Try Different Herbs: No rosemary? Thyme or parsley work just as well.
- Include Veggies: Toss in mushrooms or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
- Sweet Potato Swap: Want to switch it up? Use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter take on the dish.
What to Serve with French Onion Potato Bake?
This dish is a total team player—it goes with everything. Here are a few pairing ideas:
- Roast Chicken: Classic and comforting, this pairing never fails.
- Grilled Steak: The savory potatoes balance perfectly with a juicy, smoky steak.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp arugula salad with a tangy vinaigrette keeps things light and fresh.
- Seafood: Baked salmon or shrimp is an elegant pairing that feels fancy but is super easy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep everything earlier in the day. Just bake it right before serving, and it’ll taste fresh and amazing.
Can I use a different kind of potato?
Totally. Yukon Golds or red potatoes work well, too. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if the pieces are larger or smaller.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Stick them in the oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes to bring back the crispy edges. Microwaving works, but it won’t be quite the same.
So, are you ready to make your new favorite side dish? French Onion Potato Bake is simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. Let me know how it turns out—bonus points if you share what you paired it with!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Ingredients
- 1.25 kg white potatoes peeled and cut into 4 cm pieces
- 50 g unsalted butter finely diced
- 1 clove garlic thinly sliced
- 40 g French onion soup mix
- 375 ml boiling water
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 15 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 2 brown onions finely sliced
- 15 ml brown sugar
- Additional fresh rosemary for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (or 180°C for fan-assisted ovens). Position the oven rack in the middle for even cooking.
Prepare the Potatoes
- Place the peeled and cut potatoes in a large roasting pan. Add the diced butter and sliced garlic, tossing gently to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated. Sprinkle the French onion soup mix evenly over the potatoes. Pour the boiling water over the mixture and place the rosemary sprigs on top. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Initial Baking Phase
- Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Midway through, stir the potatoes to ensure even cooking and absorption of flavors.
Caramelize the Onions
- While the potatoes bake, heat the olive oil in a medium-sized frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for approximately 10 minutes until softened. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
Final Baking Phase
- After 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil from the roasting pan. Add the caramelized onions, spreading them evenly around the potatoes. Return the pan to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and lightly golden.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove the roasting pan from the oven and discard the rosemary sprigs. Transfer the dish to a serving plate and garnish with additional fresh rosemary for a decorative touch. Serve warm.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!