french onion scalloped potatoes
French Onion Scalloped Potatoes combine tender thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes, rich caramelized yellow onions, and melted sharp cheddar cheese baked in a creamy garlic and thyme sauce. This comforting and savory dish features a perfect balance of sweetness from slow-cooked onions and a luscious cheesy crust, ideal for holiday sides or cozy family dinners.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Potatoes and Vegetables
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Fats
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Herbs and Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the yellow onions. In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add the onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes until golden brown, soft, and fragrant, transforming their sharpness into a rich sweet flavor.
- Prepare the Potatoes: While the onions cook, peel and use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice Yukon Gold potatoes thinly and uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In a saucepan, gently warm 2 cups of heavy cream with minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Heat just until warmed through to allow flavors to meld and create a silky, flavorful sauce.
- Layer the Ingredients: Butter a baking dish. Layer half of the potato slices evenly on the bottom. Spread half of the caramelized onions over the potatoes, sprinkle half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and pour a portion of the cream sauce over. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, onions, cheese, and cream sauce to form even layers.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Notes
- Slice potatoes uniformly using a mandoline for even cooking and presentation.
- Caramelize onions low and slow to develop their sweet flavor fully.
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother blending and even cooking.
- Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes after baking for easier slicing and improved texture.
- Cover with foil initially to prevent burning and ensure potatoes cook thoroughly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: scalloped potatoes, french onion potatoes, caramelized onion potato casserole, creamy potatoes, cheesy potatoes, comfort food, holiday side dish