french onion scalloped potatoes
Creamy and savory French onion scalloped potatoes combine tender sliced yellow potatoes with rich caramelized onions and a luscious cheese sauce. This comforting and easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or as an impressive side, featuring layers of flavor and texture with golden, cheesy crust edges and a smooth, velvety interior.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitute)
Vegetables
- 2 lbs yellow potatoes, washed, peeled, and thinly sliced
- 2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh thyme or other fresh herbs, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy and Fats
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing the dish)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese
Dry Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or rice flour)
- Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the sweet onions and sauté them gently in 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring often, until golden brown and sweetly caramelized.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter and whisk in the flour to form a roux. Gradually add the milk and cream while stirring continuously. Cook until the sauce thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency. Stir in the grated cheese, minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper to develop the classic French onion flavor.
- Slice the Potatoes: Wash, peel, and slice the yellow potatoes into even thin rounds to ensure uniform cooking and a tender texture.
- Layer the Dish: Butter a baking dish. Alternate layers starting with a layer of potato slices, then caramelized onions, followed by cheese sauce. Lightly season each layer with salt and pepper. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and edges are slightly crispy. Let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow layers to set.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin potato slices.
- Slow caramelization of onions is essential for deep sweetness and flavor.
- Do not rush baking; low and slow cooking ensures tender potatoes and well-melded flavors.
- Let the dish rest after baking to thicken the sauce and improve slicing.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for fresh contrast.
- To make gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or rice flour.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based butter, dairy-free milk (almond or oat), and vegan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: French onion scalloped potatoes, scalloped potatoes, caramelized onions, cheese sauce, comfort food, potato gratin