french onion scalloped potatoes
Creamy, cheesy French onion scalloped potatoes baked to golden perfection. This comforting side dish combines tender sliced potatoes with sweet caramelized onions and a rich savory sauce, topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for holidays or cozy family dinners, it promises indulgent layers of flavor that everyone will love.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Potatoes
- 2–3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Onions and Aromatics
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the yellow onions and cook them slowly in butter over medium-low heat for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and sweetly fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Stir the flour into the caramelized onions to absorb moisture, then gradually whisk in the milk and broth. Continue cooking over medium heat, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens smoothly. Season with minced garlic, fresh thyme or rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Slice the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes about 1/8-inch thick using a sharp knife or mandoline for even cooking.
- Assemble the Dish: Butter a baking dish and layer half of the potato slices evenly. Spread half of the onion sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and finish with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the assembled dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.
Notes
- Use uniform potato slices for consistent texture and cooking.
- Caramelize onions slowly over low heat to develop sweetness and avoid bitterness.
- Ensure the sauce thickens properly by cooking the roux adequately to prevent runny or lumpy sauce.
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after baking to set and slice neatly.
- Add fresh herbs towards the end of sauce preparation to preserve their freshness and aroma.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: french onion scalloped potatoes, scalloped potatoes, caramelized onions, cheesy potatoes, comfort food, holiday side dish