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french onion scalloped potatoes

french onion scalloped potatoes

French onion scalloped potatoes are a comforting and rich side dish featuring tender, thinly sliced potatoes layered with savory caramelized onions and smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection. This dish elevates classic scalloped potatoes with the sweet depth of caramelized onions and nutty Gruyère cheese, making it perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or special gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

Caramelized Onions

  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons butter

Creamy Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Thinly slice the yellow onions. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook slowly for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and fragrant, developing a rich, sweet flavor.
  2. Prepare the creamy sauce: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons flour over the caramelized onions and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 1 cup whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream. Cook the mixture until it thickens into a smooth sauce. Stir in 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Layer the potatoes: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. Place a third of the thinly sliced potatoes in the dish, then pour a third of the creamy onion sauce over the potatoes. Repeat the layering process two more times, finishing with sauce on top. Sprinkle extra Gruyère cheese for a golden crust.
  4. Bake to perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, and the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
  • Caramelize onions slowly over low heat to maximize sweetness.
  • Combining heavy cream and milk creates richness without making the dish too heavy.
  • Let the dish rest before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and improve texture.
  • Cover the dish during most of baking to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: french onion scalloped potatoes, scalloped potatoes, caramelized onions, creamy potato dish, holiday side dish, cheesy potatoes, comfort food