French Onion Potatoes Recipe

Quick Benefits

French Onion Potatoes is a comforting and indulgent casserole that combines creamy potatoes, gooey cheese, and a rich homemade onion sauce, topped with crispy fried onions. It’s the perfect side dish for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, offering a crowd-pleasing balance of savory, cheesy, and crunchy elements in every bite.

Essential Ingredients

Potatoes

• 32 ounces frozen cubed hash browns, thawed
• ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 ½ cups (345 g) sour cream

Sauce

• ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried mustard
• ½ cup (120 g) chicken broth, room temperature
• ½ cup (122.5 g) whole milk, room temperature

Fried Onions

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced, layers separated (about 4 cups onions)
• 4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable oil
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, melted butter, shredded cheese, and sour cream. Mix well and set aside.
3. In a medium non-stick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Add flour, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried mustard. Cook for 1 minute. Slowly add chicken broth and milk while whisking. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens.
5. Pour the sauce into the potato mixture. Stir until fully combined, then transfer to the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until bubbly and heated through.
7. While the casserole bakes, prepare the fried onions. Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Heat oil to 350°F in a large saucepan.
8. Working in batches, fry about 1 cup of onions at a time for 2-5 minutes or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining onions, maintaining oil temperature.
9. Sprinkle fried onions with salt and toss to coat evenly.
10. Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and top with the fried onions. Serve immediately.

Health Benefits

While this dish leans toward indulgence, it offers some nutritional value:

• Onions contain antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Potatoes provide a good source of potassium and vitamin C.
• Cheese and milk add calcium and protein to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a hearty side dish for roast beef, turkey, or baked chicken.
• Great for holiday meals or potluck gatherings.
• Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.

Creative Variations

• Add Bacon: Stir in cooked bacon bits for extra smokiness.
• Make it Spicier: Add more cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Swap Cheeses: Use Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to retain crispness.
• Freeze for up to 2 months before baking (without fried onions). Add onions fresh when ready to bake.

Pro Tips

• Use room temperature broth and milk to help the sauce thicken evenly.
• Stir the fried onions often while frying to prevent burning.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for cleaner serving slices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole (without the fried onions) up to a day in advance. Refrigerate and bake when ready.

Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
A: Yes. Dice and parboil fresh potatoes before using them in the recipe.

Q: How can I make it lighter?
A: Use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese, and substitute Greek yogurt for some of the sour cream.

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