French Onion Scalloped Potatoes: A Cheesy, Comforting Twist
A creamy bake that surprises with a tangy dip infusion and a satisfying crunch.
Scalloped potatoes are a staple at many gatherings, beloved for their layers of tender potatoes bathed in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This French onion twist elevates the classic recipe by infusing it with the deeply savory flavor of French onion dip, decadent cheese, and a crisp onion topping. Whether you’re preparing for a festive holiday meal or a cozy Sunday supper, this dish is guaranteed to steal the spotlight—even upstaging the main course.
Why You’ll Love French Onion Scalloped Potatoes
- Flavorful Fusion: Unites the irresistible tang of French onion dip with the traditional comfort of scalloped potatoes.
- Creamy & Cheesy: Swiss cheese melts into the sauce for luxurious richness.
- Show-Stopping Presentation: Topped with golden fried onions and fresh parsley, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Ideal Holiday Side: Pairs perfectly with ham, turkey, or roast beef, delighting guests at any celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted butter: Starts the roux for the sauce, adding richness.
- All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the creamy base.
- Heavy cream: Essential for a luscious texture.
- French onion dip: Provides the tangy, savory backbone; a full 12-oz container is recommended for maximum flavor.
- Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle bite that balances the richness.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Simply seasoned for optimal taste.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: Tender and buttery, they slice beautifully and hold their shape.
- Shredded Swiss cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving a nutty, creamy finish.
- Fried onions: For crunch and signature French onion flair.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Brightens everything up for the final garnish.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat & Prepare the Sauce
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour; cook, stirring, for 1 minute to form a paste (roux).
- Whisk in heavy cream, French onion dip, Dijon mustard, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir constantly and simmer until thickened (about 3 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Layer the Potatoes
- Spread a thin layer of the sauce over the bottom of a 2-quart shallow baking dish.
- Shingle half the potatoes, overlapping slices slightly, over the sauce.
- Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the potatoes and sprinkle with half the shredded Swiss cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes, salt, pepper, sauce, and cheese.
- Bake
- Bake uncovered for about 1 hour, until potatoes are very tender, sauce is bubbly, and cheese becomes golden brown.
- If cheese is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil after 30 minutes.
- Let rest at least 15 minutes before serving to set and develop flavor.
- Finish & Serve
- Just before serving, sprinkle generously with fried onions and fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best French Onion Scalloped Potatoes
- Slice Potatoes Evenly: Use a mandoline for paper-thin slices (about 1/8-inch)—this ensures even cooking and classic scalloped texture.
- Shredded Cheese Matters: Hand-shred Swiss cheese for smoother melting.
- Choose the Right Potato: Yukon Golds have a buttery flavor and hold their shape; Russets also work, but may yield a softer texture.
- Tenting With Foil: If the topping browns too fast, tent with foil to prevent burning while allowing the potatoes to cook through.
- Let It Rest: Resting after baking guarantees cleaner slices and a thicker, more cohesive sauce.
- Make Ahead: Prepare up to a day in advance; reheat gently, and add fried onions and parsley just before serving for the freshest finish.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- No French Onion Dip? Substitute with homemade caramelized onions mixed into sour cream for a similar effect.
- Switch the Cheese: Gruyère, fontina, or even sharp cheddar bring delicious variation to the classic Swiss.
- Add More Herbs: Thyme or chives blend beautifully with the French onion flavor profile.
- Extra Crunch: Top with both fried onions and panko breadcrumbs for an added textural contrast.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect as a side dish for holiday mains such as glazed ham, roast turkey, or prime rib.
- Try as a vegetarian main with a crisp salad and fresh bread for a cozy, hearty dinner.
- For potlucks, bake in a disposable dish and garnish tableside for best appearance and crunch.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan (for the sauce)
- 2-quart shallow baking dish
- Sharp knife or mandoline (for evenly slicing potatoes)
- Whisk (for a smooth sauce)
- Aluminum foil (for tenting, if needed)
- Cheese grater
Nutrition Information (Per Serving Estimate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Total Fat | 23g |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
What others are reading
Nutrition values are approximate and depend on exact ingredients and serving size.
French Onion Scalloped Potatoes vs. Traditional Scalloped Potatoes
| Aspect | French Onion Version | Classic Version |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Tangy, deeply savory, onion-rich | Milder, creamy, subtly cheesy |
| Main Cheese | Swiss (or Gruyère variation) | Cheddar or Parmesan |
| Sauce Base | French onion dip & cream | Cream or milk |
| Topping | Fried onions & parsley | Bread crumbs or more cheese |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use store-bought French onion dip or homemade?
A: Either will work, but a thick, flavorful dip (store-bought or homemade) will offer the best taste and texture.
Q: Can I prepare French onion scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
A: Yes, the dish can be assembled and baked up to a day ahead. Cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat gently in a low oven before serving and add fried onions and parsley after reheating.
Q: What’s the best way to slice potatoes evenly?
A: A mandoline produces the most uniform, thin slices, but a sharp knife will suffice with careful attention.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, and ensure your French onion dip is certified gluten-free.
Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A: Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter sauce, but the result will be less rich and creamy.
Storage & Reheating
- Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a 325°F oven, covered, until warmed through (about 25–30 minutes). Add more fried onions after reheating for optimal crunch.
Make It Your Own
- Bacon Lovers: Layer crispy bacon bits for a smoky addition.
- Vegetable Variations: Add thinly sliced leeks or caramelized shallots for extra depth.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the cream mixture.
- Herb-Forward: Garnish generously with fresh thyme, chives, or a combination.
Summary: Why This Recipe Will Shine on Your Table
French onion scalloped potatoes bring together the creaminess and cheese-laden comfort of classic scalloped potatoes with a punch of French onion flavor. The addition of fried onions and fresh herbs makes this side dish both decadent and visually stunning. It is simple enough for family dinners yet elegant enough for holiday feasts, promising to be a repeat favorite year after year.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a39761038/french-onion-scalloped-potatoes-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a62608578/french-onion-potatoes-au-gratin-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5v6BlKpWadQ
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11483/perfect-potatoes-au-gratin/
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