Mediterranean French Onion Potatoes
Total Time: 55 minutes (15 minutes prep, 40 minutes cook)
Serves: 4–6
This Mediterranean French Onion Potatoes recipe combines the rich, caramelized flavor of French onions with creamy, cheesy potatoes for a side dish that’s pure comfort. The golden layers of tender potatoes, sweet onions, and melted cheese bring together the heartiness of a gratin with a Mediterranean twist. Perfect for pairing with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or as a stand-alone dish, it’s elegant enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
4 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced or cubed
Onions
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil (plus 1 tbsp for greasing)
Cheese
1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded (or substitute with Swiss, Parmesan, or cheddar)
Seasoning
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried thyme
Other Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup beef or chicken broth (or water for a vegetarian option)
2 tbsp sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
1 packet dry French onion soup mix (optional, for added depth of flavor)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium baking dish with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-low heat.
Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring often, for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown and caramelized.
Stir in dried thyme and cook for another minute. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Potatoes:
Slice potatoes into thin rounds or cubes (about ¼ inch thick).
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Assemble the Dish:
Layer half of the potatoes in the baking dish.
Spread half of the caramelized onions over them.
Sprinkle half of the cheese on top.
Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese.
Add Liquid:
Pour broth evenly over the layered mixture.
If using sour cream or French onion soup mix, whisk it into the broth before pouring for a richer base.
Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Serve:
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley, if desired.
Tips & Variations
For Perfectly Caramelized Onions:
Cook the onions low and slow—don’t rush this step. It’s what gives the dish its signature sweetness and depth.
Stir occasionally and scrape the bottom of the pan to prevent burning. If they start to dry out, add a splash of water or broth.
For even more flavor, deglaze the pan with a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar or white wine near the end of cooking.
Potato Prep Tips:
Use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamy, buttery texture or russet potatoes for a fluffier bite.
Slice the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
You can parboil the potato slices for 5 minutes before layering if you prefer a softer, more melt-in-your-mouth result.
Cheese Choices:
Gruyère gives the dish a nutty, rich flavor that complements the onions beautifully.
Swiss or Provolone provide a milder flavor, while cheddar adds sharpness.
For a Mediterranean twist, sprinkle in a bit of feta or Parmesan on top before baking.
Boosting Flavor:
Mix in French onion soup mix for a quick flavor boost, or skip it and rely on caramelized onions for a more natural taste.
Add roasted garlic or a pinch of smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
A spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt stirred into the broth adds creaminess without making it heavy.
Make It a Complete Meal:
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers between layers.
For a heartier version, layer in cooked ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage before baking.
You can also top with crispy breadcrumbs or panko for an extra crunch.
Cooking Variations:
Air Fryer: Use a smaller dish and cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 25–30 minutes, checking halfway through.
Stovetop Version: Cook the potatoes and onions together in a skillet with broth until tender, then top with cheese and cover to melt.
Storage & Reheating:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible—it softens the texture.
This dish also freezes well. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with roast chicken, grilled lamb, or Mediterranean-style fish.
Pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for balance.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, just bake it straight from the fridge (add about 10 extra minutes of baking time).
Q: Do I have to caramelize the onions?
Technically no, but it’s highly recommended. Caramelizing the onions adds a deep, sweet-savory flavor that makes this dish taste like classic French onion soup in potato form.
Q: What can I use instead of Gruyère cheese?
Swiss, mozzarella, or even a mix of Parmesan and cheddar work well. Each brings its own flavor profile—Gruyère is nutty, Swiss is mild, and cheddar adds sharpness.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely. Use olive oil instead of butter, vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and swap in your favorite vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for the topping.
Q: Can I use leftover mashed or roasted potatoes?
Yes, this is a great way to use up leftovers. Just layer or mix them in with the caramelized onions and bake until hot and bubbly.
Nutrition
(Per serving, based on 6 servings)
Calories: ~320 kcal
Protein: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Calcium: 180 mg
(Values may vary depending on cheese choice, added broth, and portion size.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean French Onion Potatoes combine the comfort of classic French onion soup with the heartiness of a baked potato casserole. The slow-cooked caramelized onions bring out natural sweetness, while the golden melted cheese adds a layer of richness that ties it all together.
It’s an easy, make-ahead side that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even a simple salad. Whether served as a cozy weeknight dish or a special weekend indulgence, this recipe turns humble pantry staples into something elegant and deeply satisfying.