Looking for a rich, cozy, and crowd-pleasing side dish? These French Onion Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Thinly sliced potatoes are baked in a creamy blend of sour cream, butter, and French onion soup mix, then topped with melty cheddar cheese for the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a holiday meal, this dish is always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra creamy and cheesy: Every bite is packed with flavor and smooth texture.
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples and a single soup mix packet.
- Perfect for gatherings: Great for potlucks, family dinners, or Thanksgiving.
- Comfort food classic: It’s a side dish that feels like the star of the show.
Ingredients
- 6 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions

- Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare the baking dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking. - Mix the sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, melted butter, milk, and the French onion soup mix. Stir until fully incorporated into a creamy mixture. - Layer the potatoes
Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. - Coat with sauce
Pour the sour cream mixture over the potatoes, using a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly and coat all the slices. - Season
Add salt and pepper to taste over the top. - Bake covered
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This step helps the potatoes cook through and absorb the creamy flavors. - Add cheese & finish baking
After 45 minutes, remove the foil. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden and the potatoes are fork-tender. - Serve hot
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy deliciousness!
Pro Tips and Variations
- Slice evenly: Use a mandoline slicer to get consistent, thin potato slices for even baking.
- Add herbs: Top with chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley before baking for a herby twist.
- Extra crispy top: Broil for the last 2 minutes to give the cheese a golden, bubbly finish.
- Lighter version: Use light sour cream and reduced-fat cheddar if you want to cut back on richness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a side dish with roast chicken, beef, or pork.
- Pairs beautifully with holiday mains like glazed ham or turkey.
- Great with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
- Makes a satisfying vegetarian main when served with steamed veggies.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through to maintain the texture, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing not recommended: The sour cream may separate after thawing.
FAQs
Can I prep this dish in advance?
Yes! Assemble the full dish (without baking) and store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Try mozzarella for a gooier finish or a mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyère for extra depth.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute with plain Greek yogurt, though the flavor and texture will be slightly tangier.
Can I add meat?
Yes—cooked and crumbled bacon or ham makes a great addition to the potato layers.
Conclusion
These French Onion Potatoes are the definition of creamy comfort food. Easy to prep and irresistibly cheesy, this dish brings together tender potatoes and savory onion flavor in one crowd-pleasing bake. Whether it’s a cozy family meal or a festive holiday spread, this side dish will steal the spotlight. Make it once, and it’ll become a regular on your table!


French Onion Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy French onion potatoes baked with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and soup mix—easy, cheesy, and perfect for comforting dinners or holidays.
Ingredients
- 6 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). -
Prepare the baking dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking. -
Mix the sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, melted butter, milk, and the French onion soup mix. Stir until fully incorporated into a creamy mixture. -
Layer the potatoes
Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. -
Coat with sauce
Pour the sour cream mixture over the potatoes, using a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly and coat all the slices. -
Season
Add salt and pepper to taste over the top. -
Bake covered
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This step helps the potatoes cook through and absorb the creamy flavors. -
Add cheese & finish baking
After 45 minutes, remove the foil. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden and the potatoes are fork-tender. -
Serve hot
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy deliciousness!
Notes
- This recipe layers classic comfort with modern convenience—using French onion soup mix adds deep flavor without the fuss.
- Perfect make-ahead dish: Assemble and store in the fridge up to 1 day ahead, then bake fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: French onion potatoes, cheesy potato bake, easy potato casserole, holiday side dish, comfort food