Classic French Onion Potato Casserole

By: Julia Pacheco

This French onion potato casserole is a showstopper, offering a perfect blend of creamy textures, gooey cheese, and an unbelievably rich onion flavor. It’s a comforting side dish that’s hearty enough to steal the spotlight or perfectly complement any meal.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 1 hr

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins

Servings: 4 servings

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There’s something incredibly satisfying about a well-made casserole, and this French Onion Potato Casserole takes comfort food to a whole new level. Imagine tender, fluffy potatoes mingling with succulent chicken, all bathed in a savory, aromatic French onion sauce and topped with melted, bubbly provolone cheese. This dish isn’t just a side; it’s an experience. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or looking for a standout dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole promises to be a crowd-pleaser, leaving everyone asking for the recipe. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

The secret to its deep, rich flavor lies in the combination of canned French onion soup and a packet of Lipton onion soup mix, which together create a robust base that infuses every bite with that characteristic caramelized onion taste, without the lengthy caramelizing process. Paired with russet potatoes, known for their ability to absorb flavors and become incredibly tender, and lean chicken breast, this casserole offers a balanced yet indulgent meal.

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Potato Casserole

• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of two types of onion soup delivers an unparalleled depth of savory, umami-rich flavor that truly mimics slow-cooked French onion soup.
• Creamy & Cheesy Perfection: With provolone cheese melting into every layer, you get a beautiful creaminess and stretchy, gooey goodness that makes each bite irresistible.
• Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with potatoes and chicken, this casserole is a complete meal in itself or a substantial side dish that will keep you full and content.
• Easy to Prepare: Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward. Minimal prep work and simple baking make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is universally loved. Its comforting nature and delicious flavors make it a guaranteed hit at any gathering, from casual dinners to festive holidays.
• Versatile: While perfect as a standalone, it pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, offering flexibility for your menu planning.

Ingredients

• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced small
• 1 ½ lbs chicken breast, cubed
• 10 oz can French onion soup
• 1 packet Lipton onion soup mix
• 1 ½ cup provolone cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as the casserole goes in.
2. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. In the prepared baking dish, combine the diced potatoes, cubed chicken breast, the can of French onion soup, the Lipton onion soup mix packet, and ½ cup of the shredded provolone cheese. Stir all ingredients thoroughly until everything is well combined and evenly distributed.
3. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. The foil helps to steam the potatoes and chicken, ensuring they cook through and become tender without drying out.
4. Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and remove the foil. Be cautious of escaping steam. Give the casserole a good stir to redistribute the flavors and ingredients. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded provolone cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
5. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a fork, the chicken is fully cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F), and the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly.

Tips for the Best French Onion Potato Casserole

To ensure your French Onion Potato Casserole turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Uniform Potato Dicing: Make sure to dice your russet potatoes into small, uniform pieces. This ensures that all potatoes cook evenly and become tender at the same rate. Inconsistent sizing can lead to some potatoes being undercooked while others are perfectly done.
• Don’t Skimp on the Stirring: After the initial bake, stirring the casserole helps to distribute the rich onion flavor and creamy sauce evenly throughout the potatoes and chicken. It also prevents any sticking to the bottom of the dish.
• Cheese Choice Matters: While provolone is specified and works wonderfully, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Gruyere or a blend of provolone and mozzarella can add different dimensions of flavor and melt beautifully. A sprinkle of Parmesan can also enhance the savory notes.
• Cover Tightly: Covering the casserole with foil for the initial baking period is crucial. It creates a steamy environment that helps the potatoes and chicken cook thoroughly and become incredibly tender without burning the top.
• Check for Doneness: Always test the potatoes for tenderness by piercing them with a fork before removing the casserole from the oven. If they’re still firm, bake for a few more minutes until they’re soft. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
• Rest Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven lets the flavors settle and the sauce thicken slightly. This also makes it easier to serve.

Variations to Try

This French Onion Potato Casserole is fantastic as is, but it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few ideas to customize it:

• Add Caramelized Onions: For an even deeper and more authentic French onion flavor, take the time to caramelize a couple of fresh onions before adding them to the casserole. Sauté them slowly in butter until deeply golden and sweet.
• Different Proteins: Instead of chicken breast, consider using leftover shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep, or swap it for cooked ground beef, turkey, or even sliced sausage.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of a chicken-based French onion soup (if applicable, check labels). You could also add sliced mushrooms for extra texture and umami.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce stirred into the mixture can add a subtle kick if you enjoy a little heat.
• Herb Additions: Fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped, would complement the savory onion flavors beautifully. Add them along with the initial ingredients.
• Breadcrumb Topping: For an extra crispy texture, mix the remaining cheese with a handful of Panko breadcrumbs tossed in melted butter before sprinkling over the top for the final bake.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty French Onion Potato Casserole can be the star of your meal or a fabulous side. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside it:

• Roasted Meats: It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, a juicy pork loin, or a perfectly seared steak.
• Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed green beans, asparagus, or broccoli make an excellent light accompaniment.
• Crusty Bread: A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any remaining creamy sauce.
• Holiday Feasts: This casserole is substantial enough to be a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner table.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Making life easier in the kitchen is always a win, and this French Onion Potato Casserole offers great flexibility for make-ahead and storage options:

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the point of the second cheese sprinkle) a day in advance. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add about 15-20 minutes to the initial covered baking time to account for the casserole starting cold, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
• Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, portion out servings and warm gently in the microwave until heated through. For larger amounts, cover with foil and reheat in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) until warm, uncovering for the last few minutes if you want to crisp up the top.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes quite well. Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above.

Frequently Asked Questions About French Onion Potato Casserole

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious casserole:

Can I use a different type of potato?

While russet potatoes are recommended for their starchiness and ability to become tender and absorb flavors well, you can certainly experiment. Yukon Gold potatoes would also work, providing a creamier texture. Red potatoes or new potatoes tend to hold their shape more, which could alter the overall texture of the casserole.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

Peeling the potatoes is recommended for a smoother, creamier casserole experience, especially with russet potatoes whose skins can be tougher. However, if you prefer, you can leave the skins on, particularly if using thinner-skinned varieties like Yukon Golds. Just make sure to scrub them very well.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

To make this casserole gluten-free, you would need to ensure that both the canned French onion soup and the Lipton onion soup mix are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat. Otherwise, all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Is it possible to make this casserole spicier?

Absolutely! If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the casserole mixture before baking. A dash of your favorite hot sauce or a finely diced jalapeño can also provide a pleasant kick.

What if my casserole seems too dry after baking?

If your casserole seems a bit dry, it might be due to overbaking or insufficient liquid. Ensure you cover it tightly during the initial bake to lock in moisture. If you find it’s consistently dry, you can try adding a splash of chicken broth or even a little heavy cream to the mixture before baking.