There are few things more comforting than a good old-fashioned potato bake, but this French onion version takes the family favourite to another level and a winner for Christmas Day this year if not roasting spuds.

With tender layers of potato, rich cream, savoury French onion flavour and a bubbling golden cheese topping, it’s the sort of dish that has everyone coming back for seconds.

The secret is a humble packet of French onion soup mix, which does much of the hard work for you. There’s no need for fancy ingredients or complicated preparation, just a handful of supermarket staples and a little patience while the oven works its magic.

Serve it alongside roast chicken, steak or sausages, or enjoy a generous helping with a fresh green salad.

Cheesy French onion potato bake

Serves 6 | Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 70–85 minutes

Ingredients

• 1.2kg potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 3mm thick)

• 1 packet (40g) French onion soup mix

• 300ml thickened cream

• 200ml full-cream milk

• 1 large brown onion, thinly sliced

• 1½ cups grated tasty cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing

• Freshly cracked black pepper

• Chopped fresh parsley, to garnish (optional)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Grease a medium-sized baking dish with butter.

2. In a large jug, whisk together the cream, milk, French onion soup mix, crushed garlic and a little black pepper until well combined.

3. Arrange one-third of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish, overlapping them slightly. Scatter over half the sliced onion and a little grated cheese.

4. Repeat with another layer of potatoes, the remaining onion and a little more cheese. Finish with the remaining potatoes.

5. Pour the cream mixture evenly over the potatoes, allowing it to settle between the layers. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top.

6. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 50 minutes.

7. Remove the foil and bake for another 20–35 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a knife and the cheese is golden and bubbling.

8. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.

Handy tips

Choose the right potatoes: Sebago or Desiree potatoes work beautifully because they hold their shape while becoming tender and creamy.

Don’t add extra salt: French onion soup mix already contains plenty of seasoning, so taste before adding any more.

Make it ahead: Assemble the bake earlier in the day, cover and refrigerate. When ready to cook, allow a little extra oven time if baking straight from the fridge.

For an extra-crispy topping: Pop the finished bake under the grill for a minute or two, keeping a close eye on it.