Vegan French Onion Potato Bake (No Soup Packet!)
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There’s nothing quite like a comforting, hearty dish that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and satisfies your cravings. This Vegan French Onion Potato Bake is just that—a rich, creamy, and flavorful casserole made without any processed soup packets. Instead, we create our own deeply caramelized onions and infuse them into the dish, giving it an authentic, homemade taste.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, a holiday side dish, or meal prep inspiration, this potato bake is a winner. It’s dairy-free, vegan, and made with simple ingredients, but the result is incredibly indulgent. Best of all, you don’t need any fancy ingredients—just pantry staples and a little bit of patience for caramelizing the onions. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this dish!
Why You Will Love This Vegan French Onion Potato Bake Recipe
⭐ Incredible Flavor – The slow-cooked caramelized onions provide a deep, umami-rich taste that makes this dish extra special.
🥔 Hearty & Comforting – Creamy, tender potatoes baked in a savory broth make for the perfect cozy meal.
🌿 No Packaged Soup Needed – Many French onion potato bakes rely on a store-bought onion soup mix, which often contains additives. This homemade version is healthier and tastes even better.
🥛 Dairy-Free & Vegan – Made without butter, cheese, or heavy cream, this dish is completely plant-based yet still deliciously creamy.
🎉 Great for Gatherings – Whether it’s a potluck, holiday dinner, or just a comforting meal at home, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
Now that you’re excited to make this dish, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need.
Ingredient Notes
For the Caramelized Onions:
- Onions (3 large, thinly sliced): The star of the dish! Yellow or sweet onions work best, as they caramelize beautifully.
- Olive Oil or Vegan Butter (2 tbsp): Helps soften and caramelize the onions.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances the natural sweetness of the onions.
- Sugar (1/2 tsp, optional): Speeds up the caramelization process and deepens the flavor.
- Thyme (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle earthy flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar or Vegan Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp): A little acidity balances the sweetness of the onions.
For the Potato Bake:
- Potatoes (4 large, thinly sliced): Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well for their creamy texture.
- Vegetable Broth (1 1/2 cups): Adds savory depth and keeps the dish moist.
- Unsweetened Plant-Based Milk (1/2 cup): Oat, almond, or soy milk work great for creaminess.
- Nutritional Yeast (1 tbsp): Gives a slightly cheesy, umami-rich flavor.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Boosts flavor without overpowering.
- Smoked Paprika (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle smoky warmth.
- Black Pepper & Salt (to taste): Season as needed.
- Vegan Cheese (Optional, 1/2 cup): For extra creaminess and indulgence.
Vegan French Onion Potato Bake Recipe Tips & Tricks
✅ Caramelize the onions properly – The key to deep flavor is slow-cooking the onions for at least 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally and cook on low heat for the best results.
✅ Slice potatoes evenly – Use a mandoline slicer to get uniform, thin slices (about ⅛-inch thick). This ensures even cooking and a creamy texture.
✅ Layer strategically – Start with potatoes, then a layer of caramelized onions, and repeat. This allows the flavors to distribute evenly.
✅ Use the right baking dish – A ceramic or glass baking dish works best for even heat distribution.
✅ Let it rest – After baking, allow the dish to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes serving easier.
Vegan Pairing & Serving Suggestions
🥗 With a Fresh Salad – A crisp winter citrus salad or simple kale salad complements the rich flavors of this bake.
🍞 With Crusty Bread – Serve with toasted sourdough or a warm baguette to soak up the delicious broth.
🥬 With Roasted Veggies – Pair with Roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or steamed green beans.
🍲 As a Side Dish – This bake pairs well with vegan meatloaf, lentil stew, or stuffed mushrooms.
Storing Tips
🧊 Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🔥 Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
❄️ Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vegan French Onion Potato Bake
Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Yes! Sweet potatoes will add a slightly sweeter flavor and work great in this dish.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How can I make it cheesier?
You can add shredded vegan cheese between the layers and on top before baking.
What’s the best way to slice potatoes evenly?
A mandoline slicer is the best tool for even, thin slices, ensuring uniform cooking.
Essential Equipment
🔪 Mandoline Slicer – Helps create even, thin slices quickly.
🥘 Large Skillet – Essential for caramelizing the onions.
🍲 Baking Dish – A ceramic or glass dish works best for baking.
👩🍳 Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – For prepping onions and potatoes.
This Vegan French Onion Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food—rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying. Made without processed soup packets, it’s packed with deep, caramelized onion flavor and creamy potatoes in a savory broth. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a festive holiday meal, it’s a dish that everyone will love.
We hope you give this recipe a try! If you do, let us know in the comments below – did you make any variations? What did you pair it with? Tag us on Instagram. We’d love to hear from you! 💬👇
Happy cooking! 🥔✨
Vegan French Onion Potato Bake
This Vegan French Onion Potato Bake is a rich, savory, and creamy dish made with layers of thinly sliced potatoes and homemade caramelized onions, baked to perfection in a flavorful broth. It’s a cozy, dairy-free twist on the classic, perfect for a comforting side or main dish!
Ingredients
- For the caramelized onions:
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, helps with caramelization)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce (vegan)
- For the potato bake:
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (soy, oat, or almond)
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (for umami flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup vegan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and salt, cooking slowly for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. When onions turn golden, add thyme, balsamic vinegar (or Worcestershire sauce), and sugar (if using). Cook for another 5 minutes until deeply caramelized. Set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a saucepan, warm the vegetable broth, plant milk, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish. Spread half of the caramelized onions over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and onions. Pour the broth mixture over the layers, ensuring even coverage. Top with vegan cheese, if using.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.
Notes
- Cook the onions on low heat for at least 25-30 minutes to develop deep, rich flavor. Don’t rush this step!
- Use a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure uniform thickness for even cooking. Aim for about ⅛-inch slices.
- After baking, let the dish sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
More Delicious Potato Recipes:
- Potato Leek Soup
- Cozy Pea and Potato Stew
- Vegan Mashed Potato Balls
- Perfect Vegan Potato Salad
- The Best Crispy Roasted Potatoes