The BEST Easy Boulangère Potatoes

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Boulangère potatoes are a classic French side dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes, sautéed onions, and garlic, all baked in savoury stock. This easy and delicious recipe is the perfect comforting side dish for any meal.

You'll also love my garlic-smashed potatoes and my crispy roasted sweet potatoes.

Table of Contents

Jump to:

⭐️ Why this recipe works
🧾 Ingredients overview
👩🏻‍🍳 Here's how to make it
📖 Variations
💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips
🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers
❓Recipe FAQ's
The BEST Easy Boulangère Potatoes

⭐️ Why this recipe works

Flavourful way to dress up potatoes: The caramelised onions and garlic add a deep, savoury flavour that complements the creamy potatoes perfectly.
Simple ingredients: This dish uses basic, easily accessible ingredients, making it easy to prepare without requiring a special trip to the shops.
Comfort Food: This dish is a classic comfort food, providing a hearty and satisfying side that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and baked when ready, making it perfect for busy schedules or entertaining.

🧾 Ingredients overview

Yellow onions: Adds sweetness and depth of flavour when caramelised.
Garlic: Enhances the savory taste of the dish.
Fresh thyme: Provides an aromatic, earthy flavour that pairs well with potatoes.
Butter (salted or unsalted): Used for sautéing and adds richness to the dish.
Potatoes: The main component, providing a starchy, comforting base.
Hot stock: Adds moisture and infuses the potatoes with flavor as they bake.

For precise measurements and additional ingredients, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

👩🏻‍🍳 Here's how to make it

Easy Boulangère Potatoes recipe step-by-step

Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 180ºC (or 160ºC fan) to ensure it's ready for baking.
Prepare the onions and garlic: Peel and thinly slice the onions and mince the garlic.

Sauté the onions and garlic: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté the onions, garlic, and thyme until soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.

Slice the potatoes: While the onions are cooking, peel and thinly slice the potatoes to ensure even cooking and a uniform texture.

Onions and potatoes are layered for Boulanger.

Layer the ingredients: In a greased casserole dish, layer the softened onions and sliced potatoes alternately.
Add the stock: Pour the hot stock evenly over the layered potatoes and onions.

Initial baking: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through and absorb the flavors.
Final baking: Remove the foil, spread some melted butter over the top layer of potatoes, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until golden and crispy on top.

📖 Variations

Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
Herbs: Substitute thyme with rosemary or sage for a different flavour profile.
Cheesy: Sprinkle grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese on top before the final baking step.
Dairy-Free: Use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute instead of regular butter.
Additional Vegetables: Add layers of thinly sliced carrots or parsnips for extra flavor and nutrition.

💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips

Drawing on a decade of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and Cordon Bleu training, I have compiled my top tips for recipe success.

Broth Infusion: Infuse the broth with additional herbs like bay leaves or a splash of white wine for extra depth.
Crispy Top: For an extra crispy top, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Flavour Boost: Add a dash of nutmeg or white pepper to the potatoes for a subtle flavour boost.

🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers

Fridge: Store the cooled boulangère potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: To reheat, place the potatoes in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 175ºC oven for about 15-20 minutes. If reheating from frozen, extend the time to 25-30 minutes.

❓Recipe FAQ's

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can use russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, but the texture might vary slightly.

How can I prevent the potatoes from turning brown while preparing?

Keep the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water until you're ready to use them.

Can I add cheese to this dish?

Yes, adding cheese like Gruyère or Parmesan can enhance the flavor.

Looking for other side dish recipes like this? Try these:

If you tried this Easy Boulangère Potatoes please let me know in the comments below, and please leave a star rating while you're there!

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Craving more comfort food? Visit our sister site, Salted Mint, for easy, delicious recipes with everyday ingredients.