When it comes to side dishes, sometimes we crave something a little more special than the usual baked potato or mashed potatoes. That’s where these French Onion Potatoes come in. They take everything we love about a classic baked potato and elevate it with rich, caramelized onions, melty cheese, and savory herbs. The result is a side dish that’s not only hearty and comforting but sophisticated enough to serve at a dinner party or holiday meal.

This recipe combines the familiar comfort of baked potatoes with the irresistible flavors of French onion soup. The deeply caramelized onions add a rich, sweet-savory note, while Gruyère and mozzarella melt into a gooey topping that perfectly complements the tender potatoes. Every bite is packed with bold flavor and creamy, cheesy goodness.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE FRENCH ONION POTATOES

There are a few reasons this recipe might just become your new favorite side dish:

• It’s a perfect balance of simple preparation and impressive presentation.
• The caramelized onions bring an incredible depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy potato and rich cheeses.
• It’s flexible enough for a weeknight meal or special enough for holidays and entertaining.
• The combination of Gruyère and mozzarella creates that perfect cheesy stretch with every bite.

And the best part? While it looks fancy, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Let’s start by gathering everything you need to make these delicious French Onion Potatoes:

For the Baked Potatoes:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the French Onion Topping:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup chopped parsley (for garnish)

A QUICK NOTE ON PREP WORK

It’s always a good idea to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Thinly slice your onions, mince the garlic, and shred the cheese in advance. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.

LET’S GET STARTED: THE FIRST STEPS

STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your potatoes.

STEP 2: PREPARE THE POTATOES

Scrub and dry your russet potatoes thoroughly. Using a fork, pierce each potato a few times to allow steam to escape while baking. Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt for a flavorful skin. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

STEP 3: START CARAMELIZING THE ONIONS

While the potatoes are baking, it’s time to make the star of this recipe: the caramelized onions. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle them with sugar. Cook the onions slowly, stirring often, for about 25 to 30 minutes until they become deeply golden and caramelized.

STEP 4: ADD GARLIC, THYME, AND BROTH

Once your onions have reached that perfect caramelized stage, stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, and beef broth. Continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing most of the liquid to evaporate. This step layers even more flavor into the onions, giving them a savory, slightly herby richness that will pair beautifully with the baked potatoes.

HOW TO ASSEMBLE AND FINISH YOUR FRENCH ONION POTATOES

Now that your baked potatoes are perfectly tender and your caramelized onions are rich and golden, it’s time to bring everything together. This final part of the recipe is where these French Onion Potatoes truly shine.

THE SECRET TO THE PERFECT CHEESY TOPPING

What takes these potatoes over the top is the combination of Gruyère and mozzarella cheese. Gruyère brings a nutty, slightly salty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the onions, while mozzarella adds that creamy, gooey stretch we all love. Together, they create the ultimate topping for these savory stuffed potatoes.

LET’S CONTINUE: STUFFING, BAKING, AND SERVING

STEP 5: SLICE OPEN THE BAKED POTATOES

Once your potatoes have finished baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly so they’re easier to handle. Using a sharp knife, slice each one open lengthwise. Gently fluff the inside of each potato with a fork to loosen the flesh and create room for the filling.

STEP 6: SPOON IN THE CARAMELIZED ONION MIXTURE

Evenly divide the caramelized onion mixture among the four baked potatoes. Use a spoon to gently push the onions into the center, allowing them to mix slightly with the fluffed potato inside.

STEP 7: ADD THE CHEESE

Generously top each stuffed potato with shredded Gruyère and mozzarella cheese. Make sure the cheese covers the entire surface for an even, bubbly melt.

STEP 8: BAKE UNTIL MELTED AND BUBBLY

Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and return them to the oven. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, golden, and bubbly. Keep an eye on them during this step to avoid over-browning.

STEP 9: GARNISH AND SERVE

Once the cheese is melted to perfection, remove the potatoes from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh, herby finish. Serve hot.

EXPERT TIPS FOR THE BEST FRENCH ONION POTATOES

• Choose large, evenly sized russet potatoes: This ensures even cooking and plenty of space for stuffing.
• Take your time with the onions: Caramelizing onions slowly over low heat is key to developing deep, sweet flavor.
• Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Freshly shredded Gruyère and mozzarella melt more smoothly.
• Adjust seasoning as needed: Taste your caramelized onions before stuffing the potatoes and add salt and pepper if needed.
• Serve immediately: These potatoes are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the cheese is perfectly melty.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

French Onion Potatoes make an excellent side dish for everything from roasted chicken to grilled steaks. They’re also hearty enough to serve as a vegetarian main course with a simple side salad. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or a holiday spread, they’re sure to impress.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FRENCH ONION POTATOES

Even though this recipe is simple, a few common questions often come up. Here are some answers to help you get perfect results every time.

1. Can I use a different type of potato?

Russet potatoes work best because of their size and fluffy texture, but you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier interior. Just make sure they’re large enough to hold the filling.

2. Can I caramelize the onions ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the caramelized onions up to two days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before stuffing the potatoes.

3. What can I substitute for Gruyère cheese?

If Gruyère isn’t available, Swiss cheese, provolone, or even sharp white cheddar can work as substitutes. Each will give a slightly different flavor but still pair well with the caramelized onions.

4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes. Simply use vegetable broth instead of beef broth when cooking the onions. The flavor will still be rich and delicious.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover stuffed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until heated through, which will help maintain the texture better than microwaving.

6. Can I freeze French Onion Potatoes?

Freezing is not recommended because the texture of the potatoes and cheese may change after thawing. For best results, enjoy them fresh or refrigerated within a few days.

7. Can I add protein to make this a full meal?

Absolutely. You can add cooked, shredded chicken or crumbled bacon into the filling before topping with cheese for a heartier main dish.

CONCLUSION: A DECADENT TWIST ON CLASSIC BAKED POTATOES

These French Onion Potatoes bring together all the cozy, rich flavors of French onion soup and combine them with the comfort of baked potatoes. The result is a side dish that feels both indulgent and satisfying, perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want to serve something special.

I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the savory goodness with your family and friends. Feel free to share your variations, favorite additions, or how you served them. This is one recipe that’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your side dish rotation.

Print