French Onion Baked Potatoes

If you love the savory goodness of French onion soup, then these French Onion Baked Potatoes are about to become your new favorite side dish. Imagine the creamy, melted cheese and the rich, caramelized onion flavor smothered over a perfectly baked potato. This dish is the ultimate comfort food with a delicious twist—every bite is a creamy, cheesy, and slightly crispy indulgence that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re pairing it with steak, chicken, or enjoying it on its own, it’s a meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one.

Why You’ll Love French Onion Baked Potatoes

This recipe is more than just potatoes—it’s a flavor-packed side dish that brings a little luxury to any meal. Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with it:

Comforting and Hearty:

The combination of fluffy baked potatoes with rich, caramelized onions and gooey cheese makes for a perfectly comforting meal or side. It’s warm, hearty, and just plain delicious.

Flavor Explosion:

With the savory goodness of French onion soup in every bite, these potatoes are infused with a deep, rich flavor. The caramelized onions add that perfect sweetness, while the melted cheese brings it all together.

Simple Ingredients:

You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make this dish. Simple, everyday items come together to create an unforgettable taste. Plus, you likely already have everything you need in your kitchen.

Versatile:

Serve these potatoes as a side to a variety of main dishes like grilled steak, roasted chicken, or even a fresh salad. They’re also hearty enough to stand alone as a filling meal on their own!

Make-Ahead Option:

You can prep these potatoes in advance, making them perfect for busy nights or even entertaining guests. Just assemble them, store in the fridge, and bake when you’re ready.

Ingredients

Let’s break down what you’ll need to create these delicious French Onion Baked Potatoes:

For the Potatoes:

• Russet Potatoes: These are the best potatoes for baking. Their starchy, fluffy interior makes them the perfect base for all the toppings.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the potatoes. We’ll use it both for the baked potatoes themselves and for the onion topping.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that will enhance the flavors of the potatoes and the caramelized onions.

For the Onion Topping:

• Yellow Onions: Yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing—they become soft, sweet, and golden brown when cooked low and slow.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the onions and help them caramelize without burning.
• Beef Broth: This is the secret ingredient to infusing the onions with that deep, savory flavor we love in French onion soup.
• Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a lovely herby flavor to the onions, complementing the richness of the broth.
• Garlic: A touch of minced garlic enhances the flavor of the onions and gives the dish that extra depth of taste.
• Shredded Gruyère or Swiss Cheese: These cheeses are perfect for melting, adding a creamy, slightly nutty flavor to the dish. You can use cheddar if you prefer a sharper taste.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on these French Onion Baked Potatoes. Follow these simple steps for a delicious, comforting dish:

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub the russet potatoes, then pierce each potato a few times with a fork. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove them from the oven and set aside.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

While the potatoes are baking, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes, until the onions become soft, golden, and caramelized. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Herbs

Pour in the beef broth and add the thyme. Stir everything together, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, until the broth reduces slightly and the onions absorb the savory flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are done baking, cut a slit down the center of each one and gently fluff the inside with a fork. Season the insides with a little butter, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Assemble the Potatoes

Top each baked potato with a generous spoonful of the caramelized onion mixture. Sprinkle shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese on top of the onions.

Step 6: Broil for Melty Goodness

Place the potatoes under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your French Onion Baked Potatoes hot, topped with extra thyme or fresh parsley if desired. Pair with your favorite main dish, or enjoy on their own!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 400
Total Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 500mg
Total Carbohydrates: 47g
Dietary Fiber: 6g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 9g
Vitamin A: 15%
Vitamin C: 20%
Calcium: 20%
Iron: 8%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour (45-60 minutes for potatoes, 20-25 minutes for onions)
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve French Onion Baked Potatoes

These baked potatoes are rich, creamy, and indulgent on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:

With Grilled Steak:

The savory richness of the potatoes complements the bold flavors of grilled steak perfectly. Add a side of roasted veggies, and you’ve got a full, satisfying meal.

With Roasted Chicken:

Serve alongside roasted chicken for a comforting and hearty dinner. The crispy skin of the chicken pairs beautifully with the creamy baked potatoes.

As a Vegetarian Meal:

These potatoes are hearty enough to stand alone as a vegetarian meal. Add a crisp side salad for a light, fresh contrast to the creamy, cheesy potatoes.

With a Green Veggie:

A side of sautéed spinach, green beans, or a mixed salad adds color and freshness to balance out the richness of the potatoes.

Additional Tips

Make It Extra Crispy:

If you like your potatoes with a bit of extra crunch, you can bake them for an additional 5-10 minutes after broiling, just to crisp up the skin even more.

Add More Cheese:

Feel free to use a combination of cheeses, like mozzarella or Parmesan, for extra flavor. You can also add a little cheese to the onions for even more cheesiness.

Vegetarian Version:

To make this recipe vegetarian, simply substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth. It will still have great flavor without any meat.

Prep Ahead:

You can prep the onions in advance by caramelizing them earlier in the day. When you’re ready to serve, just assemble the potatoes, top with the onions, and broil them.

Leftovers:

If you have leftovers, these potatoes reheat beautifully. Simply microwave or bake them until the cheese is melted again.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of potato?
A1: While russet potatoes are ideal for baking, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. However, they won’t be quite as fluffy on the inside.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A2: Yes! Just use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ve got a completely vegetarian version of this dish.

Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A3: You can prep the onions and bake the potatoes in advance, then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just top the potatoes with onions and cheese, and broil until the cheese is melted.

Q4: What can I use instead of Gruyère cheese?
A4: If you can’t find Gruyère, you can substitute Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or cheddar for a slightly different flavor. Gruyère’s nutty taste is unique, but other melty cheeses will work well too.

Q5: Can I add other vegetables to the caramelized onion mix?
A5: Yes! You can add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the onions for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure they cook down well during the caramelization process.

Q6: Can I freeze these potatoes?
A6: While it’s best to eat them fresh, you can freeze the caramelized onions separately. When ready to serve, bake new potatoes and top them with the frozen onions and cheese, then broil.

Q7: How can I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, then broil for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese.

Q8: Can I skip the broiling step?
A8: You can, but broiling really makes the cheese melt beautifully and gives the potatoes a nice golden crust. If you skip it, the potatoes will still be delicious, but they’ll lack that crispy cheese topping.

Q9: What’s the best way to caramelize the onions?
A9: The key is to cook the onions low and slow. Stir them occasionally, and don’t rush the process—caramelized onions take time (about 20-25 minutes) to reach their golden, sweet perfection.

Q10: Can I make these potatoes without cheese?
A10: Yes! If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, simply skip the cheese. The caramelized onions alone are rich and flavorful enough to make these potatoes delicious.

Conclusion

These French Onion Baked Potatoes are the perfect blend of savory, cheesy, and comforting flavors. They’re easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and the ultimate side dish to impress your guests—or just indulge in on a cozy night in. Try this recipe next time you’re craving something a little extra special—you won’t be disappointed!

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