French Onion Stuffed Potatoes Recipe

There's something undeniably comforting about the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup. Now imagine those flavors packed into a tender, buttery baked potato. French Onion Stuffed Potatoes combine everything you love about the classic soup—sweet caramelized onions, gooey melted cheese, and a touch of thyme—into a satisfying side or even a main dish.

this Recipe

This recipe is perfect for cozy nights in or when you’re looking to elevate your dinner game with minimal effort. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings gourmet vibes to your table without the fuss. Let’s dive into why this dish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Stuffed Potatoes Recipe

Get ready to embrace the best of both worlds with this fusion of comfort food classics. French Onion Stuffed Potatoes offer a delightful twist on the beloved baked potato.

First, these potatoes are a breeze to prepare, yet they taste like they’ve been crafted in a fine dining kitchen. The caramelized onions, a hallmark of French onion soup, are balanced beautifully with melty cheese and hearty potatoes.

They’re incredibly versatile too. Serve them as a show-stopping side dish or as the main event for a vegetarian-friendly meal. You can even customize the recipe to fit your preferences—use Gruyère for a classic touch or swap in mozzarella for an extra gooey finish.

Another bonus? These stuffed potatoes are surprisingly budget-friendly. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels indulgent without breaking the bank.

Lastly, they’re make-ahead friendly. Prep the components in advance, and when dinner rolls around, all you need to do is assemble and bake.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, yet each ingredient shines in its role to create a perfectly balanced dish.

The potatoes are the star of the show. Russet potatoes work best here thanks to their starchy, fluffy interior that soaks up the rich onion and cheese flavors. For a smaller portion, try Yukon Gold potatoes.

Onions are key to replicating the flavor of French onion soup. Yellow onions are my top choice for their natural sweetness, but white onions or even red onions work if that’s what you have on hand.

For the cheese, Gruyère is the traditional choice, offering a nutty, slightly salty flavor. If Gruyère isn’t available, try Swiss cheese or even sharp cheddar for a different twist.

A touch of thyme brings a fresh, herby aroma to the dish, perfectly complementing the richness of the onions. Fresh thyme is ideal, but dried works well too.

For the finishing touch, a little butter and beef broth add depth to the onions as they caramelize, enhancing their sweetness and richness.

You’ll also need olive oil for roasting the potatoes and salt and pepper to season everything to perfection. No special equipment is required—just a baking sheet, a skillet, and a knife.

How to Make This French Onion Stuffed Potatoes Recipe

Creating these stuffed potatoes is a straightforward process, and the results are worth every step.

Start by baking your potatoes. Preheat the oven to 400°F and scrub the potatoes clean. Pierce them a few times with a fork, rub them with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet, and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until fork-tender.

While the potatoes bake, caramelize the onions. Slice the onions thinly and heat a large skillet over medium heat with butter and olive oil. Add the onions and a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally. After about 20-25 minutes, the onions should be soft, golden brown, and irresistibly fragrant. Stir in a splash of beef broth and thyme, cooking for a few more minutes until the mixture is rich and jammy.

Once the potatoes are done, let them cool slightly before handling. Carefully cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the interior, leaving a sturdy shell. Mash the scooped potato flesh with a bit of butter, salt, and pepper, then stir in some of the caramelized onions and shredded cheese.

Fill the potato shells with the mixture, then top with the remaining caramelized onions and cheese. Place them back in the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

The entire process takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, but much of that is hands-off, making it an easy yet impressive dish.

Storage Options

These stuffed potatoes store beautifully, making them great for meal prep or leftovers.

To refrigerate, place the cooled potatoes in an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a quick option, though the oven will maintain their texture better.

For longer storage, freeze the stuffed potatoes before the second bake. Wrap each potato half in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 30-40 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.

For a vegetarian version, swap the beef broth with vegetable broth. You’ll still achieve that deep, savory flavor.

If you’re a meat lover, consider adding crumbled bacon or shredded rotisserie chicken to the filling for an extra layer of heartiness.

Prefer a sharper flavor? Use a mix of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese in place of Gruyère.

For a low-carb twist, try using halved roasted sweet potatoes instead of russets. The sweetness of the sweet potato pairs beautifully with the savory onion and cheese filling.

Finally, feel free to mix up the herbs. Swap thyme for rosemary or parsley, or add a sprinkle of chives on top for a fresh finish.

French Onion Stuffed Potatoes are a delightful combination of rich, hearty flavors and comforting textures. With this recipe in your repertoire, you’ll have an impressive dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious.

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