There's something undeniably comforting about the combination of tender baked potatoes and rich, caramelized onions. French Onion Stuffed Potatoes bring these two classics together, creating a dish that's as indulgent as it is satisfying. The melted cheese, creamy potato filling, and savory onion topping make this recipe an instant favorite.
I discovered this recipe on a chilly evening when I was craving something hearty yet simple. A twist on the classic French onion soup, this dish quickly became my go-to for family dinners and potlucks. Whether you're hosting friends or just treating yourself, these stuffed potatoes are guaranteed to impress.
Why You'll Love This French Onion Stuffed Potatoes Recipe
Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food. These French Onion Stuffed Potatoes take everything you love about the classic soup and package it into an irresistible, cheesy, and hearty dish.
- Rich and Flavorful: With buttery caramelized onions, melted Gruyère cheese, and creamy potato, this recipe delivers bold, savory flavors in every bite.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you're serving them as a main course or a show-stopping side, these stuffed potatoes work for cozy weeknights and elegant dinner parties alike.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the onions and bake the potatoes ahead of time, making this a stress-free option for busy schedules.
- Customizable: Don't have Gruyère on hand? No problem! This recipe is versatile enough to work with a variety of cheeses and toppings.
These stuffed potatoes are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly magical. Let's dive into the details to make this irresistible dish.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of French Onion Stuffed Potatoes lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Here's a closer look at what makes this dish so special:
- Russet Potatoes: These large, starchy potatoes are ideal for baking. They hold their shape well and have a fluffy interior perfect for mixing with the filling.
- Yellow Onions: Sweet and mild, yellow onions are perfect for caramelizing. They develop a deep, rich flavor after slow cooking.
- Gruyère Cheese: The nutty, slightly salty flavor of Gruyère complements the sweetness of the onions. You can substitute with Swiss or mozzarella if needed.
- Beef Broth: A small amount of beef broth adds a savory depth reminiscent of French onion soup.
- Butter: Used for both the onions and the potato filling, butter enhances the richness of the dish.
- Fresh Thyme: This herb adds a subtle earthiness. You can substitute dried thyme, but fresh is best for flavor.
Special Equipment: A sharp knife for slicing onions evenly, a large skillet for caramelizing, and a sturdy potato masher or fork for preparing the filling are all you'll need.
How To Make French Onion Stuffed Potatoes

Creating these French Onion Stuffed Potatoes is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps to bring this cozy dish to life:
- Bake the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the potatoes with a fork and rub them with a bit of olive oil and salt. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for about 1 hour, or until tender when pierced with a knife.
- Caramelize the Onions: While the potatoes bake, heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring often, until they turn golden brown and soft, about 30-40 minutes. Stir in the beef broth and thyme, then cook until the liquid is absorbed. Set aside.
- Prepare the Potato Filling: Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them lengthwise and scoop out the insides into a bowl, leaving a thin shell. Mash the potato flesh with butter, a splash of milk, and salt to taste until creamy.
- Stuff the Potatoes: Mix half of the caramelized onions and some shredded Gruyère into the mashed potato filling. Spoon the mixture back into the potato shells, mounding slightly.
- Top and Bake: Divide the remaining onions over the top of each potato and sprinkle with the remaining Gruyère. Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The total time for this recipe is just under two hours, but every minute is worth it for the incredible flavors you'll enjoy.
Storage Options
These stuffed potatoes are just as delightful the next day. Here's how to store them:
- Refrigerator: Place cooled potatoes in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap each potato in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the potatoes in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. For a quicker option, microwave in 1-minute intervals, though the oven yields the best texture.
Variations and Substitutions
The versatility of this recipe means you can make it your own with a few tweaks:
- Cheese Swaps: Try cheddar, provolone, or even a sharp blue cheese for a unique twist.
- Meaty Additions: Stir in cooked bacon, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier meal.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based butter for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the filling for a hint of heat.
- Mini Potatoes: Use small potatoes for an appetizer version of this recipe – perfect for parties!
Experiment and find your favorite combination. You might just discover a new family favorite.
Warm, hearty, and loaded with flavor, French Onion Stuffed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Whether you're cozying up on a winter evening or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish, these potatoes never disappoint.
PrintFrench Onion Stuffed Potatoes Recipe
French Onion Stuffed Potatoes are a mouthwatering combination of caramelized onions, melty cheese, and baked potatoes. Perfect as a side or main dish!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- ½ tsp thyme (optional)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub the potatoes, pierce them with a fork, and bake for 50–60 minutes until tender.
- While the potatoes bake, heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring frequently, until caramelized (about 25–30 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add broth and thyme, then simmer until the liquid is reduced. Season with salt and pepper.
- Once potatoes are done, let them cool slightly. Cut off the top and scoop out the insides, leaving a sturdy shell.
- Mash the scooped potato with sour cream, a portion of cheese, and the caramelized onions. Fill the potato shells with this mixture.
- Top with remaining cheese and return to the oven for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth.
- Gruyere cheese provides a rich flavor, but feel free to substitute with mozzarella or cheddar.
- These can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed potato
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
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