French Onion Stuffed Potatoes

 

French Onion Stuffed Potatoes: A Comfort Food Classic with a Gourmet Twist

If you're a fan of classic French onion soup and hearty baked potatoes, prepare to fall in love with the perfect culinary marriage—French Onion Stuffed Potatoes. This dish brings the rich, savory flavor of caramelized onions, the gooey goodness of melted cheese, and the comforting texture of baked potatoes together in one irresistible recipe.

Whether you're looking for a cozy dinner side, an elevated appetizer, or a satisfying vegetarian main, these stuffed potatoes check all the boxes. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special and how you can make it at home.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

French Onion Stuffed Potatoes take all the best elements of French onion soup—deeply caramelized onions, buttery richness, and melted Gruyère cheese—and pair them with fluffy, oven-baked potatoes. The result? A mouthwatering dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests.

It's also:

• Budget-friendly and made with pantry staples

• Naturally gluten-free

• Easily adaptable for vegetarians or meat-lovers

• A fantastic make-ahead option

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Ingredients You'll Need

• 4 large Russet potatoes

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to help caramelization)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup beef or vegetable broth

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss)

• Chopped chives or parsley, for garnish

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How to Make French Onion Stuffed Potatoes

1. Bake the Potatoes

Scrub the potatoes clean and pierce them a few times with a fork. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 45–60 minutes until soft. Let them cool slightly before handling.

2. Caramelize the Onions

While the potatoes are baking, heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly for 20–30 minutes, stirring often, until they turn deep golden brown. Add sugar if desired to aid in caramelization.

Add garlic, thyme, and a splash of broth to deglaze the pan. Simmer until the liquid reduces. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Prepare the Potato Shells

Once cooled, slice the potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh into a bowl, leaving a sturdy shell. Mash the scooped-out potato with a bit of butter or broth if desired, then mix in half of the caramelized onions and a little shredded cheese.

4. Stuff and Top

Fill each potato shell with the onion-potato mixture, then top generously with more caramelized onions and a heap of shredded Gruyère.

5. Bake Again

Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

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Serving Suggestions

These French Onion Stuffed Potatoes can be served as:

• A side dish to roast chicken, steak, or pork

• A hearty vegetarian main with a green salad

• An elegant appetizer for a dinner party

Top with a dollop of sour cream, fresh herbs, or even crispy bacon bits for added flair.

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Tips & Variations

• Cheese Swap: Gruyère is traditional, but you can use Swiss, mozzarella, or even provolone.

• Make it Meatier: Add cooked bacon, pancetta, or shredded roast beef to the filling.

• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

• Shortcut Option: Use leftover mashed potatoes for a faster prep.

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Final Thoughts

French Onion Stuffed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food upgrade. Rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, they combine everything we love about French onion soup with the satisfying heartiness of a baked potato. Perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or any time you're craving something soul-warming and indulgent.

Ready to try them? Get your onions caramelizing—you’re in for a treat.