French Onion Stuffed Potatoes Recipe

There’s nothing like the comfort of a warm, golden-brown baked potato filled with the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions and gooey melted cheese. French Onion Stuffed Potatoes combine everything you love about the classic soup into a satisfying, hearty side dish or even a standalone meal.

I first made this recipe on a chilly evening when a craving for French onion soup collided with a need to use up some large russet potatoes. One bite, and I knew this would be a regular addition to our dinner table. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make!

Why You’ll Love These French Onion Stuffed Potatoes

Prepare to fall head over heels for these irresistible stuffed potatoes. They’re not just delicious; they’re an all-in-one solution for busy weeknight dinners or impressive party sides.

First, the flavors are unforgettable. The caramelized onions, melty Gruyère cheese, and buttery potato filling come together to create a savory symphony that’s comforting and indulgent.

They’re also incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal, or as a side dish to roasted chicken or steak for a restaurant-quality dinner at home.

Did I mention they’re budget-friendly? With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a gourmet dish that feels far more luxurious than it actually costs.

Finally, these stuffed potatoes are make-ahead friendly. Prepare them in advance and simply pop them in the oven to reheat when you're ready to serve. Perfect for meal preppers and entertainers alike.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of French Onion Stuffed Potatoes lies in the thoughtful combination of simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Russet potatoes: These large, starchy potatoes are perfect for baking and hold their shape well when scooped and stuffed. Look for potatoes that are roughly the same size for even cooking.

Onions: Yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing, offering a sweet yet savory depth of flavor. Patience is key here – let them cook low and slow for the best results.

Gruyère cheese: A star ingredient in traditional French onion soup, Gruyère melts beautifully and adds a nutty, slightly tangy richness. You can substitute with Swiss cheese if needed.

Beef broth: Just a splash enhances the onions, giving them that signature French onion flavor. Vegetable broth works as a vegetarian option.

Butter and sour cream: These create a creamy, luscious texture in the potato filling. If you prefer, Greek yogurt can stand in for sour cream for a lighter version.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe, but a good skillet for caramelizing the onions and a sturdy baking sheet will make the process easier.

How To Make French Onion Stuffed Potatoes

Creating these show-stopping stuffed potatoes is easier than you think. Let’s break it down into simple steps:

1. Bake the potatoes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes clean, then pierce them all over with a fork. Bake directly on the oven rack for 50-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife.

2. Caramelize the onions. While the potatoes bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally, letting the onions cook down slowly. After about 20-25 minutes, they should be golden and deeply caramelized. Stir in ¼ cup of beef broth and cook for another 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Set aside.

3. Scoop and mash. Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh into a bowl, leaving a thin shell intact. Mash the potato flesh with 2 tablespoons of butter, ¼ cup of sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4. Assemble the filling. Fold half of the caramelized onions and ½ cup of shredded Gruyère into the mashed potato mixture. Spoon the mixture back into the potato shells, mounding it slightly.

5. Top and bake. Divide the remaining onions and cheese evenly over the tops of the potatoes. Place them on a baking sheet and return to the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

The total time is just over an hour, but most of that is hands-off while the potatoes bake. The result? A dish that feels as impressive as it is comforting.

Storage Options

Have leftovers? These stuffed potatoes store beautifully, making them ideal for meal prep or next-day enjoyment.

Refrigeration: Place cooled potatoes in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Wrap each stuffed potato individually in foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is a canvas for your creativity! Here are a few variations to try:

Vegetarian twist: Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth, and consider adding sautéed mushrooms for an earthy touch.

Cheese swap: While Gruyère is traditional, sharp cheddar, fontina, or even mozzarella can work beautifully.

Herby addition: Stir chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the potato filling for an herby boost.

Meaty option: For heartier appetites, add cooked, crumbled bacon or shredded rotisserie chicken to the filling.

Mini versions: Use small Yukon Gold potatoes to create bite-sized, appetizer-friendly stuffed potatoes perfect for parties.

Feel free to experiment with whatever ingredients you have on hand – these potatoes are incredibly forgiving and endlessly customizable.

French Onion Stuffed Potatoes are the ultimate blend of cozy and sophisticated. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight treat or serving them to guests, they’re guaranteed to impress. Try them once, and you’ll find yourself craving them again and again.

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