If French onion soup and a baked potato had a love child, this would be it! Imagine a perfectly baked potato stuffed with caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and a rich broth that tastes like it simmered for hours. This dish is cozy, indulgent, and everything comfort food dreams are made of. Trust me, you’ll never look at a plain baked potato the same way again.

Why You’ll Love French Onion Baked Potatoes

Versatile

Great as a hearty side dish or a filling main course. Whether paired with a crisp salad or served alongside a roast, these potatoes fit every occasion.

Budget-Friendly

With simple, inexpensive ingredients like potatoes, onions, and cheese, this dish proves you don’t need to spend a lot for something spectacular.

Easy to Make

This recipe takes all the complex flavors of French onion soup and simplifies them into an easy-to-follow format.

Customizable

Prefer a bit more cheese or an extra layer of onions? Go for it. You can even add crispy bacon for a smoky twist.

Crowd-Pleasing

Cheesy, savory, and rich—this dish will have everyone at the table swooning.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavor-packed recipe:

Russet Potatoes

The perfect sturdy base that crisps up beautifully in the oven.

Yellow Onions

Sweet and caramelized, these are the heart and soul of the dish.

Gruyère Cheese

Nutty, melty, and utterly divine—it ties everything together.

Beef Broth

Adds depth and brings the signature French onion soup flavor to life.

Butter

For sautéing the onions to golden perfection.

Fresh Thyme

A fragrant herb that elevates the dish with its earthy notes.

Olive Oil

Helps the potato skins crisp up while baking.

Salt and Pepper

Enhances the natural flavors of every ingredient.

Instructions

Let’s create this magical dish step by step:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the potatoes bake evenly with crispy skins and fluffy insides.

Prepare the Potatoes

Scrub the potatoes, pat them dry, and pierce them with a fork. Rub them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 50–60 minutes, or until they’re tender and the skins are crispy.

Caramelize the Onions

While the potatoes bake, heat butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions, a pinch of salt, and fresh thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25–30 minutes, or until the onions are golden and caramelized. Add a splash of beef broth and cook until the liquid evaporates.

Hollow Out the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut a slit along the top and gently scoop out some of the flesh. Be careful not to tear the skins—they’re your tasty vessels!

Fill the Potatoes

Mix a bit of the scooped potato with the caramelized onions and grated Gruyère cheese. Stuff the mixture back into the potato skins, piling it high.

Add Cheese and Broil

Top each potato with extra Gruyère and place them under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh thyme and a crack of black pepper. Serve hot and prepare to savor every bite!

How to Serve French Onion Baked Potatoes

With a Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad for a lighter meal.
As a Side Dish: Serve alongside roast chicken or steak for a complete dinner.
On Its Own: These potatoes are hearty enough to shine solo as a main course.
With Crusty Bread: Scoop out the cheesy filling with some crusty bread for the ultimate indulgence.

Additional Tips

Caramelize Slowly: Patience is key—don’t rush the onions. Low and slow is the way to go.
Use the Right Cheese: Gruyère is ideal, but Swiss or even mozzarella can work in a pinch.
Make It Ahead: You can prepare the onions and bake the potatoes ahead of time. Assemble and broil just before serving.
Add Protein: Stir in cooked ground beef or shredded chicken for an extra hearty version.
Experiment with Herbs: Swap thyme for rosemary or parsley for a different flavor profile.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, Yukon Golds or sweet potatoes work too, but the texture will differ slightly.

Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Q3: Can I freeze these potatoes?

Yes! Assemble them without broiling, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat and broil before serving.

Q4: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through.

Q5: Can I add more toppings?

Of course! Crispy bacon bits or fresh parsley make great additions.

Q6: What can I substitute for Gruyère?

Swiss cheese or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan work well.

Q7: How do I prevent the potato skins from tearing?

Handle the baked potatoes gently and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh carefully.

Q8: Can I skip the broiling step?

Yes, but broiling melts the cheese and gives it that irresistible golden crust.

Q9: Can I use pre-caramelized onions?

Sure! Just reheat them with a splash of broth for added flavor.

Q10: Is fresh thyme necessary?

While fresh thyme adds great flavor, dried thyme works as a substitute.

Conclusion

French Onion Baked Potatoes are a cozy, cheesy twist on a classic soup that will warm your heart and delight your taste buds. Whether it’s a quiet night in or a dinner with friends, this dish brings the perfect balance of flavor, comfort, and wow-factor to the table. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!