There's something undeniably comforting about the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup. Now, imagine those deep caramelized onions, gooey melted cheese, and a hint of garlic tucked inside a perfectly baked potato. These French Onion Stuffed Potatoes take everything you love about the classic soup and turn it into an irresistible side dish or even a satisfying main course.
I first stumbled upon this idea when trying to reinvent leftover caramelized onions. Instead of making another bowl of soup, I stuffed them into baked potatoes, topped them with cheese, and broiled them to golden perfection. The result? A dish so flavorful and indulgent that it quickly became a staple at our dinner table.
Why You'll Love These French Onion Stuffed Potatoes
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Get ready to enjoy the best of both worlds: the cozy, nostalgic flavors of French onion soup combined with the heartiness of a baked potato.
Deep, rich flavors in every bite. The slow-cooked onions bring an unmatched depth of flavor, perfectly complemented by melty cheese and a crispy potato skin.
Easy yet impressive. While caramelizing onions takes some time, the process is simple. The end result looks and tastes like something from a fancy bistro, but it's totally doable at home.
Customizable and budget-friendly. You can switch up the cheese, add a protein, or even make it vegetarian—all while using inexpensive ingredients.
Perfect for any occasion. Serve these as a comforting weeknight meal, a crowd-pleasing side dish, or even as part of a holiday spread.
Once you try them, you’ll see why this dish is an instant favorite!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of these French Onion Stuffed Potatoes lies in their simple yet high-impact ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavors.
Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe. Their fluffy interior and sturdy skin make them perfect for stuffing. If you prefer a slightly different texture, Yukon Gold potatoes work too, though they’ll be creamier inside.
Yellow onions are the best choice for deep caramelization. They have a natural sweetness that intensifies as they cook, creating that signature French onion flavor. If you want a slightly milder taste, Vidalia onions are a great alternative.
Gruyère cheese is the star of the show when it comes to melty, rich goodness. Its nutty, slightly salty flavor complements the onions beautifully. If you don’t have Gruyère on hand, Swiss cheese or even a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan will work.
Beef broth helps deglaze the pan and adds a touch of umami richness to the onions. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Butter and olive oil work together to caramelize the onions to perfection. The oil prevents the butter from burning while adding depth of flavor.
A cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan is best for caramelizing onions. This ensures even cooking and helps develop those irresistible golden-brown bits that add so much flavor.
How To Make These French Onion Stuffed Potatoes

Creating these indulgent potatoes takes a little patience, but the steps are simple and the result is more than worth it.
Start by baking the potatoes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes clean, then poke them all over with a fork. Rub them with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for about 50-60 minutes, until they’re fork-tender.
While the potatoes bake, caramelize the onions. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 35-40 minutes, until they turn a deep golden brown. Halfway through, pour in a splash of beef broth to help deglaze the pan and infuse even more flavor.
Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, hollow out the baked potatoes. Let them cool slightly, then slice off the tops and scoop out some of the fluffy interior. Be sure to leave enough potato around the edges to keep them sturdy.
Fill and top the potatoes. Stir some of the scooped-out potato into the caramelized onions for extra texture. Spoon the mixture back into the potato shells, packing them full. Top each one generously with shredded Gruyère cheese.
Finally, broil to golden perfection. Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and beautifully golden brown. Keep a close eye to prevent burning!
Storage Options
If you have leftovers, you’re in luck—these stuffed potatoes reheat beautifully! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use an air fryer for a crispier result.
If you’d like to freeze them, wrap each stuffed potato individually in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes until warm and bubbly.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to get creative!
For a vegetarian version, swap the beef broth for vegetable broth and use a plant-based butter alternative.
Looking for more protein? Add shredded rotisserie chicken or crispy bacon to the caramelized onions before stuffing the potatoes.
Switch up the cheese! Try cheddar for a sharper bite, provolone for extra meltiness, or even blue cheese for a bold twist.
For a lighter option, substitute sweet potatoes instead of russets. The natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory onions.
Love a little crunch? Sprinkle the tops with buttery breadcrumbs before broiling for an extra crispy finish.
No matter how you customize them, these French Onion Stuffed Potatoes are sure to impress. Try them tonight and savor every melty, caramelized, flavor-packed bite!
PrintFrench Onion Stuffed Potatoes Recipe
These French Onion Stuffed Potatoes are packed with rich, caramelized onions, gooey melted cheese, and crispy potato skins. This easy, flavorful dish is perfect as a side or a satisfying vegetarian main course.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp thyme
- ¼ cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce potatoes with a fork and bake for 50-60 minutes until tender.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
- Add broth to deglaze the pan, stirring for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Slice potatoes in half and scoop out the insides, leaving a thin shell. Mash the scooped potato with sour cream and mix with caramelized onions.
- Fill potato shells with the mixture, top with cheeses, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Swap Gruyère for Swiss cheese if desired.
- For a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes after baking.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed potato
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
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