French Onion Stuffed Potatoes

Introduction

French Onion Stuffed Potatoes are a clever twist on two comfort food classics: the hearty baked potato and the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup. Imagine tender russet potatoes baked until fluffy inside, filled with sweet caramelized onions simmered in broth, then topped with melty, bubbly Gruyère cheese. It’s cozy, elegant, and hearty all at once.

I first tried a variation of this dish on a chilly autumn night when I was craving something warm but a little more special than my usual baked potato. The caramelized onions made the kitchen smell incredible, and when I stuffed them into the baked potatoes and topped them with cheese, it was magic. Each bite felt like comfort food elevated to restaurant level.

The best part? These stuffed potatoes are flexible. You can keep them vegetarian by using vegetable broth, or add extra richness with beef broth. You can swap Gruyère for Swiss or mozzarella. And you can even serve them as a side or a main dish. Pairing them with a light salad like this Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad or alongside a hearty entrée such as Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings makes a complete meal that’s both filling and impressive.

Ingredients – French Onion Stuffed Potatoes

• 4 large russet potatoes

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon thyme

• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth

• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional substitutions: Swiss or mozzarella cheese, extra herbs for garnish, vegetable broth for vegetarian.

Directions – French Onion Stuffed Potatoes

1. Prepare the Potatoes

   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

   • Wash and dry the potatoes, then pierce each one with a fork several times.

   • Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

   • Bake on a sheet pan for 50–60 minutes, until tender.

2. Caramelize the Onions

   • While potatoes bake, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

   • Add sliced onions, stirring occasionally, and cook for 20–25 minutes until golden and caramelized.

   • Stir in garlic and thyme, cook 2 minutes more.

   • Pour in broth and simmer until reduced by half.

3. Assemble the Potatoes

   • Remove baked potatoes and let cool slightly.

   • Cut a slit lengthwise and gently squeeze to open. Fluff the insides with a fork.

   • Spoon caramelized onions into each potato.

   • Top with shredded Gruyère cheese.

4. Final Bake

   • Return stuffed potatoes to the oven for 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve

   • Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.

   • Serve hot and enjoy the flavors of French onion soup in potato form.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian-friendly: Swap beef broth for vegetable broth.

• Cheese lovers: Try mozzarella for stretchiness or Swiss for a more traditional French onion flavor.

• Add protein: Top with shredded chicken or pulled beef for a complete meal.

• Make ahead: Caramelize onions in advance and store them in the fridge, then bake potatoes fresh when ready.

• Pairing idea: These potatoes are great with a side of Basic Vegetable Soup for a cozy dinner spread.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

• Freezer: Not recommended, as baked potatoes tend to change texture after freezing.

Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

• Yield: 4 servings

Tools Used

• Baking sheet

• Large skillet

• Knife & cutting board

• Wooden spoon

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Stuffed Potatoes recipe is a creative and comforting dish that delivers restaurant-level flavor right from your own kitchen. The combination of caramelized onions, savory broth, and gooey cheese transforms a humble baked potato into something extraordinary.

Serve them on their own for a hearty vegetarian dinner, or pair them with a main dish like roasted chicken. Either way, they’ll make a memorable meal.

For more delicious potato-based recipes and inspiration, check out the creative stuffed potato ideas on Delish.

French Onion Stuffed Potatoes

Baked russet potatoes filled with caramelized onions, simmered in broth, and topped with melted Gruyère cheese for a comforting, French-inspired meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: French

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large onions sliced
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• - Baking sheet
• - Large skillet
• Knife & cutting board
• - Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Bake potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 50–60 minutes.
2. Caramelize onions in olive oil for 20–25 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, and broth; simmer until reduced.
3. Cut open potatoes, fluff insides, and fill with onion mixture.
4. Top with cheese and return to oven for 10 minutes.
5. Garnish and serve hot.

Notes

Use vegetable broth for vegetarian version.

Try Swiss or mozzarella cheese instead of Gruyère.

Best served fresh, but leftovers keep up to 3 days.