There's nothing quite like the comforting, savory flavors of French onion soup, but have you ever imagined those flavors stuffed inside a tender, baked potato? French Onion Stuffed Potatoes take the best parts of the classic soup – caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and rich broth – and transform them into a hearty, satisfying dish that's perfect for dinner or a side.
I first discovered this idea when looking for a creative way to use up a bag of russet potatoes in my pantry. This dish quickly became a family favorite, blending the rustic charm of baked potatoes with the indulgent flavors of a bistro-style French onion soup. Let's dive into why this recipe deserves a spot on your menu.
Why You'll Love This French Onion Stuffed Potatoes Recipe
Get ready to experience a whole new level of comfort food. French Onion Stuffed Potatoes are a unique, flavorful dish that brings together everything you love about two classic comfort foods.
First, they’re incredibly easy to make yet look and taste like a gourmet dish. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip these up on a busy weeknight or serve them at a dinner party to impress your guests.
They’re also a budget-friendly option. Using pantry staples like potatoes, onions, and cheese makes this dish as affordable as it is delicious.
Best of all, this recipe is endlessly customizable. From swapping out cheeses to adding proteins like shredded chicken or bacon, there’s a variation for every taste and occasion.
Finally, the combination of crispy potato skins, creamy mashed potato filling, and savory caramelized onions makes this dish a textural and flavorful delight. It’s comfort food at its finest, with a touch of elegance.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple, yet carefully selected ingredients. Each one contributes to the rich, savory flavor profile that makes these stuffed potatoes irresistible.
Russet potatoes are the ideal choice for this recipe. Their starchy interior becomes fluffy and creamy when baked, and their sturdy skin holds up perfectly for stuffing.
Caramelized onions are the star of the show. Slowly cooked to golden perfection, they bring a deep, sweet-savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the potato and cheese. For best results, use yellow or sweet onions, as they caramelize the best.
Gruyère cheese adds a nutty, melty richness that mimics the cheesy topping of classic French onion soup. If Gruyère isn’t available, Swiss cheese or a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan work beautifully.
Beef broth enhances the flavors of the onions and ties the dish to its French onion roots. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar can be added for an extra depth of flavor.
Butter and cream round out the mashed potato filling, ensuring it’s luxuriously creamy and satisfying.
No special equipment is needed – just a good skillet for caramelizing the onions and a sturdy spoon for scooping out the potatoes.
How To Make This French Onion Stuffed Potatoes Recipe

Creating this dish is simpler than you might think. Here’s how to bring it to life step by step.
Start by baking your potatoes. Preheat the oven to 400°F, prick the potatoes with a fork, and bake them directly on the oven rack for about 50-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife.
While the potatoes bake, caramelize your onions. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a couple of tablespoons of butter, and toss in thinly sliced onions. Stir them occasionally, allowing them to cook slowly for 30-40 minutes until they’re deep golden brown. Add a splash of beef broth toward the end for extra flavor.
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving a thin shell. Place the potato insides into a mixing bowl.
To the mixing bowl, add a splash of cream, a dollop of butter, and a handful of shredded Gruyère cheese. Mash everything together until smooth, then fold in the caramelized onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stuff the potato shells generously with the onion-potato mixture. Sprinkle extra Gruyère on top and return the potatoes to the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (though they disappear quickly!), French Onion Stuffed Potatoes store well in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
To freeze, wrap each stuffed potato individually in foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Reheating is a breeze. Simply pop the potatoes in a preheated oven or microwave until hot. The oven is ideal for keeping the skins crispy and the filling evenly heated.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily tweak it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
For a protein boost, mix in cooked bacon bits, shredded chicken, or crumbled sausage into the filling. These additions make the potatoes hearty enough to serve as a main course.
Swap out the Gruyère for your favorite cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even blue cheese can take the flavors in new and exciting directions.
Vegetarians can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and add sautéed mushrooms for an extra umami punch.
For a lighter version, replace the heavy cream with milk or Greek yogurt. You can also use sweet potatoes instead of russet for a twist on the original recipe.
Get creative with toppings! Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, a dollop of sour cream, or even crispy fried onions can add a finishing touch.
French Onion Stuffed Potatoes are a delightful fusion of two comforting classics, and with so many ways to make them your own, you’ll never get tired of this dish. So grab a fork and dig into a meal that’s sure to become a new favorite!
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French Onion Stuffed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this irresistible French Onion Stuffed Potatoes recipe, featuring caramelized onions, melty cheese, and hearty baked potatoes.
Ingredients
- 4 large baking potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- ½ cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or mozzarella)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the potatoes for 50–60 minutes until tender.
- While baking, heat olive oil in a pan, add sliced onions, and cook over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally for 25–30 minutes, adding sugar and a pinch of salt to caramelize.
- Add broth and thyme to the caramelized onions; cook until the liquid is absorbed.
- Once potatoes are done, cut off the tops and scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin border. Mash the scooped potato and mix with caramelized onions, butter, salt, and pepper.
- Fill the potato shells with the mixture and top with cheese.
- Return to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Swap Gruyère for your favorite cheese if desired.
- Add crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed potato
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
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