Imagine everything you adore about classic French onion soup, but in irresistibly cheesy, golden, and deeply savory potato form. French Onion Potatoes are that showstopping side dish every comfort food lover secretly wishes would appear on their dinner table—creamy potatoes mingling with sweet, caramelized onions, bubbling Gruyère, and the soul-warming flavors of French onion soup mix. It’s simple enough for weeknight suppers but has all the drama and cozy elegance a special occasion demands.

French Onion Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of French Onion Potatoes lies in how just a handful of ingredients transform into something utterly delicious. Each one brings its personality to the table—potatoes for pure comfort, onions for essential sweetness, and cheese for that melty, craveable finish.

Baby potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes: Creamy and tender, these hold their shape beautifully and soak up all the flavors.
Olive oil: Provides a smooth, rich base for caramelizing the onions and roasting the potatoes.
Unsalted butter: Adds a touch of indulgence and helps those onions achieve deep golden color.
Yellow onion: Sliced thin, it gets sweet and jammy as it caramelizes, delivering pure French onion flavor.
Dry French onion soup mix: The secret ingredient! This boosts savory depth with very little effort.
Garlic powder: For an extra layer of gentle aromatic warmth.
Dried thyme: Brings a hint of earthiness that pairs perfectly with potatoes and onions.
Black pepper: Gives just the right lift and subtle heat.
Shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that signature bubbling, golden top.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a burst of color and a touch of freshness to finish.

How to Make French Onion Potatoes

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by setting the stage for deliciousness! In a large skillet over medium heat, melt together the butter and olive oil. Toss in those thinly sliced onions and let them gently sizzle for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring now and then. The goal is gorgeous, golden-brown, caramelized onions—soft, sweet, and fragrant. This step builds the deep flavor that makes French Onion Potatoes so addictive, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Prep the Potatoes

While the onions are working their magic, halve or quarter your potatoes so they’re all about the same size. In a big bowl, combine them with the dry French onion soup mix, garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and that pan of beautiful caramelized onions. Toss everything together so the potatoes get nice and evenly coated with the savory mixture.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Scoop the potato and onion mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover tightly with foil to trap in moisture and flavor, then bake for 30 minutes. This first bake gives the potatoes a head start getting tender while soaking up all those seasonings.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Finish Baking

After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam!). Give the potatoes a gentle stir, then sprinkle the Gruyère or Swiss cheese evenly on top. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and tinged with golden brown spots, and the potatoes are perfectly tender.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once your French Onion Potatoes are out of the oven, finish with a flourish of fresh parsley if you like. Serve them piping hot, right from the baking dish, alongside your favorite mains.

How to Serve French Onion Potatoes

Garnishes

Bright, freshly chopped parsley isn’t just a pretty garnish—it adds a little herbal freshness and beautiful color to these rich, cheesy potatoes. You could also try a sprinkle of chives, or even a dash of smoked paprika for a different twist.

Side Dishes

French Onion Potatoes are right at home next to roast chicken, grilled steak, or even a simple green salad. Their creamy, savory goodness makes them the ultimate companion to proteins or vegetarian mains. Serve them with steamed green beans or crisp-tender asparagus for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve French Onion Potatoes family-style in the baking dish for cozy gatherings, or scoop them into individual ramekins for an elegant dinner party look. Leftovers make fabulous breakfast hash—just top with a fried egg or serve with crisp bacon for a next-day brunch treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra French Onion Potatoes? Let them cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as they rest, making leftovers just as crave-worthy!

Freezing

You can freeze French Onion Potatoes for longer storage. Allow them to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the potatoes covered at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. For smaller servings, a quick zap in the microwave will do, though you might miss out on the just-baked cheesy topping. To revive that golden top, pop them under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Side Dish

Absolutely! Yukon Gold or baby potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, but russet potatoes will also work. Just peel and cut them into bite-sized chunks, and keep an eye on the cooking time to make sure they don’t overcook.

What can I use instead of Gruyère or Swiss cheese?

If Gruyère or Swiss aren’t your thing, go for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp cheddar. Each one will lend a slightly different flavor and oozy factor, but all are delicious in this recipe.

How can I make French Onion Potatoes ahead for a party?

You can caramelize the onions and toss the potatoes with all seasonings a day in advance. Store in the fridge, then assemble and bake them fresh on the day of your event for maximum flavor and texture.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Swap out the butter for plant-based margarine, use a dairy-free cheese, and double-check that your French onion soup mix is vegan-friendly—several brands offer great options.

Is there a way to add extra richness?

For a little extra decadence, stir a few tablespoons of sour cream or crème fraîche into the cooked potatoes just before serving. This adds tang and makes them even creamier.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the warm, nostalgic comfort and bold flavors that French Onion Potatoes bring to the table. It’s one of those recipes that keeps everyone coming back for seconds, and is surprisingly easy to put together. Try it once and you’ll see why it can become a new go-to for any meal or celebration!

French Onion Potatoes Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These French Onion Potatoes are a delicious twist on classic baked potatoes, featuring caramelized onions and melted cheese for a flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

2 pounds baby potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes (halved or quartered)

Caramelized Onions:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion (thinly sliced)

Seasonings:

1 packet (1 oz) dry French onion soup mix
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the sliced onion and cook until caramelized and golden brown.
Prepare Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with the soup mix, garlic powder, thyme, pepper, and caramelized onions. Transfer to the baking dish.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover, add cheese, and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted.
Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra richness, stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream before serving.
You can prep the onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge for faster assembly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American