If you love the comforting flavors of caramelized onions but want an easier way to enjoy them alongside tender, crispy potatoes, then this French Onion Potatoes Recipe is going to become one of your new favorites. It beautifully captures the rich, savory essence of French onion soup in a warm, cheesy potato dish that is both simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Perfect as a hearty side or even a main for a cozy dinner, this recipe offers layers of flavor and texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making your French Onion Potatoes Recipe shine. Each component is simple but essential—ensuring the potatoes soak up wonderful flavor, get perfectly golden, and finish with a delightful cheesy top.
- Baby potatoes (2 pounds, halved or quartered): These create the base, offering a creamy interior and crisp edges when roasted.
- French onion soup mix (1 oz packet): This magical mix infuses the potatoes with that iconic caramelized onion and herb taste.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Helps the potatoes roast evenly while adding a subtle fruity flavor.
- Shredded cheese (1 cup, Gruyère, Swiss, or mozzarella): Melts beautifully to add a gooey, savory finish that complements the onions.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): Adds a bright, fresh contrast as a garnish to balance richness.
How to Make French Onion Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C), which is the perfect temperature to achieve that golden-brown, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. Lightly grease your baking dish or sheet so your potatoes don’t stick and can roast evenly.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss your halved baby potatoes with the olive oil and the French onion soup mix. This step is where the magic happens—the seasoning blend coats each potato piece, soaking into every crevice with rich onion flavor, herbs, and subtle umami notes.
Step 3: Roast the Potatoes
Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single even layer on your prepared baking dish. Pop them into the oven and roast for about 25 to 30 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure they all cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden crust all around.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Once the potatoes are tender and well-roasted, sprinkle your choice of shredded cheese evenly over the top. Slide the dish back into the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, gooey topping—taking this French Onion Potatoes Recipe to the next level of deliciousness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, scatter freshly chopped parsley over the cheesy potatoes for a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor. Serve these hot, and get ready for compliments from everyone at the table!
How to Serve French Onion Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also lifts the rich flavors with its subtle herbal note. You can also add a dash of freshly ground black pepper or even a few crispy shallots for some extra texture.
Side Dishes
These French Onion Potatoes pair exceptionally well with roasted meats like chicken or beef but also make an excellent match with a fresh green salad or sautéed vegetables to balance the richness. You could even serve them alongside a creamy soup for a comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these potatoes in small individual ramekins topped with cheese and parsley for a charming presentation. Alternatively, try layering them with caramelized onions and crispy bacon for a loaded version that turns this recipe into a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover French Onion Potatoes should be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows you to enjoy the flavors again without losing much of the original texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the dish, it’s best to do so before adding the cheese topping. Place the seasoned, cooked potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then add fresh cheese and bake until bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to help maintain the crispiness, especially if you added cheese on top. Microwave works for convenience but may soften the texture slightly. Cover loosely to prevent excessive drying out during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use regular onions instead of the French onion soup mix?
While fresh onions can work, the French onion soup mix is specially seasoned with herbs and flavor enhancers that give this recipe its distinctive taste. Using it keeps the process quick and the flavor consistent.
What type of potato works best for this recipe?
Baby potatoes are ideal because they roast evenly and have a creamy texture inside. If unavailable, you can use Yukon gold or red potatoes cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the cheese with your favorite vegan cheese alternative, and make sure the French onion soup mix is free from animal products or make your own blend with onion powder, herbs, and nutritional yeast.
Can I add protein to make this a full meal?
Yes! Toss in cooked, diced chicken or crispy bacon before baking to add a savory protein element. This turns the French Onion Potatoes Recipe into a satisfying one-dish meal.
How can I make the potatoes extra crispy?
Ensure the potatoes are dry before tossing with oil and seasoning, and spread them out with plenty of space on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding, which traps moisture and can make the potatoes soggy instead of crisp.
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Potatoes Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with irresistible flavor and texture. Once you try it, I’m confident it will find a permanent spot on your recipe rotation. Whether for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish offers warmth, comfort, and a little bit of indulgence—go ahead and make it your own!
Print
French Onion Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously crispy roasted baby potatoes coated in savory French onion soup mix and topped with melted cheese, perfect as a comforting side dish or appetizer.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved (or quartered if large)
Seasoning and Topping
- 1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyère, Swiss, or mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or sheet to prevent sticking.
- Season Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with olive oil and the French onion soup mix until they are evenly coated with seasoning.
- Bake Potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes in an even layer on the prepared baking dish. Roast them in the oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and tenderness.
- Add Cheese: Remove the potatoes from the oven and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, optionally sprinkle the roasted potatoes with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the dish hot as a flavorful side or appetizer.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use baby potatoes of similar size for even roasting.
- You can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for varied flavors.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture.
