If you’re craving a comforting side dish that brings a burst of savory onion flavor and crispy, cheesy goodness, this French Onion Potatoes Recipe is an absolute winner. These golden, tender baby potatoes are roasted to perfection with a flavorful French onion soup seasoning, then topped with melty cheese that adds an irresistible richness. It’s like your favorite French onion soup turned into a crowd-pleasing potato dish that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe collection!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make for a dish packed with flavor and texture. Each item plays a vital role, from the earthy baby potatoes to the aromatic French onion soup mix and the creamy, melty cheese that crowns the dish.
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved: Choosing baby potatoes ensures a tender interior and a crispy outside, roasting evenly in less time.
- 1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix: This seasoning blend infuses the potatoes with that signature savory, caramelized onion flavor.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps coat the potatoes for roasting, encouraging a golden and crispy texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyère, Swiss, or mozzarella): Adds a luscious, melty topping that enhances the richness and coziness of the dish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a vibrant touch of color and a fresh herbal note to balance the richness.
How to Make French Onion Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and give your baking dish a light grease. This step sets the stage for perfectly roasted potatoes that won’t stick and will develop a beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Toss Potatoes with Flavor
Place the halved baby potatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle the French onion soup mix over them. Toss everything together until each potato is wonderfully coated with that savory seasoning and the oil, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on your prepared baking dish. Pop them in the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. This turns the potatoes tender on the inside and golden brown and crispy on the outside, creating an irresistible texture contrast.
Step 4: Add the Cheesy Finish
Once the potatoes are perfectly roasted, sprinkle your shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden blanket. This step elevates the dish with creamy, savory decadence that’s hard to resist.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Hot
Finally, scatter freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and subtle brightness. Serve these French Onion Potatoes piping hot to enjoy that perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and warmly seasoned deliciousness.
How to Serve French Onion Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley is a classic, but you can also experiment with chopped chives or a light sprinkle of paprika for an extra pop of color and flavor. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of crème fraîche can add a creamy tang that pairs beautifully with the richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
French Onion Potatoes make a stellar accompaniment to roasted meats like chicken, beef, or pork, perfectly complementing hearty mains. They also shine alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables, bringing comfort and flavor without overpowering the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the roasted potatoes in small individual ramekins topped with cheese and fresh herbs. Another idea is to layer them into a gratin style by mixing with caramelized onions and baked until bubbly for an extra indulgent treat. They also work wonderfully as a filling for loaded potato skins.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover French Onion Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making them just as tasty the next day. Simply reheat gently to keep the potatoes from drying out.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, keep in mind that potatoes can change texture when frozen and reheated. If you choose to freeze, flash-freeze the roasted potatoes before adding cheese, then thaw and add cheese fresh before heating. This helps retain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to revive the crispiness, or briefly in a skillet on medium heat. Microwaving can work in a pinch but may soften the potatoes and cheese more than desired.
FAQs
Can I use regular onions instead of French onion soup mix?
You can certainly sauté fresh onions to add to the potatoes, but the French onion soup mix provides a perfectly balanced seasoning that’s both easy and flavorful. Using the mix saves time and ensures consistent savory notes.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Gruyère or Swiss cheese are classic choices for their smooth melt and nutty flavor, but mozzarella is a great milder option that melts beautifully. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses for a custom twist.
Are baby potatoes necessary, or can I use regular potatoes?
Baby potatoes roast more evenly and stay tender inside with a crisp outside, which is ideal for this recipe. If using larger potatoes, cut them into quarters and adjust the roasting time accordingly to ensure they cook through evenly.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based cheese alternative or simply skip the cheese. You can also toss the potatoes with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost while keeping it vegan-friendly and delicious.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most French onion soup mixes contain gluten, so to keep the recipe gluten-free, opt for a certified gluten-free French onion soup mix or make your own seasoning blend at home using gluten-free ingredients.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to spice up your potato game, this French Onion Potatoes Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s comfort food, flavor-packed, and surprisingly simple, making it a perfect side for weeknights or special occasions. Once you taste the crispy, cheesy, and deeply savory layers, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. So grab some baby potatoes, French onion soup mix, and cheese, and get ready to create a dish that’s bound to impress and become a favorite!
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: French-American
Description
Deliciously savory French Onion Potatoes feature tender baby potatoes roasted with aromatic French onion soup mix, finished with melted Gruyère cheese for a rich, comforting side dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
Seasoning & Toppings
- 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 your 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 potatoes with olive oil and the French onion soup mix until all pieces are evenly coated and seasoned.
- Roast Potatoes: Spread the potatoes in an even layer on the prepared baking dish. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking and golden, tender potatoes.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the roasted potatoes. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if using, and serve the French Onion Potatoes hot as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can spread the potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet rather than a dish.
- You can substitute the cheese with your favorite melting cheese such as cheddar or provolone.
- To make it vegetarian-friendly, confirm your French onion soup mix does not contain beef broth.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
- Adjust the amount of soup mix or cheese according to taste preference.
