Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the French Onion Filling:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
- ½ cup beef or vegetable broth
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry. Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
- Rub the potatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
- While the potatoes bake, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25–30 minutes, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized.
- Add the thyme and broth, stirring to deglaze the pan. Simmer until the liquid is mostly absorbed. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Potatoes
- Once the potatoes are baked, let them cool slightly. Cut a slit lengthwise on the top of each potato and gently squeeze the ends to open.
- Fluff the inside of the potatoes with a fork and mix in a bit of the caramelized onion mixture.
- Top each potato with a generous amount of caramelized onions, followed by the Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses.
Step 4: Bake Again
- Place the filled potatoes on a baking sheet and return to the oven.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy the savory goodness!
Tips for Success
- Shortcut: Use pre-cooked onions or make the caramelized onions ahead of time.
- Cheese Options: Swap Gruyère for cheddar or provolone for a different flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
These French Onion Baked Potatoes combine the classic flavors of French onion soup with a comforting baked potato. Perfectly cheesy and flavorful! 🧅🧀🥔