If you’re looking for that one side dish that’s guaranteed to steal the show, you’ve just met your match: French Onion Potatoes. Imagine tender baby potatoes roasted with a savory French onion soup mix, then finished with a melty blanket of mozzarella and cheddar. These potatoes hit all the homey notes — hearty, cheesy, golden, and rich with caramelized onion flavor — in every forkful. This is comfort food magic at its finest, and trust me, once you serve French Onion Potatoes, they’ll become a regular request at your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s truly amazing what you can achieve with just a handful of simple ingredients! Each one plays a key role in building the irresistible flavors and textures of French Onion Potatoes — from creamy baby potatoes to gooey cheese and that iconic onion soup burst.
- Baby potatoes (2 pounds, halved): Their tender, buttery texture soaks in all the flavors and bakes up beautifully.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps crisp and brown the potatoes, while adding a subtle flavor.
- Dry French onion soup mix (1 packet, 1 oz): The star ingredient bringing effortless savory depth and aromatic onion notes.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts to gooey perfection, creating that irresistible cheese pull.
- Cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Adds a bit more color, tang, and extra cheesy richness.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Coats the potatoes for more flavor and a silky finish.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup, optional): Dolloped on top for those who love a bit of creamy cool contrast.
- Chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh, vibrant garnish that makes the whole dish pop.
How to Make French Onion Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the potatoes will roast evenly and develop that golden roasted edge we all crave. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, so nothing sticks — cleanup is a breeze later!
Step 2: Toss the Potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved baby potatoes, olive oil, melted butter, and the packet of French onion soup mix. Give everything a really good toss, making sure each potato gets its fair share of that rich, savory coating. It’s this step that locks in all that flavor to every bite of your French Onion Potatoes.
Step 3: Layer and Bake Covered
Spread the coated potatoes out in your greased baking dish so they’re in a nice, even layer. Cover tightly with foil, which helps steam and soften the potatoes as they bake. Slide them into the oven and let them cook for 30 minutes, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas!
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After that first bake, remove the dish from the oven (careful, it’s hot!) and take off the foil. Give the potatoes a quick stir, then sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered, and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbled and gloriously golden brown.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
When your French Onion Potatoes emerge from the oven, shower them with chopped fresh parsley for a bright touch. If you like, add a dollop of sour cream to each serving, and watch as everyone dives in, eager for that first cheesy bite.
How to Serve French Onion Potatoes
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the classic touch, adding contrast and color to the golden, cheesy top. A spoonful of sour cream on the side brings a cool tang that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors. You can also dust with a bit of freshly cracked black pepper or finely sliced chives for extra flair.
Side Dishes
These French Onion Potatoes are totally versatile! Serve them with roasted chicken, steak, or pork chops for a hearty main attraction. They also stand out at holiday tables alongside ham, turkey, green beans, or a crisp salad. Honestly, they’re so satisfying, they could even star as a vegetarian main with a simple green side.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming for a show-stopping spread, try baking and serving French Onion Potatoes in individual ramekins for a personal touch. Or, scoop them into a crispy potato skin shell for a hand-held party snack. Layer leftovers on flatbread for a quick, cheesy potato pizza, or tuck some into an omelet for a brunch twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The cheesy potatoes stay delicious for up to 4 days, making them perfect for packed lunches or effortless dinners.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, you can freeze French Onion Potatoes after they’ve cooled. Use a freezer-safe dish and wrap tightly. For the best texture, thaw in the refrigerator before reheating — keep in mind the cheese may lose a little creaminess after freezing, but the flavor will remain cozy and rich.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven glory, reheat French Onion Potatoes in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until hot (about 15-20 minutes). For smaller portions, a quick zap in the microwave works too, though the oven helps keep the edges nice and crispy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! Yukon gold or red potatoes are both fantastic swaps — just cut them into even, bite-size chunks so they cook evenly and soak up all that flavor.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with vegan margarine, use plant-based cheeses, and skip the sour cream or use your favorite vegan alternative. Just check the soup mix to ensure it’s free of animal products.
Can I make French Onion Potatoes ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble everything up to the final cheese topping and stash in the fridge, tightly covered. When you’re ready, just add the cheese and bake as directed — perfect for stress-free entertaining!
How do I get crispier potatoes?
For extra crispy edges, roast the potatoes uncovered the whole time, stirring halfway through for even browning. You can also broil briefly at the end — just keep a close eye so the cheese doesn’t burn!
What protein pairs best with French Onion Potatoes?
These potatoes are delicious with grilled steak, seared pork chops, roast chicken, or even a hearty veggie burger. They have enough flavor to hold their own, no matter what you serve alongside.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to bring a pan of French Onion Potatoes to your next meal! They’re so easy to love — rich, cheesy, and straight-up irresistible. Try them once and I promise, they’ll become your new signature side. Happy cooking and enjoy every savory, melty bite!
PrintFrench Onion Potatoes Recipe
These French Onion Potatoes are a delicious twist on classic roasted potatoes, featuring a savory French onion soup mix and a gooey cheese topping. Perfect for a comforting side dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Baby Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (halved)
Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry French onion soup mix
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, toss halved baby potatoes with olive oil, French onion soup mix, and melted butter until evenly coated.
- Bake Potatoes: Transfer the seasoned potatoes to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until tender and cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Optional: add a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
- For crispier potatoes, roast uncovered for the entire time and stir halfway through.
- You can substitute Yukon gold or red potatoes if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg