Transform ordinary potatoes into an extraordinary side dish with this irresistible French Onion Potatoes Recipe. Combining the savory flavors of French onion soup with perfectly roasted potatoes and melted cheese, this dish brings comfort food to a whole new level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This French Onion Potatoes Recipe delivers everything you want in a side dish and more. The baby potatoes become golden and crispy on the outside while staying fluffy inside, while the French onion soup mix creates a deeply savory coating that’s impossible to resist. The melted cheese on top adds richness and creates those coveted golden-brown spots that make this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity – you can have restaurant-quality results with just a handful of pantry staples. It’s versatile enough to complement everything from grilled chicken to holiday roasts, and the prep time is minimal while the oven does most of the work. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free when you use a gluten-free soup mix, making it accessible for various dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Potatoes
- 2 pounds baby potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes (halved or quartered)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Nonstick cooking spray
How to Make French Onion Potatoes Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray a large baking sheet or 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prep the Potatoes Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly, leaving the skins on for extra nutrition and texture. Cut baby potatoes in half, or quarter larger Yukon gold potatoes into uniform pieces about 1-2 inches in size. This ensures even cooking throughout.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes In a large mixing bowl, toss the cut potatoes with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the French onion soup mix and garlic powder over the potatoes, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until every piece is well-coated with the seasoning blend.
Step 4: Initial Roasting Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, cut-side down for maximum browning. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and golden brown on the bottom.
Step 5: Add the Cheese Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot as a delicious side dish.
Helpful Tips
Choose the right potato variety for the best results in your French Onion Potatoes Recipe. Baby potatoes and Yukon golds hold their shape well during roasting and develop the perfect creamy interior with crispy edges. Avoid russet potatoes, which can become too fluffy and fall apart.
Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet – this causes the potatoes to steam rather than roast, preventing that desired golden-brown exterior. Use two baking sheets if necessary to give each piece adequate space.
For extra crispy results, pat the potatoes completely dry after washing and before tossing with oil. Any excess moisture will create steam and prevent proper browning.
Consider soaking cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps achieve crispier edges. Just remember to dry them thoroughly afterward.
Experiment with different cheese combinations – Gruyère adds a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the French onion seasoning, while sharp cheddar provides a tangy contrast.
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 6-8 people
Difficulty Level: Easy
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-free (with GF soup mix)
This French Onion Potatoes Recipe works wonderfully as a side dish for roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even as part of a vegetarian dinner spread. The French onion soup mix provides a concentrated burst of caramelized onion flavor without the time and effort of actually caramelizing onions from scratch.
Notes
When selecting your French onion soup mix, read the ingredients list if you have dietary restrictions. Some brands contain MSG or gluten, while others offer organic or reduced-sodium options.
The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your potato pieces and your oven’s performance. Start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark – the potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork and golden brown.
This recipe doubles easily for larger gatherings. Just use additional baking sheets and rotate their positions halfway through cooking for even browning.
For meal prep, you can cut and season the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator, then proceed with roasting when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of potatoes? While baby potatoes and Yukon golds work best, you can use red potatoes as a substitute. Avoid russet potatoes as they tend to become too fluffy and may fall apart during roasting.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prep the seasoned potatoes up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. For best results, roast them fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
What can I substitute for French onion soup mix? You can make your own blend using dried minced onion, onion powder, beef bouillon powder (or vegetable for vegetarian), and a pinch of sugar. However, the convenience and consistent flavor of the packaged mix make it the preferred choice.
Is this recipe gluten-free? This French Onion Potatoes Recipe can be gluten-free if you use a gluten-free French onion soup mix. Always check the package label to confirm, as some brands contain wheat-based ingredients.
Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or Brussels sprouts make excellent additions. Just ensure they’re cut to similar sizes as the potatoes for even cooking.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover French Onion Potatoes in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. The potatoes will lose some of their crispiness but remain flavorful and delicious.
To reheat, spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps restore some of the original texture better than microwaving.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked potatoes for up to 2 months, though the texture will be softer after thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
If you want to prep for future meals, you can freeze the seasoned raw potatoes for up to 3 months. Cook them directly from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion
This French Onion Potatoes Recipe proves that extraordinary flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or exotic ingredients. With just a few simple steps and pantry staples, you can create a side dish that rivals anything served at upscale restaurants. The combination of crispy-edged potatoes, savory French onion seasoning, and melted cheese creates a harmony of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or preparing for a special occasion, this versatile recipe adapts beautifully to any menu. The hands-off cooking method means you can focus on other dishes while the oven works its magic, making it perfect for busy home cooks and entertainers alike.
Try this French Onion Potatoes Recipe at your next family gathering and watch it become a requested favorite. The simple preparation, incredible flavor, and impressive presentation make it a true winner that bridges the gap between everyday cooking and special occasion dining.