French Onion Stuffed Potatoes: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

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### **Instructions:**

#### 1. **Prepare the Potatoes:**
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Wash the **russet potatoes** thoroughly, scrubbing the skins clean. Prick each potato several times with a fork.
– Rub the potatoes with **olive oil** and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are soft and tender when pierced with a fork.
– Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.

#### 2. **Caramelize the Onions:**
– While the potatoes are baking, heat **butter** and **olive oil** in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the **sliced onions** and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and deeply caramelized. You want them to be golden brown, not burnt, so stir them frequently to prevent sticking.
– Once the onions are caramelized, add the **minced garlic** and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
– Pour in the **beef broth**, then sprinkle in the **thyme**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to reduce slightly. Set the mixture aside.

#### 3. **Prepare the Potato Filling:**
– Once the baked potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the potato flesh, leaving a thin border of potato along the skin. Place the scooped-out potato flesh in a bowl.
– Mash the scooped potato with a fork or potato masher. Stir in the **sour cream** and half of the **Gruyère cheese**. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
– Gently fold in the caramelized onion mixture, making sure to incorporate the onions and broth evenly into the mashed potatoes.

#### 4. **Stuff the Potatoes:**
– Spoon the mashed potato and onion filling back into the potato skins, pressing gently to pack the mixture in.
– Top each stuffed potato with the remaining **Gruyère cheese**, **Parmesan cheese**, and optionally, a sprinkle of **mozzarella cheese** for extra gooeyness.

#### 5. **Bake the Stuffed Potatoes:**
– Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
– For an extra crispy top, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking—just keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

#### 6. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Once the potatoes are finished baking, remove them from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped **parsley** for a pop of color and freshness.
– Serve immediately and enjoy the savory, cheesy goodness of your **French Onion Stuffed Potatoes**!

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## Tips for Making the Perfect French Onion Stuffed Potatoes

### 1. **Choose the Right Potatoes:**
Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they have a fluffy texture when baked and a sturdy skin that holds up well when stuffed. If you prefer smaller potatoes, you can also use **Yukon Gold** potatoes for a creamier texture.

### 2. **Caramelize the Onions Slowly:**
Caramelizing onions takes time—don’t rush the process! Low and slow cooking will bring out their natural sweetness and create that deep, rich flavor that makes French onion soup so delicious. Be patient and stir frequently to prevent them from burning.

### 3. **Customize the Cheese:**
While **Gruyère** is the classic choice for French onion soup, feel free to mix it up with other cheeses. **Swiss**, **Fontina**, or **cheddar** can all work well in this recipe. You can also add a bit of **blue cheese** for an extra tangy twist.

### 4. **Make Ahead:**
You can prepare the stuffed potatoes ahead of time and bake them when ready to serve. Simply stuff the potatoes and cover them with plastic wrap before refrigerating. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them as directed, adding a few extra minutes for reheating.

### 5. **Add Extra Toppings:**
Want to make your French Onion Stuffed Potatoes even more decadent? Top them with **crispy bacon bits**, **caramelized mushrooms**, or a drizzle of **balsamic glaze** for added depth of flavor.

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## Why You’ll Love French Onion Stuffed Potatoes

**French Onion Stuffed Potatoes** are a heavenly combination of two beloved dishes—baked potatoes and French onion soup. The creamy, cheesy filling is rich and savory, and the caramelized onions add a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re making them for dinner or serving them as a side dish, these stuffed potatoes are sure to impress everyone at the table.

The best part? They’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite cheeses and toppings. With the perfect balance of flavors and textures, **French Onion Stuffed Potatoes** are bound to become a new family favorite!

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## Conclusion

If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone, **French Onion Stuffed Potatoes** are the answer. With their crispy potato skins, creamy filling, and rich, cheesy topping, they bring a delightful twist to a classic comfort food. Whether you serve them alongside a main course or enjoy them on their own, these stuffed potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give them a try and elevate your potato game to new heights!