Fluffy baked potatoes stuffed with a creamy Gruyere and Parmesan cheese sauce, infused with caramelized onions, beef broth, and aromatic herbs.
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:105 minutes
Total Time:135 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
4 cups beef broth
1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, but highly recommended!)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
4 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded
2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Potatoes: Scrub potatoes, pat dry, and prick with a fork.
Bake Potatoes: Place potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 60-75 minutes, or until easily pierced with a fork.
Cool Potatoes: Let potatoes cool for 10-15 minutes.
Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sugar. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 30-45 minutes, or until deeply golden brown and caramelized. Season with salt and pepper.
Make Soup Base: Add beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf to the skillet with the caramelized onions.
Simmer Soup Base: Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Remove Bay Leaf: Remove the bay leaf from the soup base.
Make Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Combine Cheese Sauce and Soup Base: Gradually whisk in the French onion soup base, a little at a time, until smooth and creamy.
Simmer Cheese Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over low heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Cut Potatoes: Carefully cut each potato in half lengthwise.
Scoop Potato Flesh: Use a spoon to scoop out the potato flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch border.
Mash Potato: Place the scooped-out potato flesh in a bowl and mash until smooth.
Combine Potato and Cheese Sauce: Add the cheese sauce to the mashed potato and stir until well combined.
Fill Potatoes: Spoon the cheese and potato mixture back into the potato skins, filling them generously.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake Stuffed Potatoes: Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Cheese Variations: Experiment with Fontina, Swiss, or sharp cheddar.
Add-ins: Add cooked bacon, ham, or mushrooms to the cheese and potato mixture.
Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare caramelized onions and cheese sauce ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before assembling.
Serving Suggestions: Serve as a side dish or main course with a side salad or roasted vegetables.