If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food to warm your soul, look no further than these Golden Gruyere-Stuffed Potatoes with Caramelized Onion. This dish combines the rustic charm of baked potatoes with the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese, creating a meal that’s perfect for cozy nights at home.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 medium yellow onions, halved and finely sliced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
- 1/2 cup dry sherry or dry white wine
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese, grated
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Bake the Potatoes:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the russet potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 1 hour or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Caramelize the Onions:
- While the potatoes are baking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely sliced onions to the skillet, seasoning them with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried thyme leaves.
- Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply caramelized, which should take about 20-25 minutes. This process brings out the natural sweetness of the onions, adding depth to the dish.
- Deglaze and Simmer:
- Once the onions are caramelized, deglaze the skillet by adding the dry sherry or white wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet—this adds a burst of flavor to the onions.
- Pour in the beef broth and allow the mixture to simmer until the liquid reduces by half, approximately 5-10 minutes. This step intensifies the flavors, making the onions even more savory.
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- After the potatoes have cooled enough to handle, carefully slice off the top third of each one. Scoop out the inner flesh, leaving a sturdy shell. Place the scooped-out potato flesh into a medium bowl.
- Stuff the Potatoes:
- Combine the scooped-out potato with half of the caramelized onion mixture, mixing until well combined. This mixture should be rich and flavorful, ready to be stuffed back into the potato shells.
- Fill each potato shell with the onion-potato mixture, ensuring they are evenly filled and slightly mounded.
- Top with Cheese and Bake:
- Divide the remaining caramelized onions among the stuffed potatoes, spreading them evenly on top. Then, generously sprinkle each potato with grated Gruyere cheese.
- 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 and browned topping, switch the oven to broil on high for the last 1 minute of baking.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the potatoes from the oven and serve them warm. These stuffed potatoes are rich, cheesy, and packed with the savory flavors of French onion soup, making them a comforting and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information and Timing:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Calories: 480 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Potatoes:
- Crispy Topping: For an extra layer of texture, sprinkle a small amount of breadcrumbs over the Gruyere cheese before the final bake. This will give your stuffed potatoes a delightful crunch.
- Vegetarian Option: If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth. The dish will still retain its rich and hearty flavor without the meat-based broth.
These Golden Gruyere-Stuffed Potatoes with Caramelized Onion are more than just a side dish—they’re a complete meal in themselves. With their combination of creamy potato, sweet and savory caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese, they offer a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.