These French Onion Mashed Potatoes bring the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup into your mashed potatoes. With caramelized onions, plenty of melted gruyere cheese, and a touch of thyme, this dish is an indulgent twist on the classic mashed potatoes. Perfect for a side dish during the holidays or any special occasion!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 ½ cups grated gruyere cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Olive oil, for cooking the onions

Directions

1. Prepare the Potatoes: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Onions: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until caramelized. Add the garlic and thyme, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.

3. Make the French Onion Base: Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly. Add the heavy cream and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes.

4. Mash the Potatoes: Mash the cooked potatoes with a potato masher or ricer.

5. Combine: Stir the caramelized onion mixture into the mashed potatoes. Fold in the grated gruyere cheese, mixing until the cheese melts and the potatoes are smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve: Serve warm, garnished with extra thyme or more melted cheese if desired.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 340 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Protein: 8g

• Fat: 22g

  • Saturated Fat: 12g

• Cholesterol: 55mg

• Sodium: 500mg

• Potassium: 900mg

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 6g

The Potatoes: Creamy and Fluffy

The foundation of this dish is, of course, the potatoes. For French Onion Mashed Potatoes, you want to choose potatoes that are starchy and ideal for mashing, such as Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. These potatoes become incredibly soft and fluffy when boiled, creating the perfect texture for mashed potatoes.

To prepare the potatoes, start by peeling and cutting them into chunks. This will ensure that they cook evenly and mash easily. Then, place the potato chunks in a large pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and set them aside to let any excess water evaporate before mashing.

The Onions: Caramelized to Perfection

The caramelized onions are what truly elevate this dish, infusing it with a deep, rich flavor. Cooking the onions slowly over medium heat with olive oil allows them to break down and develop a natural sweetness, turning golden brown and soft. This process takes about 15-20 minutes, so patience is key. Stir the onions occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and don’t burn.

Once the onions are caramelized, add garlic and fresh thyme to enhance the flavor. Cooking the garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant ensures that its aromatic, savory flavor infuses the onions. Thyme, with its earthy, herbal notes, complements the sweetness of the onions and ties the entire dish together. The combination of caramelized onions, garlic, and thyme creates a base that’s full of depth and complexity.

The French Onion Base: Savory and Creamy

Next, you’ll make the French onion base by adding beef broth to the caramelized onion mixture. The beef broth brings a savory richness to the dish, reminiscent of the flavors found in French onion soup. Simmering the broth for 5-7 minutes allows it to reduce slightly, intensifying the flavor and creating a flavorful sauce.

Once the broth has reduced, stir in the heavy cream, which adds a smooth, velvety texture to the base. Continue to cook the mixture for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the cream to blend seamlessly with the broth and onions. This creates a luxurious, creamy sauce that will be stirred into the mashed potatoes, giving them an extra layer of richness.

Mashing the Potatoes: Smooth and Creamy

Once your potatoes are cooked and the French onion base is ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Using a potato masher or ricer, mash the cooked potatoes until they are smooth and free of lumps. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a little extra butter or cream at this stage to make them even richer.

Now, stir the caramelized onion mixture into the mashed potatoes, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the dish. This will infuse the potatoes with the deep, savory flavors of the onions and broth, transforming them into a decadent side dish.

Adding the Gruyere Cheese: Nutty and Rich

One of the standout elements of French Onion Mashed Potatoes is the addition of melted gruyere cheese. Gruyere is a Swiss cheese known for its nutty, slightly sweet flavor and excellent melting qualities. It brings a rich, creamy texture and savory depth to the dish, making it the perfect complement to the caramelized onions and creamy potatoes.

Fold the grated gruyere cheese into the mashed potatoes while they are still warm, allowing the cheese to melt and become fully incorporated. The cheese adds a luxurious richness to the potatoes, making each bite decadent and indulgent. For an extra cheesy experience, feel free to add more cheese to taste.

Seasoning the Mashed Potatoes: Perfectly Balanced

Once everything is mixed together, season the potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt to bring out the natural flavors of the potatoes and cheese. The caramelized onions already bring a lot of flavor, so be sure to taste the dish and make any adjustments before serving.

Serving: Garnishing and Enjoying

French Onion Mashed Potatoes are best served warm, and they make a perfect side dish for a variety of main courses. You can garnish the potatoes with extra fresh thyme leaves or more melted gruyere cheese for an added touch of elegance. The crispy edges of the potatoes will contrast with the smooth, creamy interior, making each bite a satisfying combination of textures.

These mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to roast meats like beef, lamb, or turkey. They’re also an excellent choice for holiday meals, pairing beautifully with dishes like roasted chicken or prime rib. You can serve them with a fresh green vegetable or a light salad to balance out the richness of the potatoes.

Conclusion

French Onion Mashed Potatoes are an indulgent twist on the classic mashed potato dish, bringing the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup into every bite. The combination of caramelized onions, creamy gruyere cheese, and hearty potatoes creates a dish that’s full of depth and flavor. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday gathering or a cozy family dinner, these mashed potatoes are sure to impress. Their velvety texture, savory taste, and touch of luxury make them a standout side dish that will become a favorite for any occasion. Enjoy this comforting and elegant dish as a way to bring warmth and flavor to your table.