Spice Up Your Regular Potatoes with a French Onion Twist

Brian and Rita Dakolios
Nov 19
3 min read

Let’s take your everyday potatoes from familiar to fabulous. Inspired by a French Onion Soup-style , this recipe layers in savory depth, cheese, herbs and crunch—giving your potato side dish a serious upgrade. According to the original source, this dish gives a “crispy, herby and (of course) cheesy take on the classic soup”.

Why this works

Potatoes alone are comforting; adding the rich onion-soup flavor amplifies that in a smart way.
You get the best of texture: crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.
The herby and cheesy notes bring a gourmet feel without a ton of fuss.
It’s easy enough for weeknight but special enough for guests.

What you’ll need (approximate)

Several medium potatoes (Yukon gold or russets—your call).
A packet or sachet of French-onion soup mix (or your DIY blend of onion powder, beef or veggie bouillon, garlic, pepper).
Olive oil or melted butter.
Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, finely chopped.
Grated cheese (think Gruyère, cheddar or a melty favorite).
Optional: chopped onions (for extra onion-flavor punch), a sprinkle of paprika or chili flakes for heat.

How to make it

Preheat your oven to about 425°F (≈ 220°C) so you’ll get good crisp.
Prep the potatoes: Wash them, dry them, cut into bite-sized cubes or thick rounds so there’s surface area for crisping.
Season: Toss the potatoes with olive oil or melted butter, then add the French-onion soup mix (or homemade blend) and the fresh herbs. Make sure everything is coated well.
Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer—so they crisp rather than steam. If you’re adding chopped onions, scatter them in now.
Roast for ~20–30 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden and crispy on edges and tender inside.
Cheese it up: In the last 5 minutes, pull them out and sprinkle the grated cheese over the top. Return to oven just until cheese melts and maybe gets slightly golden.
Finish & serve: Sprinkle extra herbs, maybe a pinch of salt or pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot and crisp.

Tips for variation & success

If you like garlic, toss in a clove or two of minced garlic just before the end so it doesn’t burn.
Want more crunch? Use smaller potato pieces and space them well on the sheet so air flows between.
If you don’t have a soup mix, simulate it: combine onion powder + a little beef or vegetable bouillon + garlic powder + a pinch of thyme or rosemary.
Swap or add in veggies: slice in a few baby carrots, parsnips or even sweet potatoes for color and variety.
For a spicier version: add chili flakes or smoked paprika to the mix.
Make it ahead: roast the potatoes till nearly done, then finish the cheese melt just before serving to keep the crisp.

Why you’ll love it

This dish hits the comfort-food notes you know (potatoes, cheese, warm oven) but adds a flair of restaurant-style flavor thanks to the onion soup twist. It’s approachable, familiar, but elevated. It’ll pair with pretty much anything—grilled chicken, steak, fish—or stand on its own as a standout side. Plus, it makes plain potatoes feel exciting.

Serve it with…

A green salad (for freshness to contrast the rich potatoes).
A lean protein like grilled pork tenderloin or roasted chicken.
A creamy soup or stew—kind of a potato-versus-potato match that ends up balanced.
On its own for a cozy night in, maybe alongside a glass of wine or something bubbly.

The takeaway

If your weeknight table has been seeing the same old roasted or mashed potatoes and you’re wondering how to shake things up—you’ve got it right here. This French onion soup-inspired potato dish is the perfect way to crank up flavor without over-complicating things. Crisp, herby, cheesy, comforting—and still easy. Give it a try and watch the “just potatoes” become “Wow, this is delicious.”