Name: French Onion Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes (about 36); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion (softball size), thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; ¼ cup sherry or dry white wine; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; 4 ounces Gruyere cheese, freshly grated; Extra fresh rosemary and thyme for garnish; Freshly ground black pepper

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If you adore the rich, comforting flavors of caramelized onions and melted cheese paired with crispy, tender potatoes, you are going to fall head over heels for this French Onion Smashed Potatoes Recipe. It takes humble baby potatoes and elevates them with the deep, savory sweetness of slowly caramelized onions, fresh herbs, and gooey Gruyere cheese. This dish strikes a perfect balance between rustic and refined, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for family dinners or special gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to side dishes to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a dark pan, there is a single layer of thin, translucent white onion slices that look soft and cooked. On top of them, there is a small pile of thin, pale yellow garlic slices. Scattered on the onions and garlic are small, dark green dried herb pieces, likely rosemary, adding texture and color contrast. On the right side, silver tongs rest on the onions, slightly lifting some slices. The scene has a simple, natural look with no other layers visible photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this French Onion Smashed Potatoes Recipe is how a handful of straightforward ingredients come together to create bold, layered flavors. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s the fresh herbs adding brightness, onions lending sweetness, or cheese providing that luscious finish.

Baby potatoes (1 ½ pounds): Choose small, waxy potatoes for the perfect tender yet firm texture when smashed.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Adds richness and helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior on the potatoes.
Fresh rosemary (3 teaspoons, chopped, plus extra for garnish): Offers a fragrant piney aroma that complements the earthy potatoes.
Fresh thyme leaves (3 teaspoons, plus extra for garnish): Brings a subtle, savory note that pairs beautifully with onions and cheese.
Kosher salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every layer of flavor.
Large onion (one softball size, thinly sliced): Slowly caramelized to unlock a sweet, deep flavor base for the dish.
Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Helps the onions caramelize perfectly for that signature French onion sweetness.
Garlic (1 tablespoon, minced): Adds a little pungent warmth to balance the sweetness.
Sherry or dry white wine (¼ cup): Deglazes the pan to lift all those gorgeous onion flavors into the sauce.
Gruyere cheese (4 ounces, freshly grated): Melts beautifully over the potatoes, giving a nutty, creamy finish.

How to Make French Onion Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400˚F to ensure it’s hot and ready to give the potatoes a crispy, golden crust as they roast. This step sets the foundation for perfectly cooked smashed potatoes.

Step 2: Season and Roast the Potatoes

In a large bowl, toss the baby potatoes with one tablespoon of olive oil, fresh rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Make sure every potato is well coated—this seasoning is key to infusing them with flavor. Transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 25 to 30 minutes until tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

While the potatoes roast, heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and brown sugar, seasoning with salt and pepper as they cook. Stir frequently for 15 to 20 minutes until the onions are incredibly soft and deeply caramelized. This slow cooking is what brings out their signature sweetness and richness.

Step 4: Add Garlic, Herbs, and Deglaze

Stir in minced garlic along with the remaining rosemary and thyme, letting everything cook together for about two minutes more. Then, pour in the sherry or dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom. Cook for another couple of minutes until the liquid mostly evaporates. Remove the skillet from heat; these onions can be made a day ahead and refrigerated if needed.

Step 5: Smash and Assemble Potatoes

Once the potatoes are tender and out of the oven, keep the oven temperature the same. Use the bottom of a glass or spatula to gently press each potato until it’s flattened to about a third to half an inch thick. Sprinkle half the grated Gruyere cheese over the potatoes, then add a teaspoon of the luscious onion mixture on top. Finish by layering the remaining cheese and sprinkling extra rosemary, thyme, and freshly ground pepper.

Step 6: Bake Until Melty and Bubbly

Bake the assembled potatoes for 8 to 10 minutes until the Gruyere is melted, golden, and bubbling with cheesy goodness. Then, transfer them to a serving platter, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

How to Serve French Onion Smashed Potatoes Recipe

The image shows several small, round yellow potatoes arranged closely on a smooth, white marbled surface. Each potato is glistening with a light coating of oil and sprinkled with small bits of green herbs and black pepper, adding texture and contrast. The potatoes appear fresh and slightly shiny, with some highlights reflecting off their surfaces, creating a warm and appetizing look. In the foreground, a woman's hand is gently stabilizing one potato, hinting that they are being prepared for cooking. The overall focus is on the front potatoes, while the background ones are softly blurred, emphasizing the detailed texture and color of the front group. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A little fresh rosemary and thyme sprinkled over the top right before serving adds a wonderful pop of color and freshness. For an extra indulgent touch, a light dusting of flaky sea salt right out of the oven can make all the flavors shine.

Side Dishes

These potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken, steak, or pork. They also complement vegetarian mains such as grilled portobello mushrooms or a vibrant green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these smashed potatoes on a rustic wooden board for a casual family-style vibe or arrange on a sleek white platter for entertaining guests. For a fun twist, turn them into individual servings by placing each potato in a small ramekin, topped with cheese and onions, then broiled before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this French Onion Smashed Potatoes Recipe can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor well and can be reheated easily for another satisfying meal.

Freezing

While freezing this dish is possible, the texture of the smashed potatoes might soften slightly. If you freeze them, be sure to wrap tightly and consume within one month for best quality.

Reheating

To reheat, place the potatoes on a baking sheet and warm in a 350˚F oven until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. This method helps restore their crispy edges beautifully compared to microwaving.

FAQs

Can I use regular onions instead of a large softball-sized one?

Absolutely! The softball size onion is just a guideline for quantity. You can use one large or even two medium onions to achieve a similar amount of caramelized onions for the dish.

Is Gruyere cheese necessary, or can I substitute something else?

Gruyere is fantastic for its nutty, melty qualities, but sharp cheddar, fontina, or even mozzarella can work as substitutes depending on your preference.

Can I make the caramelized onion mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the caramelized onions up to one day in advance and refrigerate them. This makes the assembly day faster and just as delicious.

Do I have to use sherry, or can I skip the wine?

Sherry adds a lovely depth of flavor, but if you prefer to skip alcohol, you can replace it with a splash of apple cider vinegar or even chicken broth for deglazing.

What is the best way to get crispy edges on the smashed potatoes?

Using a generous amount of olive oil during the initial roasting and smashing them flat before the final bake in a hot oven helps create those irresistible crispy edges everyone loves.

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Smashed Potatoes Recipe is a wonderful way to take simple ingredients and elevate them into a deeply satisfying, flavorful side dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, these potatoes bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance to your table. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it one of your favorites too!