Description
A delicious and savory French Onion Loaded Potato Skins appetizer: crispy potato shells filled with a rich mixture of caramelized onions, creamy potato, and melted cheese. A gourmet twist on a classic snack.
Ingredients
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6 medium potatoes
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2 tbsp olive oil
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 white onion, thinly sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp tamari (or soy sauce)
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1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or glaze
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp garlic pepper
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1 tsp oregano
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¼ cup vegetable stock (Substitute for wine)
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1 2/3 cups vegetable stock
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¼ cup heavy cream
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1 ½ oz grated mature cheddar
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¾ oz shredded or grated mozzarella
Instructions
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Bake the potatoes: Wash the potatoes and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Air fry or bake at 400°F for 45–50 minutes, or until fully cooked.
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Caramelize the onions: Heat the remaining olive oil in a pan. Add the sliced onions and cook on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add aromatics and sauces: Add garlic, tamari, and balsamic vinegar. Cook for 1 minute.
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Thicken the mixture: Sprinkle in the flour. Pour in vegetable stock and heavy cream. Simmer 5–10 minutes until thickened.
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Add cheese: Remove from heat and stir in 2/3 of the cheddar and mozzarella.
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Prepare the potato skins: Slice baked potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides into a bowl.
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Combine filling: Mash the scooped potato and mix it with the French onion mixture.
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Fill and top: Spoon the filling back into the potato skins. Top with the remaining cheese.
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Final crisp: Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Notes
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Oven baking: Bake potatoes at 400°F for 60–90 minutes, then bake the filled skins for 10–15 minutes (or broil for a crisp top).
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Make ahead: Complete steps 1–8, refrigerate, then air fry for 10–15 minutes before serving.
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Caramelization: Cook the onions low and slow (up to an hour if needed) for the deepest, sweetest umami flavor.
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Potato Base: For the crispiest skins, bake the potatoes until fully cooked, then lightly brush the insides with melted butter before filling.
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Cheese Melt: Shred the cheese yourself! Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that hinder smooth melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Caramelizing, Mixing, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Entire recipe (you can divide by the number of servings you want)
- Calories: ~1,540 kcal
- Sugar: ~11 g
- Sodium: ~3,100 mg (varies depending on added salt and stock)
- Fat: ~68 g
- Saturated Fat: ~30 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~38 g
- Trans Fat: ~0–0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: ~178 g
- Fiber: ~22 g
- Protein: ~36 g
- Cholesterol: ~125 mg
Keywords: French Onion Potato Skins, Loaded Potato Skins, Caramelized Onion Appetizer, Potato Skin Recipe, Savory Snack, Gourmet Appetizer, Air Fryer Potatoes, Cheese Potatoes, Weeknight Appetizer