Lightened French Onion Bites

Featured in: Family Sharing Plates

Enjoy crispy Yukon Gold potato rounds roasted to golden perfection and topped with a savory blend of caramelized onions and a light cream cheese mix. This dish combines rich French onion flavors with lighter dairy alternatives for a guilt-free indulgence. The bites are finished with fresh chives and a brief return to the oven, creating a warm, flavorful appetizer that’s easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings. Gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly options make it versatile for various dietary preferences.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:12:00 GMT
Golden French Onion Potato Bites appetizer, topped with perfectly caramelized onions, perfect for sharing and dipping. Save
Golden French Onion Potato Bites appetizer, topped with perfectly caramelized onions, perfect for sharing and dipping. | cookinget.com

Crispy, bite-sized potato rounds topped with caramelized onions and a lightened creamy cheese blend. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack with all the flavor of classic French onion soup in a healthier, finger-food form.

This recipe has quickly become my go-to appetizer for gatherings since it combines familiar flavors with a lightened twist that everyone enjoys.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes sliced into 1/2-inch rounds, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Caramelized Onions: 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • Cheese Mixture: 1/2 cup light cream cheese softened, 1/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste
  • Garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Instructions

Preheat:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Potatoes:
Toss potato rounds with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes flipping halfway through until golden and tender.
Caramelize Onions:
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Cook stirring frequently for 20-25 minutes until deep golden brown and caramelized. Stir in balsamic vinegar and cook 1 minute more. Remove from heat.
Mix Cheese:
Combine light cream cheese, Greek yogurt, mozzarella, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth.
Assemble Bites:
Top each roasted potato round with a small dollop of the cheese mixture. Add a spoonful of caramelized onions on top.
Final Bake:
Return potatoes to oven for 5 minutes just until cheese is warmed through.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped chives, and serve warm.
Delicious Lightened French Onion Potato Bites: crispy potato rounds with a creamy cheese topping, ready to enjoy. Save
Delicious Lightened French Onion Potato Bites: crispy potato rounds with a creamy cheese topping, ready to enjoy. | cookinget.com

Sharing these bites at family get-togethers has brought everyone closer with lots of compliments and requests for the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these bites with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for a delightful appetizer experience.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Variations

Substitute sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor or add a pinch of dried thyme to the caramelized onions for extra depth.

Warm French Onion Potato Bites, featuring melted cheese and sweet onions, a tasty and easy party snack. Save
Warm French Onion Potato Bites, featuring melted cheese and sweet onions, a tasty and easy party snack. | cookinget.com

These potato bites bring classic flavors together in a lighter way that everyone will love to snack on.

Recipe FAQs

How can I make the potatoes crispy?

To ensure crispiness, slice potatoes evenly and roast them in a single layer with olive oil at a high temperature, flipping halfway through.

What is the best way to caramelize onions?

Cook sliced onions slowly over medium-low heat with a bit of sugar and salt until deep golden brown and soft, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Can I substitute other types of potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes or other waxy potatoes can be used. Roasting times may vary slightly depending on thickness.

What cheeses blend well for the topping?

A mixture of light cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and part-skim mozzarella offers a creamy yet lighter cheese topping that melts nicely.

How do I keep the bites warm before serving?

After assembling, briefly warming the bites in the oven melts the cheese and maintains a warm temperature for serving.

Are these bites suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, if all ingredients, especially yogurt and cheeses, are certified gluten-free, these bites fit gluten-free guidelines.

Lightened French Onion Bites

Crispy potato rounds with caramelized onions and creamy cheese topping, perfect for a light snack.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Time to Cook
40 minutes
Overall Time
60 minutes
Recipe by Sophie Daniels


Skill Difficulty Easy

Cuisine French-inspired

Output 24 Portion Count

Diet Preferences Vegetarian Option, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Potatoes

01 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Caramelized Onions

01 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 1/2 teaspoon sugar
05 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

Cheese Mixture

01 1/2 cup light cream cheese, softened
02 1/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
03 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
04 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
05 Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Set oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Roast potato rounds: Toss potato slices with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.

Step 03

Caramelize onions: While potatoes roast, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions, salt, and sugar, stirring frequently for 20 to 25 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in balsamic vinegar and cook for one minute, then remove from heat.

Step 04

Prepare cheese mixture: Combine softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth.

Step 05

Assemble bites: Top each roasted potato round with a dollop of cheese mixture, followed by a spoonful of caramelized onions.

Step 06

Warm assembled bites: Return the topped potato rounds to the oven for 5 minutes to warm the cheese.

Step 07

Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle bites with chopped fresh chives, and serve warm.

Essential Tools

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon or spatula

Allergy Details

Review all ingredients for allergens. Ask a medical expert when uncertain.
  • Contains dairy from cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and mozzarella.
  • Gluten-free when using certified gluten-free ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (per portion)

These numbers offer reference only, not medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 45
  • Fats: 2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Proteins: 2 g