Lightened French Onion Bites

Featured in: Hearty Soups & Stews

These lightened French onion potato bites offer crispy Yukon Gold rounds topped with sweet caramelized onions and a creamy cheese mixture. Roasted until golden, they provide a healthier alternative that captures the essence of classic French onion soup in a convenient, bite-sized form. Garnished with fresh chives, they make an easy, elegant appetizer or party snack that's both vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free when using certified ingredients.

The potatoes are seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting to tender perfection. Meanwhile, onions slowly caramelize with a touch of sugar and balsamic vinegar to develop deep flavor. The cheese topping blends light cream cheese, Greek yogurt, mozzarella, and garlic powder for a creamy, tangy finish. After assembly, a brief return to the oven melts the cheese just right, enhancing each bite’s richness without heaviness.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:39:00 GMT
Golden, oven-baked Lightened French Onion Potato Bites are topped with savory caramelized onions and creamy cheese. Save to Pinterest
Golden, oven-baked Lightened French Onion Potato Bites are topped with savory caramelized onions and creamy cheese. | frostkettle.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.

I love serving these Lightened French Onion Potato Bites at gatherings because they combine the rich taste of French onion soup in a portable and lighter format that guests enjoy.

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 Oven:
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:
In a bowl, combine light cream cheese, Greek yogurt, mozzarella, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Assemble Bites:
Once potatoes are roasted, top each 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.
Save to Pinterest
| frostkettle.com

This recipe always brings smiles at family gatherings, reminding us of classic French cooking with a fresh, healthy twist.

Substitutions

You can substitute sweet potatoes for Yukon Gold potatoes for a sweeter, earthier flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bites with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or as part of a larger appetizer spread.

Storage

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

A platter of warm Lightened French Onion Potato Bites displays golden potato rounds with a cheesy onion topping. Save to Pinterest
A platter of warm Lightened French Onion Potato Bites displays golden potato rounds with a cheesy onion topping. | frostkettle.com

Enjoy these lightened French onion potato bites as a delicious appetizer that combines flavor and health in every bite.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I use other potatoes besides Yukon Gold?

Yes, sweet potatoes work well for a different flavor but may alter cooking time slightly. Choose firm, medium-sized rounds for best texture.

How do I ensure caramelized onions don’t burn?

Cook onions slowly over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of water if they start sticking. Patience develops the deep golden color.

Is it possible to prepare these bites in advance?

Potatoes and onions can be made ahead and assembled just before reheating to keep their texture optimal and flavors fresh.

What if I want a spicier version?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cheese mixture or sprinkle chili flakes on top before baking for subtle heat.

Can these bites be baked in an air fryer?

Yes, air frying the potato rounds at 400°F until crisp is an efficient alternative, but monitor closely to prevent overcooking the onions during assembly.

Lightened French Onion Bites

Crispy potato rounds with caramelized onions and creamy cheese blend, perfect for a flavorful, lighter appetizer.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Time to Cook
40 minutes
Overall Time
60 minutes
Created by Nora Whitman


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine French-inspired

Makes 24 Serving Size

Dietary Information Meatless, Wheat-Free

What You 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

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Prepare potatoes: Toss potato rounds with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet.

Step 03

Roast potatoes: Roast potatoes for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.

Step 04

Caramelize onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions, salt, and sugar, cooking 20-25 minutes until deep golden and caramelized. Stir in balsamic vinegar and cook an additional minute before removing from heat.

Step 05

Mix cheese blend: Combine light cream cheese, Greek yogurt, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Warm assembled bites: Return topped potato rounds to the oven for 5 minutes until the cheese is warmed through.

Step 08

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh chives and serve warm.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens. Ask a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy: cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and mozzarella.
  • Gluten-free if all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Nutrition Details (Each Serving)

Given for informational purposes, this isn't medical advice.
  • Energy Value: 45
  • Fats: 2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Proteins: 2 g