French onion soup casserole is a cool twist on the classic French onion soup, and it brings all the rich flavors and homey feel we all love. It mixes sweet caramelized onions, hearty bread, and melted Gruyère cheese for a dish thats warm in the belly and the heart. Its become a favorite for family dinners, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. You can serve it as a main dish or a side, it works great both ways.
French onion soup started long ago in France, made for working people who wanted somthing cheap and filling. Over time folks changed it up and made it into this baked casserole. By layering onions, broth, and cheese in a dish and baking it, it gets a new texture and taste thats extra satisfying. While it bakes, the kitchen fills with smells of sweet onions and savory broth that feel like a big hug.
Now French onion casserole is a surefire hit for any party or get-together. Whether you serve it to friends or family, it bring back memories of comfort and warmth. Cheesy, savory, and so satisfying, this dish is one youll keep making for years.
Ingredients for French Onion Casserole
To make a yummy French onion casserole, you need these ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- Yellow onions (2–3 medium)
- Butter (½ cup)
- Beef or vegetable broth (4 cups)
- French bread (4–5 slices)
- Gruyère cheese (2 cups shredded)
- Thyme (1 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
- White wine (½ cup)
- Garlic (2 cloves minced)
- Bay leaf (1 leaf)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions for Preparing French Onion Casserole
Follow these steps to get it just right every time.
Step 1: Caramelizing the Onions
Slice the yellow onions thin. In a large skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Add the onions and stir every few minutes so they dont burn. Let them cook for about 30–40 minutes until they turn a deep golden brown. Just before theyre done, stir in the garlic and thyme so the smell gets even better.
Step 2: Combining Ingredients
Pour in the broth and, if you use it, the white wine. Toss in the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it cook 10–15 minutes so all the flavors meld.
Step 3: Assembling the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lay the bread slices in a baking dish. Pour the onion and broth mix over the bread, spreading it out. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. You can repeat layers if you want more cheese or onions.
Step 4: Baking
Cover the dish with foil and bake 20 minutes. Then remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest a few minutes before serving so it sets up nice.
Tips for the Perfect French Onion Casserole
- Use a mix of onions like white or sweet for extra depth.
- Caramelize slowly, dont rush it.
- Opt for quality broth,no skimping on flavor.
- Try other cheeses like mozzarella or sharp cheddar for a twist.
Variations on French Onion Casserole
Vegetarian French Onion Casserole
Just swap in vegetable broth and skip anything meat-based, youll still get the same rich taste.
French Onion Chicken Casserole
Add cooked, shredded chicken between layers for extra protein. It makes a heartier meal.
Gluten-Free French Onion Casserole
Use gluten-free bread so everyone can enjoy without worry.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: About 350 per serving
- Fats: 20g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 12g
Enjoy this indulgent dish in moderation and balance with lighter foods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
what can i serve with French onion casserole?
It pairs well with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or a light vinaigrette to cut the richness.
how do i store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or microwave until warm.
can i make French onion casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it and cover, then refrigerate for up to a day. Add a few extra minutes to bake time if it’s cold.
what’s the best type of cheese?
Gruyère is classic, but Swiss, mozzarella, or sharp cheddar work too for a different flavor.
Conclusion
French onion casserole is more than just food; it’s an experience of comfort and joy. Its rich flavors and gooey cheese make it a go-to recipe for gatherings or family dinners. Give it a try, share it with people you love, and make it your own!
Additional Resources
- Related Recipe: French Onion Soup
- Explore Other Casseroles
- Cookbooks Focused on Comfort Food
french onion casserole
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 casserole dish (2-quart size)
- 1 cutting board
- 1 set measuring cups and spoons
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese plus more for topping
- 1 cup grated Swiss cheese
- 6 cups cubed French bread
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir to combine, cooking for an additional minute.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the Gruyère and Swiss cheeses until melted and combined.
- In a greased casserole dish, layer half of the cubed French bread on the bottom. Pour half of the onion mixture over the bread. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread and onion mixture.
- Top the casserole with additional Gruyère cheese to taste.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
