Introduction
If you’re looking for a comforting and rich dish that warms the soul, this French onion-style recipe with a deliciously crispy baguette and melted Gruyere cheese is sure to satisfy. Combining caramelized onions with flavorful broths, this dish is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. The layers of toasted bread and gooey cheese bring a delightful texture to this classic dish, making each bite a heartwarming experience.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 16 ounces baguette, cut into ¼-inch slices (1 loaf)
– ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick)
– 2 Vidalia onions, halved and sliced into ¼-inch pieces
– 3 yellow onions, halved and sliced into ¼-inch pieces
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– Leaves from 5 fresh thyme sprigs
– 1 bay leaf
– ½ cup dry sherry
– 1 cup unsalted beef broth
– 2 cups unsalted chicken broth
– 8 ounces Gruyere cheese, freshly shredded (about 2 cups)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 6-8
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F and position the rack in the lower-middle section. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Toast the Baguette
Arrange the baguette slices on a metal rack set over a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Dutch Oven
While the bread toasts, generously spray the inside of a large Dutch oven with nonstick spray.
Step 4: Add Ingredients
Add the butter, sliced onions, salt, black pepper, thyme leaves, and bay leaf to the Dutch oven.
Step 5: Cook the Onions – First Hour
Cover the Dutch oven tightly and cook the onions in the oven for 1 hour. Remove and stir thoroughly, scraping the sides and bottom.
Step 6: Cook the Onions – Second Hour
Return the pot to the oven with the lid slightly ajar. Cook for another hour.
Step 7: Check Onion Consistency
Remove the pot, stir the onions again, ensuring to scrape the sides and bottom. The onions should be soft and a bit darker than golden brown. If not, cook for an additional 30 minutes with the lid slightly ajar.
Step 8: Transfer to Stovetop
Transfer the pot to the stovetop over medium-high heat. Remember, the pot is hot; use oven mitts.
Step 9: Remove Bay Leaf
Remove and discard the bay leaf.
Step 10: Add Broths and Sherry
Add the sherry, beef broth, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 11: Layer the Dish
In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the toasted baguette slices.
Step 12: Add Onion Mixture
Evenly spoon the onion mixture over the bread, then top with the remaining bread slices.
Step 13: Add Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded Gruyere cheese over the top and cover the dish with foil.
Step 14: Bake the Dish
Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes.
Step 15: Broil for Bubbly Cheese
Switch the oven to broil, remove the foil, and broil for about 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Step 16: Optional Garnish
Optionally, garnish with additional thyme leaves before serving.
Notes
Note 1: Onion Selection
Using Vidalia and yellow onions adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
Note 2: Toasting Bread
Ensure the baguette slices are evenly toasted for the best texture.
Note 3: Broth Variety
Using unsalted broths allows better control over the seasoning of the dish.
Note 4: Cheese Topping
Gruyere is recommended for its meltiness and flavor, but other cheeses can be substituted if desired.
Note 5: Serving Suggestions
This dish can be served as a hearty appetizer or main course.
Cook Techniques
Toasting Bread
Toasting the baguette slices helps develop a crispy texture that will hold up against the moisture of the onion mixture and broth. Arrange the slices on a metal rack set over a baking sheet for even toasting in the oven.
Caramelizing Onions
Slowly cooking the onions with butter in a covered Dutch oven allows the natural sugars to break down, creating rich flavors and a deep color. Stir occasionally and scrape the sides to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Deglazing
After caramelizing the onions, add sherry and broth to deglaze the pot. This process lifts flavorful browned bits off the bottom, enhancing the overall taste of the dish while adding depth to the broth.
Layering
Layering the toasted bread and onion mixture in the baking dish ensures that each slice absorbs the flavors of the broth. This method not only enhances taste but also creates a visually appealing dish.
Broiling
Switching to broil at the end of cooking creates a beautifully bubbly and browned cheese topping. Keep a close eye during this step to prevent burning while achieving an ideal golden finish.
FAQ
Can I substitute another type of cheese for Gruyere?
Yes, you can use other melting cheeses like Swiss, mozzarella, or Fontina, but it may slightly alter the flavor profile.
What can I use instead of dry sherry?
If you don’t have dry sherry, you can substitute with white wine, apple cider vinegar diluted with water, or simply use additional broth.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and omit the sherry or use a non-alcoholic substitute.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
Is it possible to prep this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the onion mixture and layer the dish, then cover and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when ready to cook.
Conclusion
This savory onion and Gruyere cheese dish, layered with crispy baguette slices, offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The slow-cooked onions, enriched with sherry and broth, create a rich base, while the toasted bread and bubbling cheese bring comfort and satisfaction to any meal. Perfect as a side dish or a main course, it is sure to impress your family and guests alike.
More recipes suggestions and combination
French Onion Soup
Transform this recipe into a classic French onion soup by adding more broth and serving it in oven-safe bowls topped with melted Gruyere cheese.
Cheesy Bread Pudding
Incorporate eggs and cream to the mixture to create a savory bread pudding, perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner.
Caramelized Onion Dip
Use the onion mixture as a base for a creamy dip by adding cream cheese and sour cream, serving it warm with tortilla chips or veggies.
Vegetarian Onion Gratin
Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for a hearty vegetarian version.
Thyme and Cheese Flatbread
Spread the onion mixture on a pizza crust and sprinkle with additional Gruyere cheese for a delicious flatbread topped with thyme.
