Imagine this: a bubbling French Onion Soup Casserole, with its rich aroma of caramelized onions wafting through your kitchen.
There’s something irresistibly cozy about this dish, and it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. With layers of toasted baguette and gooey Gruyère cheese, each bite feels indulgent.
As the onions meld with beef broth and wine, magic happens in the oven.
Let’s bring this comforting classic to life in your home today.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large skillet
- 1 baking dish
- 1 whisk
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 6 slices baguette, toasted
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the French Onion Soup Casserole, follow this timeline:
Timeline:
0:00 – 0:05 (5 minutes)
– Read through the recipe instructions and gather all necessary equipment and ingredients.
0:05 – 0:20 (15 minutes)
- Begin the prep work:
- Thinly slice 4 large onions.
- Toast 6 slices of baguette.
- Shred 2 cups of Gruyère cheese.
- Chop 1/4 cup of fresh parsley.
0:20 – 0:45 (25 minutes)
- Start cooking:
- Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon sugar to the skillet.
- Cook the onions until caramelized, about 25 minutes.
0:45 – 0:46 (1 minute)
– Stir in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute.
0:46 – 0:56 (10 minutes)
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups beef broth and 1 cup dry white wine, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Add 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
0:56 – 0:57 (1 minute)
– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
0:57 – 1:00 (3 minutes)
- Pour the onion mixture into a baking dish.
- Arrange toasted baguette slices on top of the mixture.
1:00 – 1:01 (1 minute)
– Sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the bread.
1:01 – 1:21 (20 minutes)
– Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
1:21 – 1:23 (2 minutes)
– (Optional) For a crunchier texture, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
1:23 – 1:28 (5 minutes)
– Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
1:28 – 1:30 (2 minutes)
– Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Following this timeline will help guarantee a smooth and efficient cooking process for the French Onion Soup Casserole. Enjoy your meal!
Recipe Instructions
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add sliced onions, salt, and sugar to the skillet and cook until the onions are caramelized, about 25 minutes.
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in beef broth and wine, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
Add thyme leaves and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pour the onion mixture into a baking dish.
Arrange toasted baguette slices on top of the mixture.
Sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the bread.
Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Serving Tips
- Mixed Green Salad: A fresh and crisp salad complements the savory and rich flavors of the casserole.
- Crusty French Bread: Additional bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth from the casserole.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a bright and healthy side to the meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts adds depth and balances the dish’s richness.
- Red Wine: Pair with a glass of red wine for a classic French dining experience.
Storage
To store French Onion Soup Casserole, cool completely.
Cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
This should take around 15-20 minutes.
Freezing
To freeze French Onion Soup Casserole, allow it to cool completely.
Then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat French Onion Soup Casserole, cover with foil.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.
Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
Final Thoughts
French Onion Soup Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic French onion soup. With its savory caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and gooey Gruyère cheese, this dish is both comforting and satisfying.
To enhance the flavor, consider using a mix of sweet and yellow onions.
For a crunchy texture, broil the casserole for a few minutes after baking.
Ensure that the baguette slices are well toasted to avoid sogginess.
Utilize high-quality beef broth for a deeper taste.
This casserole is perfect for a cozy meal or a special occasion.
Enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Gruyère Cheese With Another Type of Cheese?
You can substitute Gruyère with Swiss or Emmental for a similar melting quality. Confirm the cheese has a nutty flavor profile. Avoid using overly processed cheeses as they may not achieve the desired texture and taste.
Is There a Vegetarian Alternative for Beef Broth?
You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth to maintain a vegetarian profile. Make certain the broth is robust, incorporating ingredients like mushrooms, carrots, and celery to enrich flavor. Adjust seasoning for balance and depth.
What Can I Use Instead of Dry White Wine?
You can substitute dry white wine with an equal amount of vegetable broth or apple juice for sweetness. For acidity, add a tablespoon of white wine vinegar or lemon juice, ensuring flavor balance in your dish.
How Can I Make This Casserole Gluten-Free?
To make the casserole gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free bread instead of baguette slices. Confirm beef broth is gluten-free. Verify all other ingredients’ labels for potential gluten content.
Can I Prepare the Casserole in Advance and Bake It Later?
Absolutely, you can prepare the dish ahead. Complete all steps through adding the cheese, then cover and refrigerate. When ready, bake at 375°F until the cheese bubbles. This method guarantees ideal flavor and texture.
French Onion Soup Casserole
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients Â
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 large onions thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 6 slice baguette toasted
- 2 cup Gruyère cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
InstructionsÂ
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions, salt, and sugar to the skillet and cook until the onions are caramelized, about 25 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in beef broth and wine, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Add thyme leaves and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour the onion mixture into a baking dish.
- Arrange toasted baguette slices on top of the mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the bread.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
