French Onion Casserole Comfort Food Reimagined

Recipe Introduction

Fancy some seriously good comfort food casserole ? Ever had a hankering for French Onion Soup Casserole Recipe , but, like, way easier to make? Then you've come to the right place! This French Onion Casserole is my kinda food – simple, delicious, and perfect for a chilly evening.

It's basically a warm hug in food form, and honestly, who doesn't need a hug these days?

Why This Casserole Rocks

This isn't your grandma's French Onion Casserole , well maybe your cool grandma. We're talking that classic onion-y sweetness, rich beef broth, and a ton of melted Gruyere cheese casserole , all baked into a bubbling dream.

Instead of soggy bread, we've got crispy, buttery croutons on top. It’s a bit French, a bit American, and completely irresistible.

Quick 'n' Dirty Deets

Originating from classic French onion soup, we've turned a Parisian bistro staple into an easy French Onion Casserole . This is a medium-difficulty recipe, mostly because caramelizing onions takes time.

Expect about 1 hour 30 minutes total time. This makes enough for 6-8 hungry people.

The "Wow" Factors

Besides being utterly delicious, this French Onion Casserole is packed with flavor. The Gruyere cheese offers a great source of protein and calcium, making it tasty and somewhat nutritious! This casserole is killer for potlucks, family dinners, or honestly, just treating yourself after a long week.

What makes this so special is how it takes a fancy dish and makes it simple. And the flavor is out of this world! I mean, who can say no to Caramelized Onion Casserole ?

Ready to dive in? Let's get into the ingredients, shall we?

French Onion Casserole Comfort Food Reimagined Recipe Card

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Preparation time:30 Mins

Cooking time:60 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (approximately 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) good quality beef broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) dry red wine (like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) cold water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 cups (approx. 200g) cubed day-old baguette or French bread (roughly 1-inch cubes)
• 4 tablespoons (60 ml) melted unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper
• 8 ounces (225g) Gruyère cheese, grated

Instructions:

• Melt butter and olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot. Add onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and golden brown (about 45-60 minutes). Stir in balsamic vinegar during the last few minutes.
• Add beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot with the onions. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
• In a small bowl, whisk together flour and cold water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the broth thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with melted butter, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Spread the croutons in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Pour the onion soup mixture into the prepared 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with grated Gruyère cheese. Top with the toasted croutons.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450-550

Fat:25-30g

Fiber:3-5g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:French

Ingredients & Equipment: French Onion Casserole Edition

Okay, so you wanna make this awesome French Onion Casserole ? Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll need. I swear, it's not as intimidating as it sounds.

This comfort food casserole is totally achievable, even if you’re not exactly Gordon Ramsay.

The Onion Sauce & Other Essentials

First up, the onions! This is where the magic happens. You’ll need 3 tablespoons (45ml) of butter and 2 tablespoons (30ml) of olive oil.

Then, grab 3 large yellow onions (about 1.5kg/3.3lbs). Slice them thinly. Quality matters here. Look for onions that are firm and don’t have any soft spots.

We want sweet and flavourful onions. Don't forget 1 teaspoon (5ml) of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) of salt, 1/4 teaspoon (1.

25ml) of pepper, and 1 tablespoon (15ml) of balsamic vinegar to really bring out the sweetness.

For the casserole itself, you’ll need 6 cups (1.4 litres) of good beef broth. Seriously, splurge on this. It makes a difference.

Also, 1 cup (240ml) of dry red wine. I usually go with a Cabernet Sauvignon but Merlot works just fine.

Next up, add 1 tablespoon (15ml) of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon (5ml) of dried thyme, and one lonely bay leaf.

To thicken things up, you'll need 1/4 cup (30g) of all-purpose flour mixed with 1/4 cup (60ml) of cold water.

It is going to be the base of this beautiful French Onion Soup Casserole Recipe . Salt and pepper to taste, of course.

Seasoning Magic & Savory Swaps

For that classic French Onion flavour, thyme is key. Seriously, don’t skip it! A bay leaf adds depth. Worcestershire is a great flavor enhancer and umami bomb.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! If you are looking for Winter Casserole Recipes , this is it!

Quick swap? No red wine? Use a splash of dry sherry or even some extra beef broth with a squeeze of lemon juice.

It's not the same, but it works in a pinch.

Gearing Up for Your Gruyere Cheese Casserole

Okay, equipment time! A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot is ideal for the onions. You'll also want a large skillet for the croutons later.

Finally, you will need a 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish is a must. I like Pyrex. Keeps it classic.

Household alternative? If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a large pot will do. A regular baking dish works if you don't have the exact size, just adjust the baking time slightly.

For that matter, this Easy French Onion Casserole is going to be delicious no matter what!

Crunch Time: Making Caramelized Onion Casserole

For the amazing crouton topping, grab 6 cups (approx. 200g) of cubed, day-old baguette. 4 tablespoons (60ml) of melted butter are next, plus 1/2 teaspoon (2.

5ml) of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) of dried parsley, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon (1.

25ml) of pepper. And the star, 8 ounces (225g) of Gruyère cheese, grated! Don't go pre-shredded! It just doesn’t melt as nicely.

And honestly, that’s it! Ready to transform this into the best French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole ever? Let’s go!

Alright, let's get cracking on this French Onion Casserole recipe! Think of this as "French Onion Soup... with Benefits!" We're taking a classic, comforting soup and transforming it into a show-stopping casserole perfect for a chilly evening.

It's like the culinary equivalent of a warm hug. Right, let's nail this:

French Onion Casserole: Comfort Food Reimagined

This recipe takes the beloved flavors of classic French Onion Soup – sweet, caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and a generous layer of melted Gruyère cheese – and elevates it into a hearty and satisfying Comfort Food Casserole .

A buttery, crisp crouton topping replaces the traditional bread slices, creating a delightful textural contrast. Prepare to be transported to a cozy Parisian bistro, no passport required! This dish is like a "hug in a bowl" and will definitely make you want more of it!

Prep Steps to Casserole Success

So, you're thinking about making my Easy French Onion Casserole ? Fantastic choice! Essential mise en place is key, my friend.

First, slice those onions! About 1.5 kg, I'd say. Then measure out your liquids. Time-saving organization tips : Get all your ingredients measured and prepped before you even turn on the heat.

It makes the whole process so much smoother. Honestly, it's like having your ducks in a row.

Let's Get Cooking: The Step-by-Step Casserole Process

1. Caramelize the Onions: Melt 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of butter and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil in a large pot.

   Add your sliced onions, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sugar , 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt , and 1/4 teaspoon (1.

   25 ml) pepper . Cook over medium-low heat for about 45- 60 minutes , stirring now and then, until they're deeply golden and delicious.

   Don't rush this step! At the end, stir in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of balsamic vinegar .

2. Build the Broth: Pour in 6 cups (1.4 liters) of beef broth , 1 cup (240 ml) of red wine , 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of Worcestershire sauce , 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of dried thyme , and a bay leaf.

   Simmer that for 15 minutes .

3. Thicken It Up: Mix 1/4 cup (30 g) of flour with 1/4 cup (60 ml) of cold water . Slowly whisk this into the simmering broth.

   Cook till it thickens a bit, around 5 minutes . Season with salt and pepper.

4. Crouton Time! : Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Toss 6 cups (approx. 200g) of cubed bread with 4 tablespoons (60 ml) of melted butter , 1/2 teaspoon (2.

   5 ml) garlic powder , 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) parsley , salt, and pepper. Bake for 8- 10 minutes until golden.

5. Assemble and Bake: Pour that Onion Sauce into a baking dish. Sprinkle with 8 ounces (225g) of Gruyère . Top with croutons.

   Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until bubbly and browned.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Casserole

First, don't overbake! You want melted cheese, not burnt cheese. Second, If you like this French Onion Casserole Recipe, try different cheeses! Some people love adding provolone.

Third, if you want to make this French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole , you can easily add ground beef between cheese and the soup in the casserole.

I made a Caramelized Onion Casserole once for a potluck party, and everyone wanted the recipe. It was a big hit! This Winter Casserole Recipes is great because you can even make the caramelized onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a couple of days.

Honestly, this casserole is so easy and satisfying. Enjoy! Also there is a variation called French Onion Soup Casserole Recipe which is totally worth it.

Recipe Notes: Making Your French Onion Casserole Shine

Alright, so you're ready to tackle this French Onion Casserole ? Awesome! Honestly, it’s easier than you think, but here are a few notes from yours truly to help you nail it.

It is the perfect Comfort Food Casserole recipe.

Serving it Up: Plating and Pairing Ideas

Presentation is key, right? For plating, I like to serve this bad boy straight from the baking dish. The bubbling Gruyere Cheese Casserole looks amazing.

Think rustic charm! A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top never hurts either. Now, for sides...a simple green salad is a must.

The acidity cuts through the richness. And don't forget a good loaf of crusty bread. Perfect for soaking up all that Onion Sauce .

I sometimes even have a shot of Parsley Soup on the side for a change. If you’re feeling fancy, a glass of Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc goes down a treat.

I remember serving this once at a dinner party, and everyone asked for seconds!

Storage Savvy: Keeping Your Casserole Fresh

So, leftovers? If you’re lucky enough to have any, here's the lowdown. For refrigeration, let the Easy French Onion Casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with foil or popping it into an airtight container.

It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days . For reheating, I find the oven is best. Preheat it to 350° F ( 175° C) and bake for about 15- 20 minutes , or until heated through.

You can microwave it too, but the croutons won't be as crispy. Freezing? Not ideal because of the cheese and croutons.

But if you must , freeze individual portions before adding the croutons and bake them when you plan to eat.

Remixing the Recipe: Variations and Swaps

Wanna mix it up a bit? You know I'm all about that! For a vegetarian version, swap the beef broth for veggie broth.

Boom! Easy peasy. You could also add some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist. Mmm! Cheese-wise, Gruyere is the classic, but Swiss or Provolone works wonders too.

If you're gluten-free, just use gluten-free bread for the croutons. For seasonal swaps, during Winter Casserole Recipes , experiment using sweet onions.

Don't be afraid to use your imagination and this French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole will be perfect.

Nutrition Nuggets: A Quick Look

Okay, let's talk health. This Caramelized Onion Casserole is comfort food, so it’s not exactly a health food. Each serving packs roughly 450-550 calories , with a good hit of protein and fat.

It also has carbohydrates, some fiber, and sugar (from the onions!). Key benefits? Well, onions are packed with antioxidants, and the Gruyère gives you a calcium boost.

But honestly? The biggest benefit is pure, unadulterated happiness!

So there you have it – my notes on making the best French Onion Soup Casserole Recipe ever. Don’t be scared to experiment and make it your own. Have fun!