Cheesy French Onion Baked Casserole – Introducing the ultimate comfort food. The Cheesy French Onion Baked Casserole. This dish is a rich blend of caramelized Vidalia onions. Melty Gruyère cheese. And a perfectly crusty baguette. Creating a deliciously cheesy delight. Perfect for chilly evenings. Family dinners. Or whenever you crave something deeply satisfying.

The first time I made this casserole. Was on a particularly cold winter evening. Seeking something warm. And comforting. I decided to experiment. With my favorite soup flavor. French onion. As the onions simmered. And the kitchen filled with their sweet aroma. My husband and child. Were drawn to the oven. Eagerly anticipating. What was to come. After taking their first bites. Their eyes lit up. This casserole was a hit! It’s become a cherished dish in our home. One that brings us together. Every time it’s made.

What makes this Cheesy French Onion Baked Casserole truly special?

What sets this Cheesy French Onion Baked Casserole apart? Firstly, it’s a heartwarming twist. On the classic French onion soup. Transformed into a hearty casserole. The use of Vidalia onions. Adds a natural sweetness. That complements the savory broth. And cheese. Plus, it’s both easy to prepare. And can serve a crowd. Making it perfect for gatherings. Or a family-style meal.

What You Need To Make This Cheesy French Onion Baked Casserole Recipe?

Unsalted Butter: Allows you to control the seasoning more precisely. Ensuring the dish is perfectly balanced.

Vidalia Onions: These onions add a natural sweetness. That complements the savory flavors of the casserole. Enriching the overall taste.

Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the flavors of the onions and cheese. Adding just the right amount of seasoning.

Thyme & Parsley Sprigs, Bay Leaves: These herbs infuse the dish with subtle. Aromatic flavors. That deepens the savory notes of the casserole.

Baguette: Adds texture. And absorbs the flavorful sauce. Providing a satisfying crunch. In each bite.

All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce. Making it rich and velvety. Which binds the layers of the casserole beautifully.

Reduced-Sodium Beef Broth: Adds depth to the dish. Without making it overly salty. Allowing the other ingredients to shine.

Sherry: Introduces a hint of acidity. And complexity to the sauce. Brightening up the flavors.

Gruyère Cheese: Offers a delicious melt. And a nutty taste. That pairs perfectly with the sweet onions.

Fresh Thyme Leaves: Sprinkled on top. These provide a burst of freshness and color. Enhancing the final presentation. And flavor of the dish.

Steps To Make Cheesy French Onion Baked Casserole:

Step 1: Cooking the Onions: In a Dutch oven over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add onions, salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, and bay leaves. Stir frequently until onions are caramelized to a golden brown, roughly an hour.

Step 2: Toasting the Baguette: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast until just golden, about 12 minutes.

Step 3: Making the Sauce: After removing the herbs, stir flour into the onions for 2 minutes. Pour in the broth and sherry, and bring to a vigorous boil, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Assembling the Casserole: In a 13×9 inch baking dish, lay half the toasted baguette slices. Top evenly with the onion mixture, then the remaining baguette slices, and finally, the shredded cheese.

Step 5: Baking: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, switch to broil, and broil until the cheese bubbles, about 3 minutes. Finish by sprinkling fresh thyme leaves over the top.

Tip:

Caramelize the onions slowly. And thoroughly: The key to maximizing the flavor. In your Cheesy French Onion Baked Casserole. Is to take your time caramelizing the onions. Cook them slowly over medium-low heat. Stirring occasionally. To ensure they don’t burn. This process. Can take about an hour. But it’s worth every minute. As the onions cook down. They’ll develop. A deep golden color. And a rich, sweet flavor. That’s the backbone of this dish. Proper caramelization. Brings out the natural sugars in the onions. Which is essential. To achieving the signature taste. Of this casserole. This step. Not only intensifies the flavors. But also infuses the entire dish. With a deliciously complex sweetness. That can’t be matched.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole. Cover. And refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve. Adding an extra 10 minutes. To the covered baking time.

What can I substitute for Gruyère cheese?

Swiss or Emmental cheese are excellent substitutes that melt well. And offer a similar flavor profile.

Can I use a different type of onion?

Yes. You can use yellow onions as a substitute. But Vidalia onions provide a sweeter taste. Which complements the rich flavors. Of this casserole perfectly.

Cheesy French Onion Baked Casserole

Dive into the heartwarming embrace of our Cheesy French Onion Baked Casserole. Where the sweet, caramelized depths of Vidalia onions. Meld with the rich. Nutty tones of melted Gruyère cheese. Each spoonful. Is a journey. Through layers of toasted baguette. That soak up the savory, herbed broth. Creating a symphony of flavors. That feels like a cozy hug. In every bite. Perfect for chilly evenings. Or anytime you need a touch of comfort. This dish is not just food. It’s a warm, delicious escape. That promises to gather smiles. Around the dinner table.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main dish

Cuisine: French

Keyword: Cheesy French Onion Baked Casserole

Total Time: 1 hour hour 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1/4 c unsalted butter
• 5 medium Vidalia onions thinly sliced (about 3 lb.)
• 2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 thyme sprigs
• 2 flat-leaf parsley sprigs
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 16-ounces baguette, thinly sliced
• 1/3 c all-purpose flour
• 3 c reduced-sodium beef broth
• 1/2 c sherry
• 8 ounces Gruyère cheese shredded (about 2 cups)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

Prepare the Onions:

• In a large Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
• Add the sliced onions, salt, pepper, thyme sprigs, parsley sprigs, and bay leaves.
• Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown, about 1 hour.

Toast the Baguette:

• While the onions cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Arrange baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 12 minutes until lightly toasted. Set aside.

Make the Sauce:

• Remove the herb sprigs and bay leaves from the onion mixture.
• Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Add the beef broth and sherry, bring to a boil, and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Assemble the Casserole:

• In a 13×9 inch baking dish, layer half of the toasted baguette slices.
• Spoon the onion mixture evenly over the bread.
• Top with the remaining baguette slices.
• Sprinkle evenly with shredded Gruyère cheese.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Bake the Casserole:

• Bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil, switch the oven to broil, and broil for about 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

Finish and Serve:

• Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

To enjoy a delightful gluten-free version. Of this Cheesy French Onion Baked Casserole. Simply swap out the regular baguette. For your favorite gluten-free baguette. Many grocery stores. Now carry a variety of gluten-free bread options. That mimic the texture. And flavor of traditional bread. When selecting your gluten-free bread. Opt for one that toasts well. As this will help maintain the delightful crunch. And structure in the casserole. Additionally, ensure that your beef broth. And sherry are labeled gluten-free. As some brands. May include additives. That contain gluten. With these simple substitutions. You can savor this comforting dish. Without worry!