French Onion Gratinee Casserole a Souper Supper

Recipe Introduction

Ever craved french onion soup casserole but thought, "Too much faff"? Well, grab your oven mitts! This recipe transforms that classic into a hearty, fuss free bake. Think savoury, cheesy, and unbelievably comforting.

Quick Hook: From Ladle to Layer!

Fancy a twist on tradition? This french onion gratinee casserole recipe is pure comfort. It's got that sweet onion flavour and melty Gruyère. It is perfect for a chilly night.

Brief Overview: A French Favourite with a Twist

Originating from the classic French onion soup, this french onion casserole recipe makes it a bake. Caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and crusty bread form the base.

Then we blanket it all in melted Gruyère. This medium difficulty recipe takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It serves 6-8 people.

Main Benefits: Warmth in Every Bite

One major win? This gratinee casserole recipe is protein packed! It is proper comfort food. Serve this caramelized onion casserole at your next gathering.

It is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. Honestly, it's the ultimate hug in a dish.

So, what makes this onion soup bake special? It's the convenience. It's about taking a beloved soup. Then, turning it into something shareable and satisfying.

I tried a vegetarian french onion soup casserole once. It was okay, but the beef broth really adds depth.

Ready to jump in? This easy french onion soup casserole starts with the onions. They must be caramelized low and slow.

It sounds simple, but it is the key. This casserole is also a star among comfort food casserole recipes . It features a rich beef broth casserole base.

Honestly, once you've tried this, you'll never go back to boring old soup!

Alright, let's chat about what you'll need to nail this French Onion Gratinee Casserole . Honestly, it's easier than you think.

Ingredients & Equipment: Gather Your Arsenal

Main Ingredients: The Building Blocks

Here's what you need for this incredible french onion soup casserole .

• Caramelized Onions:
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter ( 45g )
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30ml )
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 3 lbs/ 1.4kg ) - go for firm, heavy onions.
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar ( 5g )
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme ( 1g )
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ( 0.5g )
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste ( 1g )
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar ( 15ml )
• Casserole Construction
  • 6 cups beef broth ( 1.4L ) A good quality beef broth casserole ingredient is essential.
  • 1 cup dry red wine ( 240ml ) (optional, but trust me, it's good!).
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ( 15ml )
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 baguette, cut into 1 -inch thick slices ( 2.5cm ) - day-old is best.
  • 8 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded ( 225g ) - please use good quality gruyere cheese casserole .
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish - optional)

Quality is key with the onions and the Gruyère, don’t skimp!

Seasoning Notes: The Flavor Boost

Thyme, salt, and pepper are your base. Worcestershire sauce adds umami . The balsamic vinegar? A little zing! For a vegetarian spin on this easy french onion soup casserole , you can substitute the Worcestershire sauce for soy sauce, and it is great on the french onion soup casserole vegetarian .

You know, that's what makes the difference between an average dish and one that gets people talking.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet (optional, for toasting baguette slices)

You don't need fancy gadgets to make this caramelized onion casserole . If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a regular large pot will do.

No broiler? Toast the bread in a pan. It is one of the simplest comfort food casserole recipes .

This french onion casserole recipe is all about flavour. I had this friend that loved this dish. She always said that It reminds her of her Grandma's recipe. Let's get cooking!

French Onion Gratinee Casserole: A Souper Supper!

Fancy a twist on a classic? Forget ladling soup! This french onion gratinee casserole transforms the familiar soup into a hearty, crowd pleasing bake.

I'm telling you, this is where it's at. While it's not strictly traditional, it's a darn delicious twist. Every bite is a symphony of savory, sweet, and cheesy goodness magnifique ! It is comfort food casserole recipes perfected!

This french onion soup casserole is a bit of a labor of love. Think of it as a warm hug on a cold night.

Sweet, caramelized onions, simmered in rich beef broth, are layered with crusty bread. It's all blanketed with a generous topping of melted Gruyère.

Honestly, it's worth every single minute.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

Alright, time to get organised. It is essential to be prepped for this. Slice up 3 large yellow onions super thin.

Shred 8 ounces of Gruyère cheese . Measure out all your liquids, like the 6 cups of beef broth . Having everything ready seriously saves time.

It's all about that mise en place, you know? Safety wise, just watch those fingers when slicing onions!

step-by-step: From Pot to Glorious Casserole

Here's the lowdown. Follow these steps:

1. Caramelize 3 lbs of onions with 3 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil . Add 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt . Cook for 30- 40 minutes until golden. Stir in 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar for the last minute.
2. Simmer 6 cups beef broth, 1 cup red wine , 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce , and 1 bay leaf for 15 minutes . Remove the bay leaf.
3. Toast 1 baguette , cut into 1 inch thick slices . This keeps it from getting soggy.
4. Layer half the bread, then half the onions, then half the broth. Repeat.
5. Sprinkle 8 ounces Gruyère cheese on top.
6. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30- 40 minutes . The cheese should be melted and bubbly, like a dream.
7. Let it rest for 5- 10 minutes before diving in.
8. Garnish with parsley if you're feeling fancy.

Pro Tips for That Gratinee Glamour

• Low and slow is the secret to amazing caramelized onions. Don't rush it!
• If you want the ultimate cheesy goodness of a gruyere cheese casserole , use a good quality Gruyère.
• Toasting the bread slices stops them from getting soggy, so don't skip this step!
• Avoid the common mistake of burning the cheese. If it gets too brown, tent the dish with foil.
• The french onion soup casserole vegetarian version can be easily done by substituting beef broth for vegetable broth

So there you have it - the most amazing french onion casserole recipe ever. It is an onion soup bake your family will love.

It is easy french onion soup casserole to make at home.

You know, I once tried to rush the onions and ended up with a bitter mess. Trust me, patience is a virtue here! The end result of a caramelized onion casserole is worth every single minute you put in.

Honestly, this beef broth casserole is a winner! So grab your casserole dish, and let's get cooking!

Recipe Notes for Your French Onion Gratinee Casserole

Alright, let's talk about some extra bits and bobs for your French Onion Soup Casserole. These tips will seriously level up your french onion casserole recipe game.

Honestly, these are things I've learned from making this a ton of times.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Okay, presentation matters, right? I like to serve my french onion soup casserole straight from the baking dish. It looks rustic and homey.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color. Think about a side salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc is perfect. A light bodied red works too!

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! For refrigeration, let the gratinee casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap.

It'll keep in the fridge for 3 days . For reheating, I suggest popping it back in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

The microwave works in a pinch, but the bread can get a bit soggy. Freezing isn't ideal, as the texture can change.

But hey, desperate times call for desperate measures.

Variations: Remixing the Recipe

Want to shake things up? Try a french onion soup casserole vegetarian version by swapping the beef broth for vegetable broth.

Easy peasy! For a seasonal twist, add some roasted butternut squash in the fall. Seriously, this caramelized onion casserole is so versatile.

You can also try adding a layer of grated parmesan cheese under the gruyere for extra flavour.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Okay, let's keep it real. This beef broth casserole isn't exactly a health food. But it's packed with protein from the cheese and broth.

Onions have loads of antioxidants. Plus, it's just good for the soul. A serving will clock in around 450-550 calories.

I promise, it's worth every single calorie as a comfort food casserole recipes !

Ready to give this easy french onion soup casserole a whirl? I know you'll love it. Honestly, the onion soup bake is one of my absolute favourites.

Give it your own spin, and remember: cooking should be fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is making french onion soup casserole really as hard as it looks? I'm no Mary Berry!

Don't worry, this French Onion Soup Casserole isn't as intimidating as it seems! While caramelizing the onions takes a bit of time and patience (think of it as a mindful activity!), the rest is just layering ingredients like you're making a lasagne.

The recipe is very forgiving, so even if you're not a seasoned pro, you'll still end up with a delicious and comforting dish.

Can I make french onion soup casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate it. When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time, and make sure the casserole is heated through before serving.

This is a great way to get ahead if you're planning a dinner party and don't want to be stuck in the kitchen all day.

What's the best way to store leftovers of this french onion soup casserole?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in a preheated oven until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Be aware that the bread may soften further upon reheating, but it will still taste delicious!

I'm trying to watch my waistline - is there a lighter version of this french onion soup casserole?

You bet! You can definitely lighten things up by using reduced fat Gruyère cheese, using less butter or oil when caramelizing the onions, and opting for a whole wheat baguette. Another option is to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lower fat base.

While it will change the flavour slightly, it's a great way to enjoy a healthier version of this comforting dish. And hey, portion control is key too!

I can't find Gruyère - what else can I use for the cheese topping on the french onion soup casserole?

No Gruyère, no problem! Swiss cheese is a fantastic substitute, offering a similar nutty and melty quality. Fontina is another good option, creating a delightfully creamy texture. You could even use a combination of Swiss and Parmesan for a richer, sharper flavour.

Just make sure whatever you choose melts well and you'll be golden!

My baguette slices always get soggy! How do I stop my french onion soup casserole from being a mushy mess?

Ah, the dreaded soggy bread! The key is to toast your baguette slices before assembling the casserole. Toasting them lightly in a skillet with a bit of olive oil or under the broiler creates a barrier that prevents them from soaking up too much broth.

This helps maintain some texture and prevents that undesirable mushiness. You can also use day-old baguette for even better results.