French Onion Bake
A warm, comforting French Onion Bake featuring caramelized onions topped with toasted bread and melted Swiss and Parmesan cheeses, perfect for cozy gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine (divided) ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 can (10 1/2 oz.) condensed beef consomme ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cooking sherry
- 4 slices French bread, cut 1 inch thick
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, sauter onions in 2 tablespoons butter until tender.
- Sprinkle with flour and stir to combine.
- Add salt and pepper; cook and stir for about 3 minutes.
- Pour in the undiluted beef consomme and sherry; cook and stir until thickened.
- Pour the onion mixture into a shallow 2-quart baking dish or individual dishes.
- Spread remaining butter on both sides of the bread slices; place on a baking sheet.
- Bake the bread at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Place the toasted bread on top of the onion mixture.
- Sprinkle with shredded Swiss cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of onions, such as yellow and sweet onions. If you want a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of beef consomme.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this French Onion Bake as a hearty main dish or as a side to grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with Polish Sausage-Kraut Skillet or a simple green salad. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. This dish also makes a wonderful appetizer when served in smaller portions.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the bread may lose its crispness. Consider pairing with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Onion Bake contains roughly 1191 calories, with 13g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2549mg per serving (111% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, while Swiss cheese is traditional, you can experiment with Gruyère or mozzarella for different flavors. Just keep in mind that the melting characteristics may vary, which can affect the texture of the dish.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the onion mixture and assemble the dish without baking it. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just add the toasted bread and cheese, then bake as directed. This makes it a convenient option for entertaining.
What can I serve with this dish?
This French Onion Bake goes well with a variety of dishes. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. It can also complement other hearty beef recipes, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).