French Onion Soup Bites with Caramelized Onions and Gruyère Recipe

Introduction

French Onion Soup Bites capture all the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup in a fun, bite-sized treat. These golden crescent dough cups filled with caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese make for a perfect appetizer or party snack.

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 2 Tbsp. sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
• Cooking spray, for greasing pan
• 2 (8-oz.) cans crescent rolls
• 4 oz. Gruyère cheese, grated
• Fresh thyme, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Generously grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan with cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bites.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the olive oil and butter, heating until the butter melts. Add the thinly sliced onions and season with a generous pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the onions become tender and richly caramelized, approximately 30 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the low-sodium beef broth and sherry or red wine vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid almost entirely reduces but the onions remain slightly moist, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove the skillet from heat.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll one can of crescent rolls and cut along the perforated line to create two pieces. Then cut each piece lengthwise down the center, producing four large rectangles. Each rectangle should be further cut into three smaller pieces, resulting in 12 pieces per can.
5. Step 5: Press each piece into the muffin cups, stretching as necessary to cover the sides and bottom evenly. Repeat this process with the second can.
6. Step 6: Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the caramelized onion mixture into each dough-lined muffin cup. Evenly sprinkle grated Gruyère cheese over the top of the onions.
7. Step 7: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and the crescent dough turns a golden brown color, about 18 to 20 minutes.
8. Step 8: Allow the bites to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a serving platter. Garnish each bite with fresh thyme leaves for added aroma and visual appeal.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of yellow and sweet onions for a richer caramelized flavor.
• Substitute Gruyère with Swiss or fontina cheese for a different but delicious twist.
• For extra depth, add a splash of dry white wine along with the broth and vinegar.
• Make sure to cook the onions slowly to develop their natural sweetness and avoid burning.

Storage

Store leftover French Onion Soup Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to keep the crust crisp and the cheese melted.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the caramelized onions and dough cups in advance. Assemble and bake them just before serving for best results.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While Gruyère is traditional and melts beautifully, Swiss, fontina, or even mozzarella can be used depending on your taste preference.

French Onion Soup Bites with Caramelized Onions and Gruyère Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 106 reviews

These French Onion Soup Bites are a delightful twist on the classic French onion soup, featuring caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese baked inside buttery crescent roll cups. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, they offer rich flavors and a crispy golden crust with the sweet and savory depth of slow-cooked onions.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 mini bites 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Caramelized Onions

• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 2 Tbsp. sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar

Dough and Assembly

• Cooking spray, for greasing pan
• 2 (8-oz.) cans crescent rolls
• 4 oz. Gruyère cheese, grated
• Fresh thyme, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the muffin pan: Generously grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan with cooking spray to ensure the bites release easily after baking.
2. Caramelize the onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and butter together until the butter melts. Add the thinly sliced onions, season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are tender and rich golden brown, about 30 minutes.
3. Add broth and vinegar: Stir in the low-sodium beef broth and sherry or red wine vinegar. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid reduces but the onions remain moist, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
4. Prepare crescent dough cups: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll one can of crescent rolls and cut along perforations into two pieces. Cut each piece lengthwise down the center to make four large rectangles, then cut each into three smaller pieces, totaling 12 pieces per can. Press each piece evenly into the muffin cups, stretching gently to cover sides and bottom. Repeat with second can.
5. Fill the cups: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the caramelized onion mixture into each dough-lined muffin cup. Top each with an even sprinkle of grated Gruyère cheese.
6. Bake the bites: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until the cheese melts and the crescent dough turns golden brown.
7. Cool and serve: Let the bites cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving for added aroma and a beautiful presentation.

Notes

• For best results, use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels.
• You can substitute Gruyère with Swiss or mozzarella cheese if preferred.
• Make sure to cook onions slowly over medium heat for proper caramelization and flavor development.
• These bites can be served warm or at room temperature and are ideal for parties or appetizers.
• If desired, add a pinch of thyme or herbs into the onion mixture for extra flavor.

Keywords: French onion soup bites, caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, crescent rolls, appetizer recipe, party snacks, baked bites