Get ready to transform an ordinary loaf of bread into a culinary masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing with joy! This French Onion Cheese Bread is not just a recipe; it's a flavor explosion that combines the rich, sweet caramelized onions with gooey, melted cheese nestled in a crispy, golden bread. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a luxurious side dish, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of crusty bread
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyère or Swiss)
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply caramelized and golden brown, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Season the caramelized onions with thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and remove from heat.
- Take the crusty bread and carefully slice it diagonally, creating deep cuts about 1-inch apart, without cutting completely through the bottom of the loaf.
- Generously stuff the caramelized onions between each bread slice, ensuring even distribution.
- Sprinkle shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese liberally between the bread slices and on top of the loaf.
- Wrap the bread loosely in aluminum foil and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, then unwrap the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to crisp the bread and melt the cheese.
- Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm as a delicious appetizer or side dish.
Tips
- Patience is key when caramelizing onions - cook them slowly on medium-low heat to develop deep, rich flavor.
- Use a crusty artisan bread with a sturdy structure that can hold the onions and cheese.
- For the best melting quality, choose a high-quality Gruyère or Swiss cheese.
- Be careful not to cut completely through the bread when making diagonal slices - you want the loaf to stay connected.
- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or a dash of garlic powder before baking.
- Serve immediately after baking for the most spectacular cheese pull and crispy texture.
- If you want a more golden top, you can broil the bread for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 215kcal
Carbohydrates: 29g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
