French Onion Soup Bites
French Onion Soup Bites
Introduction
Transform the cozy, savory depth of French onion soup into a crowd-pleasing finger food. These French Onion Soup Bites feature a golden, buttery crust filled with caramelized onions, hearty beef broth, and melted Gruyère cheese. They are savory, rich, and perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized, about 25-30 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in the wine (if using) and beef broth. Add the thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- While the onion mixture simmers, roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 24 squares and press each into a mini muffin cup.
- Remove the bay leaf from the onion mixture. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the caramelized onion filling into each pastry cup. Top generously with shredded Gruyère cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Slice Evenly: For uniform caramelization, slice your onions to a consistent thickness. A mandoline works well for this.
- Low and Slow: Caramelizing onions takes time. Keep the heat low to avoid burning and achieve a deep, sweet flavor.
- Cheese Swap: If you can't find Gruyère, Swiss cheese makes an excellent substitute with a similar nutty flavor.
- Make Ahead: The caramelized onion filling can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 280 per serving (3 bites)
- Protein: 7g
- Total Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 310mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use store-bought beef broth? A: Yes. For the best flavor, choose a low-sodium beef broth, which allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish.
- Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers? A: Store cooled bites in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Q: Can I make these vegetarian? A: Absolutely. Substitute the beef broth with a rich vegetable or mushroom broth to create a delicious vegetarian version.
- Q: Why do my bites get soggy? A: To prevent sogginess, ensure the onion filling is not too watery before spooning it into the pastry. Letting it simmer until thickened is key.