Description
French Onion Soup Bites are a delightful appetizer that captures the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup in a convenient, bite-sized puff pastry form. Caramelized onions simmered with beef broth are layered on flaky puff pastry squares, topped with melted Gruyère cheese and a hint of thyme, making them perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Onion Mixture
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 dash olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- Fresh or dried thyme, to taste
- Salt, to season
Puff Pastry & Cheese
- 1 package puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- Good-quality Gruyère cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with a dash of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions, season lightly with salt, and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 45 minutes until the onions are deep brown and sweet.
- Prepare the Beef Broth Reduction: Add 1 cup of beef broth to the caramelized onions and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook until the broth is reduced and slightly thickened to intensify the flavors.
- Prep the Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into small squares suitable for bite-sized portions.
- Assemble the Bites: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the puff pastry squares on a parchment-lined baking tray. Spoon a small heap of the caramelized onion mixture onto the center of each square. Sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese and a pinch of fresh thyme over the top.
- Bake: Bake the assembled bites in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly browned.
- Serve: Allow the bites to cool for a few minutes before serving to enjoy the warm, melty, and flavorful appetizers.
Notes
- Take your time caramelizing the onions; low heat over a longer period develops the best flavor.
- If you don’t have Gruyère, Emmental or sharp cheddar cheeses make excellent alternatives.
- Keep your puff pastry cold before baking to ensure a flaky texture.