Name: Savory French Onion Soup Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 cups yellow onions (thinly sliced); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter (can substitute with vegan option); 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option); 1 tablespoon white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor); 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (can substitute with Italian seasoning or omit); 1 package crescent roll dough (all-purpose flour variant); 1 cup Gruyère cheese (can substitute with any melting cheese or vegan cheese)

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Introduction

These Savory French Onion Soup Bites are perfect for cozy gatherings or elegant appetizers. With caramelized onions, rich cheese, and a flaky crescent roll base, they capture all the comforting flavors of classic French onion soup in a convenient bite-sized treat.

A close-up view of six small, round baked onion cups arranged in a white dish on a white marbled surface. Each onion cup is golden brown on the edges with a slightly caramelized texture, filled with a creamy, melted cheese layer that is pale yellow with golden spots. Small green herb leaves, likely thyme, are scattered over the top of each onion cup. A woman's hand is picking up one onion cup from the dish, showing the layers of charred onion skin and soft melted cheese inside. The overall look is warm and inviting with a mix of crispy and creamy textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups yellow onions (thinly sliced)
2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon butter (can substitute with vegan option)
1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)

1 tablespoon white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (can substitute with Italian seasoning or omit)

1 package crescent roll dough (all-purpose flour variant)
1 cup Gruyère cheese (can substitute with any melting cheese or vegan cheese)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown.

Step 2: Stir in the beef broth and white vinegar. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut it into rectangles. Press each piece firmly into the cups of a greased mini muffin tin to form small dough cups.
Step 4: Fill each dough cup with a spoonful of the caramelized onion mixture. Then, sprinkle the top generously with Gruyère cheese.

Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully remove each bite, garnish with fresh thyme leaves, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use vegan butter and vegetable broth to make this dish completely plant-based.

For extra depth, add a splash of sherry or dry white wine when simmering the onions.
Try different melting cheeses like fontina, mozzarella, or vegan cheese for varied flavor and texture.
Sprinkle a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper or smoked paprika on top before baking for a subtle kick.

If you don’t have crescent roll dough, puff pastry sheets work great as a substitute.

Storage

Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to preserve the flaky texture of the dough.

How to Serve

Four small round potato stacks sit on a white plate with a white marbled texture background. Each stack has several thin, crispy, golden-brown layers of potato that form a cup shape, with a smooth, creamy mashed potato filling topped with lightly browned melted cheese. Small sprigs of fresh green thyme are sprinkled on top of each stack. A woman's hand is gently picking up one of the potato stacks from the edge of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bites and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Bake just before serving to ensure they stay fresh and crispy.

Can I make these gluten-free?

To make gluten-free bites, substitute the crescent roll dough with a gluten-free pastry dough. Ensure your broth and other ingredients are also gluten-free for a safe option.