Name: French Onion Soup Bites with Melted Cheese in Crispy Pastry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 3 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme; ¼ cup beef broth or vegetable broth; Optional: splash of balsamic vinegar or white wine; 1 sheet puff pastry (or phyllo shells / crescent dough); 1 to 1½ cups shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese; Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Introduction

If you love the rich, cozy flavors of classic French Onion Soup but want an easy-to-serve appetizer, these French Onion Soup Bites are perfect for you. Caramelized onions nestled in flaky pastry and topped with melted cheese make for a warm, savory bite-sized treat ideal for gatherings or family nights.

The image shows small round tarts on a white plate with a white marbled texture underneath. Each tart has a golden-brown crust that is slightly crispy and thick. Inside, there is a thick, chunky topping of caramelized onion that is shiny and amber-colored, sitting just below the edge of the crust. On top of the onion layer, small green herb sprigs add a fresh touch. Two of the tarts have visible bites taken out, showing a soft, creamy inside with the same golden crust outside. Scattered small green leaves decorate the space between the tarts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

3 tbsp butter

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

1 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme

¼ cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)

Optional: splash of balsamic vinegar or white wine

1 sheet puff pastry (or phyllo shells / crescent dough)

1–1½ cups shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese

Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Melt butter and olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25–35 minutes until the onions are deep golden and jammy.

Step 2: Add broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar or white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits and intensifying the flavor. Cook another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Cut puff pastry into small squares and gently press them into mini muffin tins. Alternatively, arrange phyllo cups or prepare crescent dough bites as your base.

Step 4: Spoon a generous amount of the caramelized onion mixture into each pastry cup.

Step 5: Top each filled pastry with shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–17 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the pastry is golden brown.

Step 7: Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley and serve warm. Enjoy those gooey cheese pulls!

Tips & Variations

Caramelize onions slowly over low heat for the richest, sweetest flavor.

Gruyère cheese provides a classic French Onion Soup taste, but mozzarella melts beautifully and is a budget-friendly option.

Add a splash of balsamic vinegar when cooking onions to deepen the flavor and add a subtle tang.

Pre-bake pastry cups for a few minutes if you prefer an extra crispy base.

Variations: Use crescent roll dough for a softer bite or phyllo cups for a crispier, elegant appetizer.

Make a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Try a sweeter, gourmet variation by adding more balsamic vinegar to the onion mixture.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead?

Yes! You can prepare the caramelized onions and pastry bases separately, then assemble right before baking. Alternatively, bake them fully and reheat when ready to serve.