Baked Onions Topped With French Bread Food

FRENCH ONION SOUP

Steps:

• In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the oil, onions, salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until onions are deep golden brown and caramelized, 45 to 55 minutes. In the beginning, you will only need to stir the onions only occasionally. As they start to brown midway through cooking, you will need to stir them frequently, scraping the fond (the brown particles) from the bottom of the pan. If the onions are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly or add a few tablespoons of water to deglaze the pan and continue cooking.
• Add the wine and raise the heat to high. Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon to scrape any fond from the bottom of the pan, until almost all of the liquid has evaporated and the onions are jammy, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for one minute.
• Add the broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook, covered, for about 30 minutes.
• While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 400°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake until the bread is dry, crisp, and golden at edges, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
• When the soup is finished, remove the bay leaves and add the sherry; taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the soup needs a deeper flavor, try a few shakes of Worcestershire sauce. If it's not quite sweet enough, add ¼ teaspoon sugar.
• Adjust an oven rack 6 inches from broiler element and heat broiler. Set individual broiler-safe crocks on a baking sheet and divide the hot soup among the crocks (be sure the soup is very hot as it won't warm up much in the oven). Top each crock with 1 or 2 baguette slices (do not overlap slices) and sprinkle evenly with Gruyère and then Parmigianno Reggiano. Slide the crocks into the oven and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly around edges, 3 to 5 minutes. Let the crocks cool for a few minutes before serving. (Alternatively, if using regular soup bowls: Top each toast slice with some cheese and return to broiler to melt, about 2 minutes more. Divide the soup among bowls and top each serving with two cheese toasts.)
• Make-Ahead Instructions: The soup can be made and refrigerated up to 3 days ahead (without toasts or cheese), or up to 3 months ahead and frozen. Toasts can be made (without the cheese) and kept sealed at room temperature for up to 3 days.

FRENCH ONION PANADE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325.
• Divide bread slices among 2 or 3 baking sheets. Spread bread out in a single layer, and toast for 20 minutes, then flip slices, and rotate pans to ensure even toasting. Toast until dried out and lightly golden, about 35 minutes total. Set aside. Increase oven temperature to 425, and adjust oven rack to center position.
• Set a large Dutch oven or similar pot over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons butter and olive oil. When butter has melted, add onions and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Cook covered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.
• Once the onions cook down a bit and release some liquid, remove lid and increase heat to medium high. Continue cooking and stirring regularly until onions are tender and dark golden brown, about 45 minutes total. Turn off heat, add vinegar and wine and stir to deglaze. Taste, and adjust salt and vinegar as needed - the onions should be sweet, savory and pleasantly tangy. Spoon onions into a heatproof bowl, and set aside.
• Return pot to stove. Add stock and 1 teaspoon salt, and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Taste, and adjust salt as needed - it should taste like good chicken soup.
• Place both cheeses in a medium bowl, and mix to combine.
• Butter the inside of a deep 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Line the bottom with a layer of toasted bread, breaking up pieces as needed to form a solid layer. Spoon half the onion mixture evenly over the bread. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the cheese mixture, and season with pepper. Continue layering with bread, the remainder of the onions and another 1/3 of the cheese. Top off with a final layer of bread.
• Ladle 3 cups of stock over the panade, then wait a minute, and allow the bread to absorb liquid. Pressing down on panade with a metal spatula, add as much stock as the panade will absorb without overflowing. Dot the top layer of bread with remaining butter, then cover with parchment paper and foil. Place baking dish atop baking sheet to catch any overflow, then slide onto the center rack. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and parchment, sprinkle with remaining cheese and return to oven for 15 minutes more. Bake until golden brown.
• Remove panade from oven, and allow it to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Cover, and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat to serve.

MOM'S EASY ONION-PARMESAN TOPPED BREAD

Steps:

• Combine cheese, mayonnaise, and onion.
• Spread on halved French bread.
• Place on baking sheet, bake at 375 for 15 to 18 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned (or wrap in foil and heat on grill).
• Do not overcook.
• Remove from oven, let sit 5 minutes, then cut into serving pieces and enjoy. Careful, as topping will be very hot!

FRENCH ONION BREAD

Steps:

• In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together 2 cups (250 grams) flour, sugar, yeast, and salt by hand.
• In a medium saucepan, heat milk, ½ cup (120 grams) water, butter, and sour cream over medium heat until an instant-read thermometer registers 120°F (49°C) to 130°F (54°C). Add warm milk mixture to flour mixture, and using the paddle attachment, beat at medium speed until combined. Add egg, beating until combined. With mixer on low speed, gradually add 2 cups (250 grams) flour, beating until combined.
• Switch to the dough hook attachment. Beat at low speed until a soft, smooth, and somewhat sticky dough forms and pulls away from bowl, 9 to 10 minutes. Add up to remaining ¼ cup (31 grams) flour if dough is too sticky. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface, and shape into a smooth round.
• Lightly oil a large bowl. Place dough in bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until doubled in size, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Spray a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray.
• Lightly punch down dough. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface, and roll into a 21×12-inch rectangle. In a small bowl, combine softened butter and thyme. Spread thyme butter onto dough, leaving a ½-inch border on one long side. Sprinkle and spread Caramelized Onions onto butter. Sprinkle 6 ounces (170 grams) cheese onto onions.
• Starting with long side opposite border, roll dough into a log, pinching seam to seal. Place log seam side down, and cut in half lengthwise, leaving 1½ inches at one end. Turn halves cut sides up, and carefully twist dough pieces around each other; form into a circle. Place, cut sides up, in prepared pan. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until puffed, about 30 minutes.
• Position one oven rack in center and one at top of oven. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Bake on center rack for 30 minutes. Sprinkle remaining 2 ounces (57 grams) cheese on top, and bake until cheese is melted and golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted in center registers 190°F (88°C), 15 to 20 minutes more, placing a piece of foil on top rack of oven to prevent excess browning, if necessary. Let cool in pan for 20 minutes. Remove from pan. Serve warm or at room temperature.
• In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 15 minutes. Add salt, sugar, and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is deep golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes.
• Increase heat to high. Add sherry; cook until most of liquid has evaporated. Transfer to a glass bowl, and let cool to room temperature.

FRENCH ONION BREAKFAST BREAD BOWL WITH BROCCOLI

Steps:

• Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 475 degrees F.
• Slice off the top one-third of the bread with a serrated knife. Hollow out the loaf by cutting a circle around the inside of the bread, leaving a 1-inch border. Pull the soft bread out with your hands, making sure to leave about 1 inch intact at the bottom of the bowl as well. Tear some of the soft insides into large rustic croutons (you'll have about 1 1/2 cups). Reserve the remaining top and bread pieces for another use (such as breadcrumbs).
• Place the bread bowl and croutons on a baking sheet. Spread 2 cups Gruyere inside the bread bowl, pressing the cheese into the sides and bottom to help it adhere. Bake until the cheese is melted and the croutons are golden, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
• Cook the broccoli according to the package directions. Transfer to a colander to drain until cool, 5 minutes. Coarsely chop the broccoli and set aside.
• Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, thyme, bay leaf, sugar, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown, 16 to 20 minutes. (If the onions begin to darken too quickly, reduce the heat to low, add 1 teaspoon water and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits that have formed on the bottom of the pan.)
• Remove and discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaf from the onions. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook until it is fully reduced and the pan is dry, about 2 minutes. Transfer the onions to a bowl and set aside. Rinse and wipe out the skillet.
• Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in the same skillet over medium heat.
• Meanwhile, beat the eggs, heavy cream, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a medium bowl. Add the egg mixture to the skillet and cook, moving the eggs back and forth with a rubber spatula as they begin to set, until just cooked through and slightly creamy, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the heat and fold in the broccoli.
• Spoon the mixture into the bread bowl, firmly pressing it down with the back of the spoon (you should have about 7 cups of filling). Top with the caramelized onions, then the croutons. Mound the remaining 3 cups Gruyere on top and bake until the cheese is melted and golden around the edges, about 20 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before slicing into wedges.

BAKED ONIONS

Steps:

• Peel the onions, but leave the root end intact. Pour about 2 inches of water into a large saucepan and set up a collapsible steamer inside. Steam the onions until easily pieced by a knife, about 30 minutes. (For more tender onions you may steam them a little longer; however, they might be somewhat harder to hollow out. Either way they're delicious!) Set aside to cool.
• Slice off about a third of the top portion of each onion. Using a paring knife, cut out the insides of each onion, leaving about 4 outside layers intact, to make a container for stuffing. Chop the onion insides and tops.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring, until crispy and the fat has rendered, about 3 minutes. Add the chopped onion, herb sprigs, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and sugar. Season with pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 12 minutes. Add the wine and cook until dry, scrapping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to get up any browned bits, about 2 minutes. Stir in the cream and remove from the heat. Remove and discard the herb sprigs. Stir in the cheese and mustard.
• Lightly butter a baking dish. Season the inside of the onions with salt and pepper, and spoon the stuffing into each onion cavity, mounding it slightly on top. Set the onions in the dish.
• Heat the butter in the skillet. Add the breadcrumbs and stir until they absorb the butter. Spoon the buttered breadcrumbs on top of each onion.
• Roast the onions until well browned and heated through, about 40 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

OLIVE CHEESE BREAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
• Roughly chop both the black olives and pimiento-stuffed green olives. Slice the green onions into thin pieces.
• Combine the butter, mayonnaise, cheese, olives and green onions in a mixing bowl. Stir together until thoroughly combined.
• Spread the mixture onto the French bread. Bake until the cheese is melted and browning, 20 to 25 minutes.

BAKED ONIONS TOPPED WITH FRENCH BREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Cook onions in butter for 15 minutes until real soft.
• Arrange onions in greased 12x7 pan for baking.
• Sprinkle cheese over entire top.
• Blend soup, milk, soy sauce and pepper.
• Pour over cheese and onions and mix slightly.
• Arrange bread over top.
• Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.

FRENCH ONION BREAD PUDDING

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a large skillet, saute the onions, sugar, and 1 teaspoon of the salt in the clarified butter over medium-high heat; stir constantly to prevent burning. Cook until golden brown. Add sherry and stir to lift any caramelized onion on the bottom of the pan. Remove from the heat and set aside.
• Spread out the bread pieces evenly on a baking sheet. Place in the oven for about 5 to 8 minutes to dry the bread slightly but not to add color. Set aside to cool.
• Whisk together the eggs, cream, mustard, thyme, the remaining salt, and pepper. Soak the bread in the egg mixture for 5 minutes.
• In a casserole dish, layer the bread with the onions and cheese. Pour the remaining egg mixture over the top.
• Bake for 35 minutes or until the egg mixture is set.

BRIE-ONION DIP IN A FRENCH BREAD BOWL

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Heat the olive oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and thyme sprigs, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is caramelized, 15 to 17 minutes (reduce the heat if the onion is getting too dark). Add the Worcestershire sauce and cook until the skillet is dry, about 1 minute. Add the beef broth and cook, stirring, until the mixture is slightly saucy, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly; discard the thyme sprigs and stir in the chives.
• Using a small serrated knife, hollow out the bread loaf, leaving a ½-inch-thick shell; reserve the cut-out bread. Drizzle the inside of the bread with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Fill the loaf with half of the brie, then top with the onion mixture and the remaining brie; transfer to a baking sheet. Bake until the brie melts and the bread is toasted, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, slice the reserved bread into pieces and arrange on a separate baking sheet; drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake until toasted, 5 to 8 minutes. Top the dip with more chives and serve with the toasted bread and crackers and/or crudites.

FRENCH ONION SOUP TOPPED FRENCH BREAD PIZZAS AND SALAD WITH DIJON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• For the pizzas: Heat the butter in a large high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the thyme, onions and bay leaves and season with salt and pepper. Cook low and slow until deep caramel in color and very sweet, 35 to 40 minutes. Deglaze with the sherry, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Stir in the consomme.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Toast the bread in the oven. Top with the onion mixture and the cheeses. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
• For the salad: Combine the vinegar, honey, lemon juice and shallost in a large bowl and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Whisk in the mustard and then the EVOO; season with salt and pepper. Add the greens and toss to coat with the dressing.
• Serve the pizzas with the salad.
• Cook's Note: The onion topping can be covered and refrigerated for a make-ahead meal. Reheat with a splash of water to loosen.

FRENCH ONION BREAD

Steps:

• In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add 1/2 cup flour, 2 tablespoons sugar and salt; beat until smooth, about 1 minute. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes. , In a small bowl, combine hot water, soup mix, shortening and remaining sugar. Cool to 115°. Add to yeast mixture with 2 cups flour; mix for 1-2 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. , Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. , Punch the dough down; divide into thirds. Shape into loaves; place in three greased 8x4-in. loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. , Bake at 375° for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to cool on wire racks.

RICH AND SIMPLE FRENCH ONION SOUP

Steps:

• Melt butter with olive oil in an 8 quart stock pot on medium heat. Add onions and continually stir until tender and translucent. Do not brown the onions.
• Add beef broth, sherry and thyme. Season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 30 minutes.
• Heat the oven broiler.
• Ladle soup into oven safe serving bowls and place one slice of bread on top of each (bread may be broken into pieces if you prefer). Layer each slice of bread with a slice of provolone, 1/2 slice diced Swiss and 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese. Place bowls on cookie sheet and broil in the preheated oven until cheese bubbles and browns slightly.

ONION FRENCH BREAD LOAVES

Steps:

• In bread machine pan, place the first six ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select dough setting (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed). , When cycle is completed, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes. Divide dough in half. Roll each portion into a 15x10-in. rectangle. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seams to seal. Pinch ends to seal and tuck under. , Sprinkle the cornmeal onto a greased baking sheet. Place loaves on pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. Brush with egg yolk. Make 1/4-in.-deep cuts 2 in. apart in each loaf. , Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack. Freeze option: Securely wrap and freeze cooled loaves in heavy-duty foil. To use, place a foil-wrapped loaf on a baking sheet and reheat in a 450° oven for 10-15 minutes. Carefully remove foil; return to oven for a few minutes to crisp crust.

TOPPING FOR FRENCH BREAD

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients except French bread in a small bowl; stir well.
• Spread topping on sliced French bread, and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Broil 5 1/2 inches from heat (with electric oven door partially opened) until lightly browned. Serve warm.