Description
This delicious Onion Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole featuring sweet caramelized onions, garlic, melted cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect as a side dish or a savory snack, it combines simple ingredients like sweet yellow onions, Gruyère or Cheddar cheese, fresh thyme, and olive oil baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Onions and Vegetables
- 4 medium Yellow Onions (sweet and tender, firm without blemishes)
- 3-4 cloves Garlic (minced finely)
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 cup Cheese (Gruyère or Cheddar, shredded)
- 1 cup Bread Crumbs (toasted, store-bought or homemade)
Seasonings and Oil
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (good quality extra virgin)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme (or dried if fresh isn’t available)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preparation: Peel and slice the onions thinly to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and turn a golden brown color, about 15-20 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Toss in the minced garlic along with salt and pepper. Cook for about one minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic mixture into a large bowl. Add the shredded cheese and fresh thyme, then stir well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the onion and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the toasted bread crumbs on top to form a crispy crust.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dish for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the bread crumbs are golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Let the onion bake cool slightly before serving as a flavorful side dish or a warm appetizer.
Notes
- Use a good quality melting cheese such as Gruyère or Cheddar for the best flavor and texture.
- To toast bread crumbs at home, lightly fry them in a pan with a little butter or olive oil until golden brown.
- Fresh thyme brings a bright herbal note, but dried thyme works well as a substitute.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if your cheese is salty.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of cream or milk to the onion mixture before baking.
