French Onion Stuffed Onion

Transform ordinary onions into an elegant French onion stuffed onion masterpiece that’s pure comfort food magic.

Quick Answer: French onion stuffed onion combines classic French onion soup flavors in a creative presentation. Hollow out large onions, caramelize the removed onion with herbs and beef broth, then stuff back into shells with gruyere cheese. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Category: Main Dish/Side Dish

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Vegetarian option available

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, caramelized onion flavor with melty gruyere cheese
Impressive presentation with minimal ingredients
Can be prepped ahead for easy entertaining
Budget-friendly gourmet dish
Perfect for special occasions

Quick Benefits

French onion stuffed onion delivers all the deep, savory flavors of traditional French onion soup in an elegant, self-contained portion. Each bite combines sweet caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and gooey melted cheese.

Ingredients

6 large yellow onions
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper
2 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups beef broth
2 large sourdough slices
1 cup grated gruyere cheese

Instructions

Slice off the top 1/4 of each onion and remove the root. Peel off any skin-like layers. Cut a star-shaped slit into the top without slicing through the outer two layers. Use a spoon to scoop out the inside, leaving two outer layers intact.
Chop the scooped-out onion insides and any remaining onions into a large dice.
Preheat a large pan over high heat and melt the butter. Add the diced onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep brown and reduced to about 1 cup.
Stir in garlic, thyme, and additional butter. Cook for 2 minutes, then sprinkle in the flour and combine thoroughly.
Add the beef broth, stir, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Adjust seasoning as necessary and remove from heat.
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Fill each hollowed onion with the caramelized mixture and place them in a baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes.
Cut sourdough slices into cubes and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes until crisp.
Top the baked onions with a layer of cheese, followed by croutons, then another layer of cheese. Broil on high for 5 minutes until the cheese melts and chars slightly.
Let the onions cool for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally pair with rice or a side dish of your choice.

You Must Know

Choose uniformly sized onions for even cooking
Don’t rush the caramelization process
Leave enough outer layers for structural integrity
Use oven-safe ramekins to keep onions upright
Let rest 5 minutes before serving

Serving Suggestions

Crusty baguette slices
Green salad with vinaigrette
Roasted root vegetables
Glass of dry white wine

Creative Variations

Use vegetable broth for vegetarian version
Substitute swiss or comté cheese for gruyere
Add crispy bacon bits to filling
Include mushrooms in the filling for extra umami

Cultural Notes

This dish reimagines classic French onion soup, which originated in Paris in the 18th century. Traditional French onion soup was a humble dish made by working-class families, eventually becoming a bistro staple. This stuffed version maintains the authentic flavors while creating an elegant presentation.

Pro Tips

Score onion centers before scooping for easier removal
Save onion scraps for homemade stock
Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels
Broil briefly at end for extra golden top

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make French onion stuffed onion ahead of time?
A: Yes, prepare up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Q: What type of onions work best?
A: Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla are ideal.

Q: Can I freeze these?
A: Not recommended as texture becomes mushy when thawed.

Q: How do I prevent onions from tipping over?
A: Use individual ramekins or create foil rings as bases.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes, substitute vegetable broth for beef broth.

Health Benefits

Onions are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. This French onion stuffed onion recipe reduces butter and cheese compared to traditional French onion soup while maintaining flavor. The slow cooking process enhances the onions’ natural sweetness without added sugars.

Nutrition

(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 320 • Carbs: 24g • Protein: 12g • Fat: 18g • Sodium: 480mg

Notes

For best results, choose fresh, firm onions of similar size for even cooking and elegant presentation.