French Onion Soup-Style Melting Onions

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These melt-in-your-mouth onions have all the flavors of a classic French onion soup. Beef broth makes the onions super tender, while a cheesy panko topping evokes the bread element of the soup. Serve these onions alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak for a winning side dish that just might steal the show.

Active Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 10 mins
Servings:
8
  • This dish is inspired by French onion soup.
  • Beef broth makes the onions incredibly tender and flavorful.
  • A cheesy panko topping recreates the comforting bread element of traditional French onion soup.
an image of the ingredients to make the Melting Onions

Robby Lozano

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, divided

  • 1 tablespoon plus ½ teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, divided, plus leaves for garnish

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper

  • 3 large sweet onions (12 oz. each), peeled and sliced 1-inch thick

  • cup panko breadcrumbs

  • ½ cup lower-sodium beef broth

  • 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar

  • ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese

  • ½ cup shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese

Directions

  1. Position oven rack in upper third; preheat to 450°F.

  2. Whisk 2 tablespoons oil, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 tablespoon thyme and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper together in a small bowl. Arrange sliced onions in an even layer in a broiler-safe, 9-by-13-inch metal baking pan (don’t use glass or ceramic, which might shatter). Brush the butter mixture all over the onions. Do not wipe out the bowl; set aside. Roast the onions, flipping once halfway, until lightly browned on both sides, about 30 minutes.

    an image of the onion slices being coated with melted butter

    Robby Lozano

  3. Meanwhile, in the reserved bowl, combine ⅓ cup panko and the remaining 1 tablespoon melted  butter and ½ teaspoon thyme; toss until evenly coated. Transfer to a small nonstick skillet; cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool until ready to use.

    an image of the toasted breadcrumbs in a skillet

    Robby Lozano

  4. Flip the onions once more. Carefully pour ½ cup broth and 1 tablespoon vinegar into the baking pan. Roast until the broth is slightly reduced and the onions are very soft, about 10 minutes more. Remove from oven.

    an image of the onions on a baking sheet

    Robby Lozano

  5. Increase oven temperature to broil. Combine ½ cup each Gruyère and mozzarella in a small bowl; evenly sprinkle over the onions. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 1 minute. Top with the reserved panko mixture. Garnish with thyme leaves, if desired. Serve with any sauce left in the pan.

    an image of the Melting Onions on a baking sheet

    Robby Lozano

EatingWell.com, January 2025

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

134 Calories
10g Fat
7g Carbs
5g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Serving Size about 1½ onion slices
Calories 134
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 7g 3%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 3g
Added Sugars 0g 0%
Protein 5g 9%
Total Fat 10g 13%
Saturated Fat 4g 21%
Cholesterol 19mg 6%
Vitamin A 58µg
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 1mg 4%
Folate 17µg
Vitamin K 3µg
Sodium 287mg 12%
Calcium 130mg 10%
Iron 0mg 3%
Magnesium 11mg 3%
Potassium 80mg 2%
Zinc 1mg 6%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.