Nothing sets the mood for a get-together quite like delicious appetizers. When hosting, the goal is to create food that is both flavorful and easy to eat while mingling. Enter the French Onion Soup Crostini, an elegant yet simple twist on the classic French Onion Soup—perfect for any celebration or party.
This dish brings French Onion Soup's rich, comforting flavors into bite-sized portions that guests can enjoy without the need for bowls or spoons. Here’s a breakdown of how this crowd-pleasing appetizer comes together.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you'll need:
- Beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- Onions
- A baguette
- Swish cheese
- Butter
- A packet of dried onion soup mix
Step 1: Caramelizing the Onions
Caramelized onions are the heart of any good French Onion Soup, and in this recipe, they’re transformed into a flavorful onion marmalade. Slice the onions into short julienne pieces, which will help soften and break down during caramelization. Cooking them slowly with butter for about 20 minutes will create that sweet, rich flavor.
For added convenience, a packet of dried onion soup mix is incorporated into the onions. This adds a layer of seasoning without needing extra ingredients, resulting in a perfect balance of fresh and dried flavors. The final texture should resemble a thick marmalade—rich, savory, and ready to top the croutons.
Step 2: Making the Cheesy Croutons
The croutons are essential to this dish, offering the crunchy, cheesy goodness that pairs perfectly with the caramelized onions and broth. Start by slicing a baguette into bite-sized pieces and buttering one side. Top each slice with a generous amount of swiss cheese and bake them in the oven at 350°F on convection mode until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The goal here is to get the croutons crisp but not too crunchy—just enough so that they hold their shape while still being easy to bite into. After all, the last thing guests want is a crouton that’s too hard or crumbly.
Step 3: Assembling the French Onion Soup Crostini
Once the croutons are ready, it’s time to assemble the crostinis. Spread the caramelized onion marmalade generously on top of each cheesy crouton. Small cups with handles work best for the broth—something that guests can hold and sip from easily. This allows them to enjoy the rich broth alongside the crostini without the need for a spoon or a mess.
The combination of buttery croutons, melted swiss cheese, and savory onion marmalade creates the perfect bite-sized version of the beloved French Onion Soup. Guests can dip the crostini into the broth or sip it between bites, making it an interactive and delicious appetizer for any holiday gathering.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is ideal for those looking to bring gourmet flavors to their parties without the hassle of traditional soup service. By deconstructing French Onion Soup into a handheld appetizer, it offers both rich flavor and convenient serving.
With a ZLINE kitchen, hosting becomes even easier. The French Onion Soup Crostini allows you to enjoy your time with guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen. Let your kitchen and your cooking shine, and make entertaining as enjoyable as it should be.
