Introduction
Discover the savory delight of roasted onions elevated by Gruyère croutons. This recipe promises to infuse your kitchen with rich flavors and create a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Tips for this Recipe
- For the best results, use fresh onions. The quality will enhance the overall taste of your dish.
- Preparing the bread croutons in advance can save time and ensure they’re ready to bake when you are.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is a celebration of simplicity, combining staple ingredients into an elegant dish. The caramelized onions and golden croutons are sure to delight your palate and become a cherished family favorite.
Ingredients
- 12 white pearl onions, peeled
- 12 red pearl onions, peeled
- 8 large shallots, peeled, halved through root end
- 6 large green onions, dark green tops trimmed
- 2 medium sweet onions (such as Vidalia), peeled, cut into 3/4-to 1-inch wedges through root end
- 1 large red onion, peeled, cut into 3/4-to 1-inch wedges through root end
- 1 brown-skinned onion, peeled, cut into 3/4-to 1-inch wedges through root end
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cups coarsely torn 1/2-inch pieces rustic bread with crust
- 1 cup low-salt chicken broth
- 6 ounces Gruyère cheese, coarsely grated (about 1 1/2 cups packed)
Adviced Equipment
– Mandoline Slicer: Essential for uniformly thinly slicing onions and croutons, ensuring even roasting and baking.
– Chef’s Knife (8-inch): A versatile tool needed for chopping vegetables and handling other ingredients in the recipe.
– Cast Iron Skillet: Ideal for oven-roasting onions, providing excellent heat retention and distribution for a caramelized finish.
– Baking Sheet (13×9 inches): For baking Gruyère croutons in the oven until they’re golden brown.
– Parchment Paper: Useful when roasting onions to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal after cooking.
– Oven-Safe Glass Bakeware: Suitable for baking croutons at high temperatures without the risk of breakage or warping.
– Vegetable Peeler: To remove the outer layer from onions before roasting, if desired.
– Kitchen Scale (Digital): Although not directly used in this recipe, it’s handy for precise ingredient measurements when preparing dishes that require exact ratios.
– Silicone Baking Mat: For easy cleanup and a non-stick surface during the baking process of croutons or onion slices.
– Chef’s Chopping Board: A necessary item for safe food preparation, preventing damage to countertop surfaces.
History of the Recipe
The love for roasted onions can be traced back to various traditional dishes across Europe, where they are often served as a side or part of main courses. This specific combination with Gruyère croutons is a modern interpretation that highlights the rich flavors and textures these ingredients provide.
Fun Facts about this Recipe
Roasted onions have long been appreciated for their natural sweetness when caramelized, which is further enhanced by baking Gruyère croutons alongside them. This pairing not only creates a symphony of flavors but also an appealing visual contrast with the golden-brown cheese crisp against the dark onion.