Description

This French Onion Garlic Bread recipe features a crusty French baguette topped with deeply caramelized onions, aromatic garlic, fresh thyme, and a blend of melted Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, this savory appetizer or side dish is perfect for parties, family dinners, or anytime you crave a deliciously cheesy, flavorful snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

1 large French baguette or Italian loaf (sliced lengthwise)

Onion Garlic Topping

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
2 cloves garlic (minced)

Cheese

1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish (optional)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the bread with toppings.
Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with salt, sugar, and black pepper. Cook slowly, stirring frequently, for 25 to 30 minutes until the onions become deeply golden and caramelized, developing rich sweetness and flavor.
Add Garlic and Thyme: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh or dried thyme leaves into the caramelized onions. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to blend the flavors and release the garlic aroma, then remove from heat.
Prepare Bread: Place the halved loaf of bread on a baking sheet with the cut sides facing up. Optionally, lightly toast the bread in the preheated oven for 5 minutes to create a slightly crisp base for the toppings.
Assemble Toppings: Spread the caramelized onion mixture evenly across each bread half. Sprinkle shredded Gruyère and mozzarella cheese generously over the onions.
Bake: Bake the bread for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. For a golden, slightly crispy top, broil the bread for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired, slice into pieces, and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

For a heartier version, add cooked crumbled sausage or thinly sliced roast beef before topping with cheese.
This recipe can also be made on individual slices of bread for convenient party-style appetizers.
Use a good quality French baguette or Italian loaf to ensure a crisp crust and soft interior.
Watch the broiling step closely to avoid burning the cheese.