When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the rich, savory goodness of a French Onion Sausage Casserole. Imagine the aroma of caramelized onions mingling with the hearty essence of sausages, topped with melted Gruyere cheese and crispy baguette slices. This dish promises to tickle your taste buds and warm your soul.
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French Onion Sausage Casserole
🎥Video Recipe:
📖Printable Recipe:
French Onion Sausage Casserole
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup butter
- 1.2 kg (2.5 pounds) onion, sliced
- 400 g (14 oz) italian sausages, sliced
- 2 bay leaves
- 2-3 thyme sprigs
- 1 baguette sliced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef stock
- 2 cups gruyere cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.
- Heat some olive oil in a large pan. Brown sausages and remove cooked pieces onto a plate.400 g (14 oz) italian sausages, sliced
- Add butter into the same pan without washing it. Add sliced onions, salt, pepper, bay and thyme. Caramelize onions over low heat, mixing frequently, for around an hour.⅓ cup butter, 1.2 kg (2.5 pounds) onion, sliced, 2 bay leaves, 2-3 thyme sprigs
- Add sausages back into the pan, sprinkle flour on top, mix well. Gradually pour in beef stock and bring liquid to a boil.⅓ cup all-purpose flour, 3 cups beef stock
- Grill sliced baguette until crispy. Layer half of baguette slices into the casserole dish, pour onion and sausage mixtures over and cover with more baguette. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 30 minutes.1 baguette sliced, 2 cups gruyere cheese
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Nutrition
📋Ingredients
- ⅓ cup butter
- 1.2 kg (2.5 pounds) onion, sliced
- 400 g (14 oz) italian sausages, sliced
- 2 bay leaves
- 2-3 thyme sprigs
- 1 baguette sliced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef stock
- 2 cups gruyere cheese, shredded
🔪How Do I Make It?
Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.
Heat some olive oil in a large pan. Brown sausages and remove cooked pieces onto a plate.
Add butter into the same pan without washing it. Add sliced onions, salt, pepper, bay and thyme. Caramelize onions over low heat, mixing frequently, for around an hour.
Add sausages back into the pan, sprinkle flour on top, mix well. Gradually pour in beef stock and bring liquid to a boil.
Grill sliced baguette until crispy. Layer half of baguette slices into the casserole dish, pour onion and sausage mixtures over and cover with more baguette. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 30 minutes.
🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
French Onion Sausage Casserole is a hearty dish that pairs wonderfully with several sides:
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
- Roasted Vegetables: Complement the savory flavors with roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus.
- Mashed Potatoes: For an extra dose of comfort, serve the casserole with creamy mashed potatoes.
These side dishes not only balance the meal but also enhance the overall dining experience.
⏲️Chef's Tip
Sausage Selection
For a truly exceptional casserole, the selection of sausages is crucial. Opt for mild Italian sausages if you prefer a subtler flavor, or go for spicy varieties to add a kick to the dish. Mixing different types of sausages can also introduce a variety of flavors and textures.
Cheese Choices
While Gruyere is the traditional choice for its creamy, nutty profile, don't hesitate to experiment with other cheeses. Emmental, Comté, or even a sharp Cheddar can provide a unique twist. For an extra indulgent touch, mix two types of cheese.
Onion Varieties
Although yellow onions are commonly used for their balanced flavor, mixing in red or sweet onions can add an extra layer of complexity. Be sure to adjust the cooking time, as different onions caramelize at different rates.
Enhancing the Broth
For an even richer flavor, enhance your beef stock by simmering it with additional herbs like rosemary or extra thyme, and perhaps a splash of red wine. This will deepen the savory notes and elevate the overall taste of the casserole.
Bread Alternatives
While baguette slices are traditional, feel free to experiment with different types of bread. Sourdough, ciabatta, or even a rustic country loaf can all offer different textures and flavors, enhancing your casserole experience.
💭Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the onion and sausage mixture a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to bake, assemble the casserole with the baguette and cheese. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.
What Substitutions Can I Make?
If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, consider using turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage. For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with mushrooms or a meatless alternative. You can also use whole-grain baguette for added fiber.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, bake at 180C/350F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.
🥘More Easy Casseroles
If you're anything like me, French Onion Casserole lands firmly in the "comfort food" category. There's just no question. And if you're like me, you really dig comfort food casseroles, so of course, I gathered a handful for you to explore and save for when you really need to scratch that comfort food itch:
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