Savory French Onion Soup Bites Recipe
Introduction
These Savory French Onion Soup Bites capture the rich, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup in a convenient, bite-sized form. Perfect for parties or cozy evenings, they combine sweet onions, melty cheese, and flaky crescent dough for an irresistible appetizer.

Ingredients
- 2 cups yellow onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (can substitute with vegan option)
- 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (can substitute with Italian seasoning or omit)
- 1 package crescent roll dough (all-purpose flour variant)
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese (can substitute with any melting cheese or vegan cheese)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add thinly sliced yellow onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes until the onions are richly caramelized and golden.
- Step 2: Stir in beef broth and white vinegar. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut it into rectangles that will fit into a mini muffin tin. Press each rectangle into the greased cups to form a base.
- Step 4: Spoon the caramelized onion mixture evenly into each dough cup. Sprinkle the tops with Gruyère cheese.
- Step 5: Bake for 18-20 minutes until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Step 6: Carefully remove the bites from the muffin tin. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve warm for the best flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and a plant-based cheese alternative.
- If you prefer a milder tang, swap white vinegar for apple cider vinegar.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder while caramelizing the onions for extra depth.
- Try substituting Gruyère with fontina, mozzarella, or vegan cheese for varied flavors and textures.
Storage
Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through and the crust is slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the onion mixture ahead of time?
Yes, the caramelized onion mixture can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. When ready, fill the dough cups and bake as directed.
What can I use if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?
If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can bake the bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping the dough into small cups by hand. Just watch the baking time closely to avoid over-browning.
PrintSavory French Onion Soup Bites Recipe
Savory French Onion Soup Bites are a delightful appetizer that combines rich, caramelized onions simmered with broth and vinegar, nestled inside flaky crescent roll dough, and topped with melted Gruyère cheese. These bite-sized treats deliver the classic flavors of French onion soup in a fun and easy-to-eat form, perfect for parties or cozy gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 savory bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Onion Mixture
- 2 cups yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (can substitute with vegan option)
- 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (can substitute with Italian seasoning or omit)
Dough and Topping
- 1 package crescent roll dough (all-purpose flour variant)
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese (can substitute with any melting cheese or vegan cheese)
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and cook slowly for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft, golden, and caramelized.
- Simmer with Broth and Vinegar: Stir in the beef broth and white vinegar, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes so that most of the liquid is absorbed and the flavors concentrate. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prepare Dough Cups: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut it into rectangles that will fit into a greased mini muffin tin. Press each rectangle securely into the wells to form small dough cups.
- Fill and Top: Spoon the onion mixture evenly into each dough cup. Then sprinkle the tops generously with grated Gruyère cheese for that classic French onion soup flavor.
- Bake: Place the mini muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until the dough is golden-brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Gently remove the bites, garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.
- Use vegan butter and cheese alternatives to make this a vegan recipe if preferred.
- Caramelizing onions slowly is key to developing the rich flavor, so do not rush this step.
- Fresh thyme adds a lovely herbal aroma, but dried Italian seasoning or omission works well too.
- Make sure to grease the mini muffin tin well to easily remove the bites after baking.
- These bites are best served warm but can be reheated gently in the oven.
Keywords: French onion soup bites, savory appetizers, caramelized onion recipe, party snacks, baked crescent rolls

