French Onion Pizza

French Onion Pizza Recipe - Vegetarian Food from France

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

French Onion Pizza is a delicious twist on the classic French onion soup, combining the rich flavors of caramelized onions, herbs, and cheese on a crispy phyllo crust. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or as a unique appetizer for a dinner party.

History

French Onion Pizza is a modern take on the traditional French onion soup, which dates back to the Roman times. The soup became popular in France in the 18th century and has since become a beloved classic. This pizza version adds a new dimension to the flavors of the soup, creating a unique and tasty dish.

Ingredients

0.5 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 bay leaf
8 (18 x 14 inches) frozen phyllo sheets, thawed
24 Greek black olives, pitted and halved
0.75 tsp salt
1.5 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
3 lb (1.36 kg) onions, thinly sliced (10.5 cups)
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp herbes de provence

How to prepare

In a large, deep nonstick skillet, heat 1.5 tsp of oil over medium heat. Add one-third of the onions and cook, stirring, until slightly wilted, for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove to a plate.
Repeat twice with the remaining oil and onions, removing each batch of onions to the plate when slightly wilted.
Return all the onions to the skillet. Add garlic, herbes de Provence, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and the consistency of a thick, chunky sauce, for about 25 minutes.
Remove from heat and cool slightly, stirring occasionally. Discard the bay leaf.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly coat a 15 x 10-inch baking pan with vegetable cooking spray. Unwrap the phyllo, discard any torn sheets, and immediately cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying. Remove the wrap and lightly coat the top sheet with cooking spray, starting from the outside edge. Lift carefully and center it on the prepared pan.
Repeat with the remaining phyllo and more cooking spray, stacking the sheets in the pan. Gently ease the phyllo into the corners of the pan, then fold or crimp the edges to form a 0.5-inch raised crust. Spread the onion mixture evenly over the phyllo, then sprinkle with [ingredient].
Bake until the phyllo is golden brown and shrinks from the edges of the pan, for about 20 minutes. For easy cutting, carefully slide the pizza out of the pan onto the back of another baking pan. Using kitchen scissors, cut it into rectangular slices. Serve warm.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor.
Top the pizza with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a pop of freshness.
Use different types of cheese such as gruyere or mozzarella for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be patient when caramelizing the onions. Cooking them low and slow will bring out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

- Make sure to thaw the phyllo dough properly before using it. Follow the package instructions for best results.

- Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut the pizza into slices for easy serving.

Serving Suggestions

French Onion Pizza is delicious on its own as a main dish or can be served as an appetizer at a party. Pair it with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Caramelizing the onions is the key technique in this recipe. Be sure to cook them slowly until they are soft, sweet, and golden brown.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have phyllo dough, you can use a pre-made pizza crust or puff pastry as a substitute. You can also use red onions or shallots in place of yellow onions for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can caramelize the onions ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the pizza. The phyllo dough can also be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the French Onion Pizza on a wooden cutting board or a decorative platter for a rustic presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

French Onion Pizza pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir. A side of mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette is a perfect accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover French Onion Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of French Onion Pizza contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of French Onion Pizza contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of French Onion Pizza contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of French Onion Pizza contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

French Onion Pizza is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (phyllo dough) and may contain dairy (cheese). Please check for any specific allergens based on the brands of ingredients used.

Summary

French Onion Pizza is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is relatively low in calories and a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

French Onion Pizza is a delicious and unique twist on the classic French onion soup. With its caramelized onions, herbs, and cheese on a crispy phyllo crust, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy it as a main dish or as an appetizer at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I discovered this recipe for French Onion Pizza. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Marie in her cozy little cottage in the French countryside. Marie was an excellent cook, and she always had the most delicious recipes up her sleeve.

As I walked into her kitchen that day, I was greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of caramelized onions and melted cheese. Marie had just pulled a steaming hot French Onion Pizza out of the oven, and it looked absolutely divine. I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into a slice.

Marie chuckled as she saw the hungry look on my face. "I thought you might like to try something new today, my dear," she said, handing me a plate with a slice of the pizza. I took a bite, and my taste buds were instantly transported to foodie heaven.

The combination of sweet caramelized onions, tangy Gruyere cheese, and crispy pizza dough was simply perfection. I had never tasted anything quite like it before, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

So, I asked Marie for the recipe, and she gladly shared it with me. She explained that the key to a great French Onion Pizza is to cook the onions slowly and patiently until they are soft, sweet, and golden brown. This process can take some time, but the results are well worth the effort.

I watched closely as Marie prepared the pizza dough from scratch, rolling it out into a thin, crispy crust. She then spread a generous layer of caramelized onions on top, followed by a sprinkle of grated Gruyere cheese.

As the pizza baked in the oven, the cheese melted and bubbled, creating a tantalizing aroma that filled the kitchen. When it was ready, Marie pulled it out of the oven and cut it into slices. We served it with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, and it was the perfect meal.

I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe, one that I would cherish and share with my loved ones for years to come. I made a mental note to add it to my collection of cherished recipes, alongside the ones I had learned from my own mother and grandmother.

After that day, I made French Onion Pizza regularly for my family and friends, who all raved about its delicious flavors and unique twist on a classic dish. I even entered it into a local cooking competition and won first prize, much to the delight of Marie, who had inspired me to create it in the first place.

To this day, whenever I make French Onion Pizza, I think of that sunny summer day in Marie's kitchen, where I discovered a new recipe that would become a beloved favorite. I am grateful for the culinary wisdom and generosity of my dear friend, who shared her love of cooking with me and sparked my passion for creating delicious meals to share with those I care about.

And so, I continue to pass on the tradition of French Onion Pizza to the next generation, sharing the recipe and the story behind it with my children and grandchildren. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to celebrate the joys of life around the dinner table.