How to Make French Onion-Inspired Bean Toast

Master the Onion Caramelization

Develop deep, sweet flavor through slow, patient cooking.

Perfect the Bean Texture Balance

Create ideal creaminess by partially mashing while maintaining some whole beans.

Achieve Proper Toast Integrity

Toast bread adequately to support toppings without becoming soggy.

Execute Proper Cheese Melt

Broil carefully to achieve golden bubbling cheese without burning.

Baking Tips

For deeper onion flavor, caramelize the onions for up to 45 minutes on very low heat, stirring occasionally.

Substitute Gruyère with Comté, Swiss, or a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan if preferred.

Make the onion-bean mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days – just reheat before assembling the toast.

For a gluten-free option, serve over thick slices of gluten-free bread or roasted potato rounds.

Add a splash of dry sherry instead of white wine for an even more authentic French onion soup flavor.

For extra richness, drizzle the finished toast with a little truffle oil or aged balsamic.

Make it heartier by adding sautéed mushrooms to the onion mixture.

French Onion-Inspired Bean Toast

Name: French Onion-Inspired Bean Toast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: French-Inspired, Fusion
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter, divided; 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried); 1 bay leaf; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1/4 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth; 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 4 thick slices sourdough bread; 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Red pepper flakes (optional)

This clever toast combines the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup with the hearty satisfaction of beans on toast. Deeply caramelized onions mingle with creamy white beans, layered over crusty sourdough and finished with melted Gruyère for a comforting dish that works equally well for breakfast, lunch, or a simple dinner.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

40 Minutes

Total Time

55 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

3 tablespoons butter, divided

3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)

1 bay leaf

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth

2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup vegetable broth

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

4 thick slices sourdough bread

1 cup grated Gruyère cheese

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt, stirring to coat with butter.

Reduce heat to medium-low and cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 30-35 minutes until deeply caramelized and jammy. Be patient – this step is crucial for developing flavor.

Add the minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in the balsamic vinegar and white wine (or broth), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer until the liquid is mostly reduced, about 2-3 minutes.

Add the drained beans and vegetable broth. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

Remove the bay leaf, then stir in the Dijon mustard. Using the back of a wooden spoon, lightly mash about 1/3 of the beans to create a creamier texture while leaving most whole. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

While the beans simmer, toast the sourdough slices until golden brown.

Preheat your broiler. Place the toast on a baking sheet and spread the remaining tablespoon of butter on each slice.

Spoon the onion-bean mixture generously over each toast slice, then top with grated Gruyère cheese.

Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling with some golden spots.

Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately while hot and cheese is still melty.

French Onion-Inspired Bean Toast

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

How to Make French Onion-Inspired Bean Toast

French Onion-Inspired Bean Toast

Ingredients

Instructions