When you need a snack that’s a little more elevated but still easy to put together, this Caramelized Onion & Brie Toast on Sourdough is a total lifesaver. Imagine golden caramelized onions layered over creamy Brie on top of crusty sourdough—it’s indulgent, satisfying, and just the thing to make any day feel a bit more special. It’s the kind of appetizer you’d expect at a trendy café, but you can make it at home in minutes!
How We Fell in Love with Caramelized Onion & Brie Toast
I remember the first time I had a toast this fancy. It was at a small café, and one bite of that gooey Brie with the sweet, slow-cooked onions and crispy sourdough had me hooked. Since then, I’ve been recreating versions of it at home, and this combination of caramelized onion and Brie is, hands down, my favorite. It’s become our go-to snack when we want something easy and delicious, whether for a weekend brunch, a cozy night in, or even as an appetizer for a dinner party.
What I love most about this recipe is that it takes simple ingredients—bread, cheese, onions—and transforms them into something luxurious. Plus, it’s so versatile! You can serve it as an appetizer, a snack, or even with a side salad for a light lunch.
The Stars of the Show: Brie, Caramelized Onions, and Sourdough
Brie is such a dreamy cheese—it’s creamy, mild, and perfectly gooey when warmed. Originating from France, Brie has a slightly earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet or savory ingredients, making it ideal for this toast. Its softness allows it to melt just enough to make each bite feel indulgent without overpowering the other flavors.
Caramelized Onions bring a whole new level of flavor to this dish. Onions become sweet and rich when caramelized, adding depth and a bit of jammy sweetness that complements the creamy Brie perfectly. It takes a bit of patience to caramelize onions, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Sourdough Bread is the foundation here. With its crisp crust and tangy flavor, sourdough balances out the richness of the Brie and the sweetness of the onions. It’s sturdy enough to hold up to the toppings, too, so you get the perfect crunch with every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of sourdough bread
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 ounces brie cheese sliced
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Honey for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized (about 20-25 minutes). If the onions start to stick, add a splash of water to deglaze the pan.
- Season with pepper to taste and set aside.
- Prepare the Toast: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the sourdough slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are crispy and lightly browned.
- Assemble the Toast: Top each slice of toasted sourdough with a generous amount of caramelized onions.
- Lay slices of brie cheese over the onions.
- Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top.
- Melt the Brie: Return the assembled toasts to the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the brie is just starting to melt.
- Finish with Honey: Remove the toasts from the oven and drizzle with honey.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh thyme if desired.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions About Caramelized Onion & Brie Toast on Sourdough
🍞 What Makes This Toast an Elegant Appetizer?
The combination of creamy brie, sweet caramelized onions, and fresh thyme on rustic sourdough creates a sophisticated flavor profile perfect for entertaining or indulging yourself!
🧅 How Do I Perfectly Caramelize Onions?
Cook the onions low and slow with olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until they turn golden and sweet, which usually takes about 20–30 minutes. Patience is key!
🧀 Can I Use a Different Cheese Instead of Brie?
Absolutely! Camembert, goat cheese, or even a mild blue cheese can be great substitutes. Choose a creamy cheese for the best texture.
🍯 Is the Honey Drizzle Optional?
Yes! The honey adds a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the onions and brie, but you can skip it or substitute with a balsamic glaze for a tangy twist.
🍞 Can I Use a Different Bread?
While sourdough adds a nice tang and texture, you can use any crusty bread like a baguette, ciabatta, or even multigrain. Toast it well for the best results.
🌿 What Can I Use Instead of Fresh Thyme?
Dried thyme works in a pinch, but fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley also complement the flavors beautifully.
🔥 How Do I Prevent the Toast from Becoming Soggy?
Lightly toast the sourdough before assembling to create a sturdy base that holds up to the toppings.
🧊 Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can caramelize the onions in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently before assembling the toast.
✨ Is This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, it’s vegetarian-friendly as written! Just ensure the brie is made with vegetarian rennet if that’s important to you.
💡 Got More Questions?
Feel free to drop them in the comments or tag us on social media with your brie toast creations. We’d love to see how you serve this delicious appetizer! 🧅🍞🧀✨
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