Name: Cheesy French Onion Galette with Flaky Herb Crust
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves; 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Flaky sea salt, for garnish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This French onion galette blends rich, jammy caramelized onions with gooey cheese in a flaky, hand‑formed crust. It delivers bold flavor with a cozy, elegant presentation without being intimidating to make. Whether you’re hosting a special brunch or craving a comforting meal, this galette offers a delicious twist on classic French onion flavors.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

for the French onion galette:
caramelized onions
flaky herbed crust
freshly shredded Gruyère or cheese of choice, divided
egg wash (beaten egg with water)

for the caramelized onions:
yellow or sweet onions, thinly sliced
unsalted butter
olive oil
kosher salt
fresh thyme leaves (or dried thyme)
dry sherry (or substitute with dry vermouth or white wine)

for the flaky herbed crust:
all‑purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
fresh chives
additional fresh herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme)
kosher salt
cold unsalted butter, diced
apple cider vinegar
ice water

Directions

Cook the onions: In a large heavy pot with butter and oil over medium heat, add sliced onions and cook covered until softened. Uncover and continue cooking on medium‑low until they are deeply browned and jammy. Stir in thyme and deglaze with sherry, simmering briefly before cooling.
Make the herbed crust: In a food processor combine flour, herbs, and salt, then cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add apple cider vinegar and ice water until the dough just comes together. Form a disc and chill.
Assemble the galette: Roll the chilled dough into a roughly 14‑inch round on floured parchment. Sprinkle most of the cheese over the surface, leaving a border. Spread cooled onions over the cheese. Fold the edges of the dough inward over the filling to create a rustic crust. Chill briefly.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush the crust with egg wash and bake until deeply golden and crisp, about 40–50 minutes. Toward the end, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the center and return to the oven until melted.
Serve: Allow the galette to cool slightly, then slice into 6–8 pieces and enjoy warm.

Servings and timing

Serves: About 6–8 people
Prep time: ~45 minutes
Cook time: ~1 hour 45 minutes
Total time: ~2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

Different cheeses: Swap Gruyère for Swiss, Fontina, mozzarella, or a blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan.
Mushroom addition: Add sautéed mushrooms with the onions for an earthy twist.
Gluten-free crust: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust suitable for gluten-free diets.
Vegan option: Use plant-based butter and cheese substitutes and skip the egg wash.
Bacon galette: Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the filling for extra depth and smokiness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover galette covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best texture, reheat in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until warmed through and the crust crisps up again.

FAQs

What is a galette?

A galette is a free‑form rustic pastry that can be sweet or savory, made by folding dough over a filling rather than using a pie dish.

Can I use a store‑bought pie crust?

Yes, you can substitute store‑bought crust to save time, though making herb‑infused dough adds extra flavor.

Can I make this galette ahead of time?

You can prepare components like caramelized onions and dough up to 3 days ahead and assemble just before baking.

What cheese works best?

Gruyère is traditional for French onion flavors, but any good melting cheese like Swiss or mozzarella can be used.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes—this particular version uses no meat and is suitable for a vegetarian diet.

Can I skip the alcohol in the onions?

Yes. Substitute the sherry with dry vermouth, dry white wine, or a bit of broth with vinegar.

How do I ensure crispy crust?

Keeping the dough cold and baking at a high temperature helps create a flaky, golden crust.

Can I freeze the assembled galette?

You can freeze unbaked assembled galette; wrap tightly and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What should I serve with it?

A bright mixed green salad or a simple soup pairs well to balance the rich flavours.

Can I make mini galettes instead?

Yes, divide the dough and filling into smaller rounds for individual galettes; adjust baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

This Cheesy French Onion Galette turns classic French onion flavors into a beautiful, rustic tart that’s both comforting and impressive. With deeply caramelized onions, melty cheese, and a flaky herb crust, it’s a dish that elevates any meal while staying approachable in technique. Enjoy it with friends or family for a memorable brunch or cozy dinner.