Name: French Onion Soup Bites (Phyllo Cups)
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 2 cups beef stock; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; Olive oil, for cooking; 2 deli slices gruyere or other sharp white cheese (about 1 oz), thinly sliced; 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese; 1 package frozen phyllo cups (about 15); Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)

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These French Onion Soup Bites are everything I love about a comforting bowl of French onion soup—rich, sweet caramelized onions, melty cheese, and savory broth—delivered in a perfectly crispy, bite-sized phyllo cup. They’re elegant enough for a holiday party but easy enough to whip up for a cozy night in.

French Onion Soup Bites (Phyllo Cups)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like that these bites deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. The onion filling is made ahead of time, so when it’s party hour, all I do is fill the cups, bake, and serve. I also love that they’re just as good hot from the oven as they are at room temperature, which means less stress during entertaining. The contrast of the crisp phyllo shell with the gooey, cheesy center makes these irresistible, and the fact that I can prep them days in advance is the icing on the cake (or, in this case, the thyme on the cheese).

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 cups beef stock
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 deli slices gruyere or other sharp white cheese (or about 1 ounce cheese, thinly sliced)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 package frozen phyllo cups (about 15)
Fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Directions

In a small skillet over medium heat, add the sliced onion, beef stock, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, crushed red pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 45 minutes until the onions are very soft and most of the liquid has evaporated.
Cut the cheese slices into 8 pieces each, so you have two small squares for every phyllo cup.
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Arrange the phyllo cups on a baking sheet or in a baking dish.
Place a small amount of Parmesan cheese in each cup, followed by about a teaspoon of the onion mixture, then two pieces of gruyere or other melting cheese.
Bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Top with fresh thyme leaves and serve hot or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 15 bites, serving roughly 6 people as an appetizer. Prep time is about 1 hour for the onion filling, and bake time is 20 minutes. The filling can be prepared up to 4 days in advance.

Variations

I sometimes swap gruyere for Swiss, fontina, or even white cheddar for a different flavor profile.
For a vegetarian option, I use vegetable broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce.
If I want a little extra richness, I stir a splash of cream into the onion mixture before filling the cups.
For a milder bite, I reduce or omit the crushed red pepper.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes to crisp them back up. They can also be enjoyed at room temperature without reheating.

FAQs

Can I make the onion filling ahead of time?

Yes, I like to make the filling up to 4 days in advance and keep it in the fridge. It makes assembling and baking the bites a breeze.

Can I freeze these?

I don’t recommend freezing once baked, as the phyllo can lose its crispness. However, I can freeze the cooked onion filling and thaw it before assembling.

Can I use puff pastry instead of phyllo cups?

Yes, but I find phyllo cups give a lighter, crispier texture. Puff pastry cups work in a pinch, though I bake them first before filling.

What cheese works best if I can’t find gruyere?

Swiss, fontina, or provolone all melt beautifully and pair well with the onion filling.

Can these be served cold?

They taste best hot or at room temperature, but I’ve served them cooled and they were still delicious.

Conclusion

I love how these French Onion Soup Bites transform a classic soup into a handheld treat. They’re sophisticated yet easy, make-ahead friendly, and bursting with flavor. Whether I’m hosting a holiday party or just want something special for a cozy evening, these bites always impress.