Amazing Baked French Onion Meatballs, 1 secret ingredient

Baked French onion meatballs have become my go-to for a reason – they’re pure comfort in every bite! I remember the first time I tried to recreate my grandma’s famous French onion soup flavors in meatball form. It was a bit of a kitchen adventure, but the smell of those onions caramelizing and mingling with savory chicken was intoxicating. This French onion meatball recipe delivers that incredible depth of flavor, making even weeknights feel special. They’re surprisingly easy French onion meatballs to whip up, perfect for busy evenings or when you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Meatball Recipe

Get ready to swoon over these incredible meatballs! They’re a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss:

• Incredible Taste: The sweet, deeply caramelized onions combined with tender chicken and savory herbs create a truly unforgettable, savory baked meatballs French onion experience.
• Quick Prep: While the onions caramelize, you can mix the meatball ingredients. It’s a surprisingly fast process for such a flavorful dish.
• Healthier Choice: Made with lean ground chicken and baked, not fried, these are a lighter take on classic comfort food.
• Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry staples and affordable ground chicken make this a delicious meal that won’t break the bank.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore these meatballs. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer.
• Versatile Serving: From a casual dinner to a party appetizer, these savory baked meatballs French onion style fit any occasion.

Ingredients for Homemade French Onion Meatballs

Gather these simple ingredients for a truly delightful French onion meatball recipe. I find that using good quality ingredients really makes these homemade French onion meatballs shine!

• 1 pound ground chicken – I prefer lean ground chicken for a lighter option.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – for that essential savory kick.
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or gruyere cheese – This is key for those gooey, melty pockets that make them French onion cheese meatballs. Gruyere adds a nutty depth!
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs – helps bind everything together and gives a nice texture.
• 1 large egg – acts as a binder to keep the meatballs perfectly formed.
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley – for a bright, herbaceous note.
• 1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme – pairs wonderfully with the onion and chicken.
• 1 teaspoon salt – to enhance all the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper – for a touch of warmth.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – for caramelizing those glorious onions.
• 2 large white, yellow, or red onions – the star of the show!
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar – adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to the onions.
• 1 cup beef or chicken stock – forms the base of our delicious sauce.
• 2 tablespoons corn flour – to thicken the sauce to a perfect consistency.
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme for garnishing – for a beautiful finish.
• Cooking oil spray – for a quick spritz before baking.

How to Make Baked Onion Meatballs

Creating these delightful baked onion meatballs is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying that amazing French onion flavor in no time. This is truly how to make French onion meatballs that will impress everyone.

1. Step 1: First, let’s get those onions perfectly caramelized. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your sliced 2 large onions and sprinkle them with 1 teaspoon salt. Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring every so often, until they’re beautifully golden brown and sweet. Pour in 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar and toss in 2 sprigs of fresh thyme, cooking for just another minute until fragrant. Transfer these gorgeous onions to a plate to cool slightly.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 410°F (210°C).
3. Step 3: Once the onions have cooled a bit, chop about half of them finely. This will add concentrated onion flavor within the meatballs themselves.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground chicken, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or gruyere cheese, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1 large egg, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. Gently fold in the finely chopped caramelized onions until just combined. Don’t overmix!
5. Step 5: Moisten your hands with water to prevent sticking. Shape the mixture into about 14 meatballs, aiming for a 2-inch diameter.
6. Step 6: Place the meatballs in the same skillet you used for the onions. Spray them lightly with cooking oil spray. Bake for 12 minutes.
7. Step 7: While the meatballs bake, prepare the delicious sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup beef or chicken stock with 2 tablespoons corn flour until smooth and lump-free. This will thicken into a rich gravy.
8. Step 8: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Pour the stock mixture evenly over the meatballs. Add the remaining caramelized onions and top everything with the rest of your shredded cheese and the 2 sprigs of fresh thyme. These are shaping up to be incredible French onion soup meatballs!

9. Step 9: Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
10. Step 10: Serve these amazing baked onion meatballs immediately, perhaps with some warm crusty bread to soak up all that savory sauce!

Pro Tips for the Best Baked French Onion Meatballs

Achieving perfection with these savory delights is all about a few key techniques. I’ve learned these tricks over time, and they guarantee fantastic results every time you make this French onion meatball recipe.

• Caramelize slowly: Don’t rush the onion caramelization. Low and slow heat is crucial for developing that deep, sweet flavor. Patience here is rewarded!
• Don’t overmix: Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined. Overworking the ground chicken can make the meatballs tough.
• Rest the onions: Letting the caramelized onions cool slightly before chopping and mixing them into the meatball mixture helps them incorporate better.
• Use a skillet for baking: Baking the meatballs in the same skillet you used for the onions allows them to absorb more flavor and makes cleanup easier.

What’s the secret to perfect French onion meatballs?

The absolute secret to achieving the best French onion meatball recipe lies in deeply caramelizing the onions. This process unlocks their natural sweetness and creates the signature flavor profile that makes these meatballs so irresistible. For more on the science of caramelization, check out this guide to caramelization.

Can I make Baked Onion Meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! Prepare the meatball mixture and form the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the initial baking time.

How do I avoid common mistakes with French onion meatballs?

A common pitfall is under-caramelizing the onions; make sure they’re deeply golden brown. Also, resist the urge to overmix the meatball ingredients, as this can lead to tough meatballs. Finally, ensure you bake them until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Understanding proper food safety temperatures is crucial, as outlined by the USDA.

Best Ways to Serve French Onion Meatball Appetizer

These flavor-packed meatballs are incredibly versatile! They shine as a standout French onion meatball appetizer, perfect for any gathering. Imagine them served warm in a chafing dish with toothpicks for easy grabbing. For a more substantial bite, try serving them on small toasted baguette slices, letting that savory sauce soak in just a bit.

They also make a fantastic main course alongside simple sides. Think a crisp green salad to cut through the richness, or some fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce. No matter how you serve them, these baked onion meatballs are sure to be a hit! For more appetizer ideas, explore our latest recipes.

Nutrition Facts for French Onion Meatballs

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information for each serving of these delicious baked meatballs French onion style. These numbers give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying with every bite.

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 320 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For more information on nutritional tracking, you can consult resources like MyFitnessPal.

How to Store and Reheat French Onion Meatballs for Dinner

Don’t let any delicious leftovers go to waste! Properly storing and reheating these French onion meatballs for dinner ensures you can enjoy them again just as much as the first time. After they’ve cooled completely, transfer any leftover meatballs and sauce to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store them for longer, consider freezing them. You can freeze the entire French onion meatball bake or individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. If you have questions about our data handling, please see our GDPR policy.

When you’re ready to reheat, the best method is to gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at a moderate temperature, around 300°F (150°C), covered with foil to keep them moist. Microwaving is also an option for a quick reheat, just be sure to do it in short intervals, stirring between each.

Frequently Asked Questions About French Onion Meatballs

What are French onion meatballs?

What are French onion meatballs? They’re a delicious take on the classic French onion soup flavors, transformed into tender, savory meatballs. Typically, they combine ground meat (like chicken or beef), caramelized onions, broth, and cheese, all baked together to create a comforting dish that’s perfect for dinner or as an appetizer.

Can I use different types of meat for these French onion meatballs?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses chicken, you can easily substitute with ground beef, pork, or a combination like French onion beef meatballs. Just ensure the cooking time and temperature are adjusted as needed for different meats to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For more on cooking temperatures, you can refer to our about Niki Air Fryer page for related cooking tips.

What is the best way to serve French onion meatballs?

These meatballs are incredibly versatile! They make a fantastic French onion meatball appetizer served with toothpicks or on small crostini. For a meal, they pair wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping, mashed potatoes, or even served over pasta. The savory sauce is meant to be enjoyed!

How do I get the best flavor from the onions?

The key to incredible flavor is slow and low caramelization. Don’t rush this step! Cooking the onions gently for at least 30 minutes until they are deeply golden brown and sweet is crucial for that authentic French onion taste in your meatballs.

Variations of Baked French Onion Meatballs

While this baked French onion meatball recipe is fantastic as is, there are so many fun ways to switch it up! You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For a richer flavor, try using French onion pork meatballs by substituting half of the ground chicken with ground pork.

Want to turn these into irresistible glazed French onion meatballs? After the final bake, you can brush them with a mixture of melted butter and a touch of brown sugar or extra balsamic glaze for a beautiful sheen and an extra layer of sweetness. If you’re looking for a quicker cooking method, consider air-frying them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You can also easily make them vegetarian by using plant-based ground meat and vegetable stock. For any questions regarding our site, please visit our contact page.

Amazing Baked French Onion Meatballs, 1 secret ingredient

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• Author: basmer1517
• Total Time: 57 minutes
• Yield: 14 meatballs 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These baked French onion meatballs are a flavor-packed comfort food. They combine tender ground chicken, gooey cheese, and sweet caramelized onions for a delicious meal or appetizer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound Ground chicken
• 3 cloves Garlic minced
• 1/2 cup Shredded mozzarella or gruyere cheese
• 1/2 cup Bread crumbs
• 1 large Egg
• 1/4 cup Fresh chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon Fresh chopped thyme
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 large White, yellow, or red onions
• 2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup Beef or chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons Corn flour
• 2 sprigs Fresh thyme for garnishing
• Cooking oil spray

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sprinkle with salt. Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown. Pour in balsamic vinegar and toss in 2 thyme sprigs, cooking for an additional minute. Transfer the onions to a plate to cool slightly.
2. Preheat the oven to 410°F (210°C).
3. Chop half of the cooled caramelized onions finely.
4. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ½ cup of shredded mozzarella (or gruyere cheese), bread crumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Gently fold in the chopped caramelized onions.
5. Moisten your hands and shape the mixture into about 14 meatballs, approximately 2 inches in diameter.
6. Place the meatballs in the same skillet. Spray them with cooking oil spray and bake for 12 minutes.
7. Remove the skillet from the oven. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef or chicken stock with corn flour until smooth.
8. Pour the stock mixture over the meatballs, add the remaining caramelized onions, and top with the rest of the shredded cheese and thyme sprigs.
9. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
10. Serve immediately with warm crusty bread.

Notes

• Optional: Garnish with additional fresh thyme for a vibrant touch.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Category: Appetizers
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 meatball
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg

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