Caramelized Onion and Gorgonzola Crostini

Name: Caramelized Onion and Gorgonzola Crostini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 large onions, thinly sliced; 1 cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: 5-Ingredient Fix Recipes

I absolutely love making Caramelized Onion and Gorgonzola Crostini. The rich, sweet flavor of the caramelized onions balances wonderfully with the tangy Gorgonzola cheese, creating a delightful bite that always impresses my guests. This recipe is simple yet elegant, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. With just a handful of ingredients, I can whip up these delicious crostinis in under 30 minutes, ensuring that I can spend more time enjoying the company of my friends and family.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-17T14:26:27.903Z

Every time I make these Caramelized Onion and Gorgonzola Crostini, I am reminded of the first time I tasted them at a friend's party. I immediately knew I had to learn how to recreate that amazing flavor at home. The secret lies in slow-cooking the onions until they're sweet and golden, which deepens their flavor and adds a lovely texture to the crostinis.

I've experimented with various bread types but found that a crispy baguette truly enhances the overall experience. When you bite into the crunchy bread topped with warm, savory onions and creamy Gorgonzola, it's an explosion of deliciousness. I dare you not to go back for seconds!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The sweetness of caramelized onions perfectly complements the creamy Gorgonzola.
Crispy crostini provide a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings.

      

Perfecting Caramelization

Caramelizing onions is a beautiful art that requires patience and the right technique. Adding a pinch of salt helps draw out moisture from the onions and allows them to cook down evenly. Keep the heat on medium to avoid burning. As they cook, stir occasionally to promote even browning. The goal is to achieve a deep golden color and a rich, sweet flavor. If you find your onions coloring too fast, reduce the heat slightly and add a small splash of water to keep them from sticking to the pan.

For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of sugar to the onions halfway through the cooking process. This can enhance the caramelization, leading to a more complex taste profile. Additionally, using a heavy-bottomed pan, like cast iron or stainless steel, helps evenly distribute heat, preventing any hot spots that might burn the onions.

Getting the Crostini Just Right

Choosing the right bread is crucial for making the perfect crostini. A French baguette is ideal due to its airy structure and crusty exterior, which provides a satisfying crunch. When slicing, ensure uniformity at 1/2 inch thick; this helps achieve even toasting. If you prefer a bit of flavor, try brushing the slices with a mixture of olive oil and minced garlic before toasting for an aromatic touch.

When toasting in the oven, monitor closely. Oven temperatures can vary, and the bread can go from perfectly crisp to overly browned in a matter of minutes. Look for a golden-brown color, which indicates that the crostinis are ready to be topped. If you want an extra crispy texture, flip the slices halfway through the toasting process.

Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions

While caramelized onions and Gorgonzola make a fantastic pairing, feel free to get creative! Add a layer of fig jam beneath the onions for a sweet and savory twist, or sprinkle some toasted walnuts on top for added crunch and nuttiness. For those who prefer a milder cheese, blue cheese or goat cheese can be excellent substitutions that still complement the sweetness of the onions beautifully.

For serving, consider presenting the crostini on a large wooden board, garnished with a few additional sprigs of thyme or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a pop of color and flavor. These crostinis also pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a light-bodied red, making them a perfect appetizer for any gathering.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Crostini Ingredients

1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
1 cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)

Make sure to have the kitchen tidy while you prepare your dish!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Crostini:

Caramelize the Onions

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until the onions are golden brown and caramelized.

If they start to stick, add a splash of water to the pan.

Prepare the Crostini

While the onions are caramelizing, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil. Toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

Assemble the Crostini

Once the baguette slices are toasted, remove them from the oven. Top each slice with a generous spoonful of caramelized onions and a sprinkle of crumbled Gorgonzola cheese. Return to the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is slightly melted.

Serve

Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Your tasty Crostini is ready to impress!

Pro Tips

Experiment with different cheeses such as goat cheese or mozzarella for varied flavors.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftover crostini, store the toasted slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. However, the toppings should be stored separately to maintain the crostini's crisp texture. For the caramelized onions and Gorgonzola cheese, store them in the fridge for up to a week, allowing you to quickly prepare fresh crostinis as needed.

To re-crisp the crostini, simply place them back in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This will help restore their texture without compromising the flavors of the toppings.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe for larger gatherings is easy. For every additional 6-8 guests, consider adding another baguette and adjusting the quantity of caramelized onions accordingly. Remember that caramelizing more onions may require a larger skillet or multiple batches to prevent overcrowding, which affects even cooking. Adjust the seasoning as well if you increase the amount of onions to maintain a balanced flavor.

If you're preparing for a large crowd, sauté the onions a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them gently before assembling your crostinis. This not only saves time on the day of your gathering but also intensifies the flavor of the onions, making them even more delicious.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these crostinis ahead of time?

Yes, you can caramelize the onions in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ What can I substitute for Gorgonzola?

If you don’t like Gorgonzola, try using feta or a mild blue cheese for a similar taste.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Leftover crostinis can be stored in the refrigerator but are best enjoyed fresh. Reheat in the oven briefly to crisp them up.

→ Can I make these vegan?

Yes! You can use a vegan cheese alternative and replace the butter with olive oil.