Name: Caramelized Onion & Cheese Strata Tartine
Prep time: 37 min
Cook time: 38 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: italian
Ingredients: 4 large onions (thinly sliced); 6 eggs; 8 slices bread (1-inch thick, day-old preferred); 2 cups cheese (grated, mix of cheddar and parmesan); 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 teaspoons seasoning (Italian herbs or herbes de Provence); 1/2 cup water (for caramelization); 1/4 teaspoon salt (for caramelization)

Caramelized Onion & Cheese Strata Tartine

A bold fusion dish combining the French art of caramelization with Italian-style bread layering and American comfort food sensibilities. Thick-cut bread is topped with sweet caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a baked egg custard, creating a sophisticated yet approachable dish that bridges three culinary traditions.

75 min

Medium

4 servings

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Taste Profile

Sweet7/10

Salty6/10

Sour0/10

Umami8/10

Spicy1/10

🥄 Texture

Custardy and soft in the interior as the egg-soaked bread yields to a silky bite, with slightly crisped, golden edges and bubbling, browned cheese on top. Caramelized onions contribute a sticky, tender layer with occasional chew and a melt-in-the-mouth richness.

👃 Aroma

Warm, sweet notes of deeply caramelized onion dominate the aroma, joined by nutty, savory Parmesan and toasty bread. Subtle herbal tones from the seasoning and a faint peppery underpinning round out the scent profile.

🍷 Pairs Well With

Dry white wine (unoaked Chardonnay or dry Riesling) or a light red (Pinot Noir); an amber ale or Belgian-style beer also pairs well. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon or unsweetened iced tea are good choices.

🥗 Side Dishes

A bright arugula or mixed-green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness; tomato soup or a light vegetable soup for a classic pairing; or quick pickled vegetables/roasted seasonal vegetables for contrast.

Ingredients(9 items)

14 large onions (thinly sliced)

26 eggs

38 slices bread (1-inch thick, day-old preferred)

42 cups cheese (grated, mix of cheddar and parmesan)

52 tablespoons sugar

61 teaspoon black pepper

72 teaspoons seasoning (Italian herbs or herbes de Provence)

81/2 cup water (for caramelization)

91/4 teaspoon salt (for caramelization)

Instructions

Begin caramelizing the onions: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the thinly sliced onions with salt and sugar.

Stir the onions frequently for 30-35 minutes until they turn deep golden brown and develop a rich, sweet flavor. Add water in small increments (2 tablespoons at a time) if they stick to the pan.

While onions caramelize, prepare the egg custard: Whisk together 6 eggs with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and 1/2 cup water in a bowl until well combined.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Arrange the 8 slices of bread in a single layer on a large baking sheet or in a shallow baking dish (arrange them close together).

Evenly distribute the caramelized onions over each slice of bread, creating a generous topping.

Sprinkle the grated cheese mixture (cheddar and parmesan) evenly over the onion-topped bread slices.

Carefully pour the egg custard mixture over the bread and cheese, allowing it to soak into the bread. Ensure each slice receives equal amounts of the custard.

Let the assembled dish sit for 5 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the egg is set, the top is golden brown, and the cheese is bubbling at the edges.

Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or additional pepper.