3 Non-soup French onion recipes that are perfect for game day

It’s officially football season, y’all, which means it’s officially the time of year to be noshing on decadent dips and pastas while chugging beer from a can. It’s not fancy, but it’s a way of life in the Midwest. In lieu of boring chicken wings or regular sliders, I thought I’d give my game day favorites a little bit of a French flair.

Not just any kind of French flair, but a French onion flair. These bowls of slow cooker mac ‘n’ cheese, slices of garlic bread and amazing chicken sliders are all made over with an irresistible French onion flair, which means every single recipe is filled with caramelized onions and amazing flavor. You’ll probably be more excited about these recipes than your actual team.

1. French onion garlic bread recipe

Serves 8-12

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf Italian bread
• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 4 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons chopped parsley
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2-3 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Cut the bread in half lengthwise. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 stick of butter, garlic, garlic powder and parsley.
3. Liberally spread the butter over both halves of the bread. Top each half with 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese.
4. In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the onion slices, and cook for about a minute. Reduce the heat to low, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and softened, about 15 minutes.
5. Divide the onions over each half of bread, and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for about 12 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the bread is golden brown.

2. Slow cooker French onion mac ‘n’ cheese recipe

Serves 8

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
• 1-1/2 cups milk
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan, divided
• 1/2 packet French onion soup mix
• Breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper
• Basil, for garnish
• 1 cup caramelized onions

Directions:

3. French onion chicken sliders recipe

Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 large onions, sliced
• 1/2 package French onion soup mix
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper
• 3 (8 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 slider buns
• Kale, for garnish
• 6 slices colby jack cheese

Directions:

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the onions, reduce heat to low, and cook until caramelized and golden brown, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with onion soup mix, and add the beef broth. Cover, and let cook another 10 to 15 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated and the onions are soft and tender.
2. Salt and pepper the chicken. Remove the onions from the pan, and add the chicken breasts. Increase the heat to medium-high, and cook until the chicken is browned and no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Remove from the pan, and slice in half.
3. Preheat the broiler. Add the buns to a cookie sheet, and broil until browned and crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. To make the sliders, add 1/2 a chicken breast to each slider bun. Top with 1/6 of the onion mix, kale and a slice of colby jack cheese. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

More French onion recipes

How to make the best French onion soup
French onion soup and other one-pot meals
Smoked salmon and arugula with creamy French onion cheese