need a holiday main dish? this french onion lentil casserole is perfect for that. packed with incredible flavor and so comforting.
the inspiration
I have been creating recipes for over 10 years. So, I have done a lot of the typical vegan holiday recipes. I was really trying to think of something new that I hadn’t seen yet.
So many people do French onion meatballs. I thought about those for a second. Then, I thought about lentils. Using lentils for the meatballs but I wasn’t feeling 100% on that idea. Then, I thought what if we just took the elements of French onion soup and applied them to lentils.
Delicious and sweet caramelized onions. some broth, thyme, and of course lots of gooey vegan cheese. Paired it with some garlic bread and that is perfection.
the ingredients
- Lentils: for this recipe I recommend either using brown or green lentils. Red lentils will be too mushy and black lentils won’t come out with the same result. If you wanted to make this quickly you can use canned lentils.
- Onion: I like using a Vidalia onions. They are much sweeter. If you can’t find them you can use a white onion.
- Sugar: we add in a little sugar to the onions. It helps to just sweeten them up even further.
- Olive Oil: we will use the olive oil when we caramelize the onions. Olive oil has a higher smoke point so it allows us to cook the onions at a higher temperature without burning. It also coats the onions well preventing burning or sticking.
- Vegan Butter: the vegan butter will add flavor and extra fat. I like to use Country Crock plant butter. I have also have a recipe for homemade vegan butter.
- Vegan Cheese: you can use any vegan cheese you like. I used Violife mozzarella shreds. You can also use my homemade vegan mozzarella recipe here.
- Better than Bouillon: BTB is my favorite hack for adding amazing flavor to everything. Ideally, if you can find the No Beef BTB (paid link) that would be great. French onion soup is typically made with beef broth. However, I actually only had the no chicken base and it worked out really great here. You can also throw in a piece of a vegetable bouillon cube.
- Thyme: the fresh thyme adds flavor and of course is a beautiful garnish. If you only have dried thyme that will work as well.
how to make french onion lentil casserole
- Use a sharp knife and slice the onion into thin slices.
- Heat a large pan on the stove for 3 to 5 minutes before placing the onions in. Then, add in the olive oil and vegan butter. Heat for 1 minute. Then, add in the onions, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook the onions for approximately 40 to 50 minutes over a medium low heat. Stirring occasionally and being patient until they turn a deep brown and have a jammy texture.
- Meanwhile, boil the lentils in salted water for about 40 minutes or until soft.
- When the lentils are done there should be a bit of liquid in the pot still. If not you can always pour a little in.
- Add the lentil to the caramelized onions along with the bouillon, fresh thyme, an extra 1 to 2 tablespoons of water. Mix together.
- Transfer into an oven safe dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes at 400°F.
- Remove the foil and broil on high until golden brown. Garnish with extra fresh thyme on top if desired.
why you’ll love this recipe
I have to be honest this is one of my favorite things I have made in a long time. The flavor are just truly amazing. I also love lentils and want to find anyway to eat them that I can. They are so amazing for you and I think we all need more lentils in our life.
If you are a French onion soup lover like me then this is definitely for you. It felt as if I were eating French onion soup but in a different form. Also, if you are someone like me who is looking for a main dish that is a bit different this year than the typical Lentil Wellington, Lentil Shepherd’s Pie or Tofu Cutlets then this is great.
Finally, this is just complete and utter comfort food without it being so crazy indulgent. This dish won’t leave you feeling too full or stuffed after just satisfied and happy. I also love that it is only 8 ingredients. While it does take a while to make thats mostly the stove and oven doing the work.
what can I serve this with?
This dish is part of my Thanksgiving series. So, if you are interested to check out the other recipes I will have them down below. I do think this dish definitely needs to be served with some sort of bread. The Sage & Rosemary Biscuits would be lovely here, and that was my intention.
However, you can also serve it with some garlic bread. I just made a quick and easy one by cutting up sourdough, spraying it with spray oil and sprinkling with garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, and salt. Then, pop in the oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is golden.
Also, I think this dish would go really well over some Vegan Mashed Potatoes or polenta. You can even put it over pasta or rice. Either way it is all incredibly delicious.
french onion lentil casserole faq
Is this recipe allergy friendly?
It is nut, soy, and gluten free. Just be sure to use any vegan butter or vegan cheese substitutes to fit your needs or preferences.
How do I store leftovers?
In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I do think you could also freeze this if you want.
How do I heat this dish up?
You can heat it up in the microwave, oven, or even in the air fryer.
Can I use different lentils for this?
I do not recommend that. Red lentils are too soft and black lentils are too small. If you would like to use canned you can.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This is a dish that would be great for that. The lentils are hearty. You have a few options: 1. Just caramelize the onions ahead of time. Then, you only have to worry about cooking lentils and baking day of. 2. You can do it all ahead of time but don’t bake in the oven. Do that on the day you want to eat. 3. Make the whole thing as it, place in the fridge, and then warm up in the oven ahead of eating.
I would only recommend making this 24 hours in advance from when you want to eat.
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French Onion Lentil Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet or Vidalia onion around 14 ounces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter
- 2 teaspoons organic sugar
- 1 cup brown lentils dry
- 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon paid link
- ½ cup vegan mozzarella
- fresh thyme
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Use a sharp knife and slice 1 large sweet or Vidalia onion into thin slices.
- Heat a large pan on the stove for 3 to 5 minutes before placing the onions in. Then, add in 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon vegan butter. Heat for 1 minute. Then, add in the sliced onions, 2 teaspoons organic sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook the onions for approximately 40 to 50 minutes over a medium low heat. Stirring occasionally and being patient until they turn a deep brown and have a jammy texture.
- Meanwhile, boil 1 cup brown lentils in salted water for about 40 minutes or until soft.
- When the lentils are done there should be a bit of liquid in the pot still. If not you can always pour a little in.
- Once the lentils and onions are done cooking preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Add the lentils into the pan with the caramelized onions along with 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon, a few leaves from 1-2 sprigs of fresh thyme, an extra 1 to 2 tablespoons of water. Mix together.
- Transfer into an oven safe dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes or until ½ cup vegan mozzarella is melted and casserole is bubbling.
- Remove the foil and broil on high until golden brown.
- Garnish with extra fresh thyme on top if desired. You can serve this with bread, biscuits, or anything else you want to dip in.
Notes
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- Nutrition facts are based on my gram measurements put into Cronometer. Yours may vary, they are to help you get an idea. Please do not repost recipes without my permission. Sharing a direct link is always highly encouraged and appreciated.
- For any questions you may have please refer to the FAQ above the recipe card.
Nutrition
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Hey, I’m Francesca!
Thank you for checking out my recipe! I am happy to have you here and hope you explore more delicious vegan recipes.
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