Skip the Pumpkin - Try This Savory Fall Baguette

Featured Recipe: Caramelized Onion & Gruyère Baguettes

These baguettes capture everything I love about fall: warm, savory flavors, a crisp crust, and that irresistible aroma of caramelized onions and cheese baking together.

You can add the Gruyère grated for ribbons of flavor or cubed for gooey pockets that melt right into the crumb.

➡️ Bake the Full Recipe Here

Try It With Other Cheeses

Gruyère melts beautifully, but it isn’t your only option.

If you want to experiment or save a little at the cheese counter, try one of these swaps:

• Swiss or Emmental: Mild, nutty flavor and smooth melt — the closest match to Gruyère.

• Sharp White Cheddar: A little tangier and bolder; pairs wonderfully with the sweet onions.

• Fontina: Creamy and buttery, melts into soft ribbons through the crumb.

• Asiago or Provolone: Add a salty edge and a deeper golden crust.

Tip: Choose a cheese that melts easily and has a bit of character — you’ll still get that rich, cozy flavor even without Gruyère.

Make-Ahead Prep

• Caramelize the onions the evening before and store them in the fridge.

• Grate or cube the cheese ahead of time.

• Build your levain overnight so it’s bubbly and ready by morning.

Note: The shaped baguettes benefit from an overnight chill. The cold ferment strengthens the slack dough and develops even more flavor.

➡️ Get the Recipe Here

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with soups like butternut squash, tomato basil, or classic French onion.

• Slice for gourmet sandwiches: roast beef, turkey, or grilled veggie panini.

• Add to cheese boards with brie, goat cheese, or blue cheese.

• Offer in a holiday bread basket as a savory alternative to pumpkin breads.

• Warm briefly before serving to revive the melted cheese.

Product Spotlight: Baguette Proofing Basket Set

Because this dough is on the softer side, it benefits from a little support during the final rise. Our 15-inch oval proofing baskets do just that! They hold the shape beautifully and give the loaves that lovely, even curve before baking.

Each set includes two rattan baskets with fitted cotton liners. The natural shape helps maintain structure in wetter doughs, and the liners make cleanup easy. I used them for these Caramelized Onion & Gruyère Baguettes, and they made shaping and transferring the loaves so much easier.

Shop the proofing basket set