French Onion Soup is a timeless classic, renowned for its rich, caramelized onion flavor, hearty broth, and gooey layer of melted cheese. This comforting dish is perfect for cold evenings or as an appetizer to impress your guests.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Itโs a cozy and comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.
- The caramelized onions provide a deep, sweet-savory flavor.
- Melted cheese and crispy bread make it irresistibly satisfying.
- Itโs surprisingly easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
- A restaurant-quality dish you can recreate at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Yellow onions
- Unsalted butter
- Olive oil
- Beef stock
- Dry white wine
- Fresh thyme
- Bay leaves
- French bread or baguette
- Gruyรจre or Swiss cheese
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Prepare the Onions: Thinly slice the onions. Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, and cook until they are soft and caramelized, stirring occasionally. This process takes about 30-40 minutes.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Simmer the Soup: Add beef stock, thyme, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the baguette and toast the slices until crisp.
- Assemble and Broil: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of toasted baguette on top, then cover generously with shredded Gruyรจre cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable stock instead of beef stock.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked, shredded chicken or small pieces of sausage for a heartier soup.
- Cheese Swap: Substitute Gruyรจre with Comtรฉ, Emmental, or mozzarella.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread or omit the bread entirely.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the soup (without the bread and cheese) for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Toast fresh bread and add cheese just before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make French Onion Soup ahead of time?
Yes, the soup base can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Add bread and cheese when serving.
2. Whatโs the best cheese for French Onion Soup?
Gruyรจre is traditional, but Swiss or Comtรฉ cheese also work well.
3. Can I use red onions instead of yellow onions?
Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different. Yellow onions are sweeter and more traditional.
4. Is it necessary to use wine?
Wine adds depth to the flavor, but you can substitute it with an equal amount of beef stock or water.
5. How do I caramelize onions perfectly?
Cook them low and slow, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden brown.
6. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Pre-shredded cheese can be used, but freshly grated cheese melts better and has a superior flavor.
7. What can I serve with French Onion Soup?
Serve it with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
8. How do I prevent the bread from getting too soggy?
Toast the bread well before placing it on the soup, and serve immediately after broiling.
9. Can I use chicken stock instead of beef stock?
Yes, chicken stock can be used, but the flavor will be lighter and less robust.
10. Whatโs the best wine for this soup?
A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay works best.
Conclusion
French Onion Soup is a dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. Whether youโre making it for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich flavors and satisfying texture. Give it a try, and enjoy a little taste of French culinary tradition!
Print
French Onion Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop and Broiler
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
French Onion Soup is a classic French dish known for its rich, caramelized onion flavor and comforting warmth. This recipe combines sweet onions, savory beef broth, and a topping of toasted bread with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 cups thinly sliced yellow onions (about 3 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 8 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 2 cups grated Gruyรจre cheese
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them with the butter and oil.
- Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown, about 45 minutes.
- Sprinkle the sugar over the onions to enhance caramelization and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Wine:
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Allow the wine to simmer until it reduces by half, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Broth and Herbs:
- Add the beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme to the pot.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Bread:
- While the soup is simmering, preheat your ovenโs broiler.
- Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Remove the bay leaves from the soup.
- Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks.
- Place one or two toasted baguette slices on top of the soup in each bowl.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Gruyรจre cheese over the bread and soup.
- Place the bowls on a baking sheet and transfer them to the oven under the broiler.
- Broil until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Carefully remove from the oven and serve hot.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, consider using a combination of beef and chicken broth.
- If you prefer a milder cheese, Swiss or Emmental can be used in place of Gruyรจre.
- To save time, the onions can be caramelized in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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