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Classic French Onion Soup Recipe

Classic French Onion Soup Recipe

Classic French Onion Soup Recipe

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people and can be made in about 1 hour.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 4 cups beef broth (for a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices of French baguette (or other crusty bread)
  • 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)

Instructions:

  1. Caramelize the Onions:
    • In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them in the butter and oil. Cook the onions over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes. This step is essential for building flavor, so be patient. You want the onions to become soft, deeply golden, and caramelized, but not burnt.
  2. Add Garlic and Seasonings:
    • Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
    • Add the wine (if using), and stir, scraping any caramelized bits off the bottom of the pot (these are packed with flavor!). Let the wine cook down for about 3-4 minutes until it’s reduced by half.
    • Add the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf, and bring the soup to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  3. Prepare the Bread:
    • While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, until they are golden and crispy. Alternatively, you can toast the bread on a skillet or in a toaster.
    • Once toasted, set aside.
  4. Assemble the Soup:
    • Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls (or French onion soup crocks). Place a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl of soup, then sprinkle a generous amount of grated Gruyère (or Swiss cheese) on top of the bread.
  5. Broil the Soup:
    • Place the soup bowls under the broiler for about 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning.
  6. Serve:
    • Once the cheese is bubbly and golden, carefully remove the soup from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve the soup hot, with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley on top if desired. Enjoy the warm, cheesy, onion-filled goodness!

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Soup:

  • Rich and Flavorful: The combination of caramelized onions and beef broth gives this soup a deep, rich flavor that is both comforting and satisfying.
  • Cheesy and Melty: The crusty bread and melted Gruyère form a delicious, gooey layer that balances the sweet onions and savory broth perfectly. The cheese melts into the soup, making each bite indulgent.
  • Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just a few key ingredients, you can create a soup that feels like it came straight from a French bistro. Onions, broth, wine, and cheese—that’s all it takes to elevate this humble soup into something special.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can make the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the soup on the stovetop and broil the cheese just before serving.

Tips for Perfect French Onion Soup:

  • Be Patient with the Onions: The most important step in this recipe is caramelizing the onions slowly over low heat. This step is what gives the soup its rich, sweet flavor. Don’t rush it!
  • Broth Choices: While beef broth is traditional and adds great depth, you can use vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version. The wine adds flavor to the broth, but it can be omitted if you don’t want to use alcohol.
  • Choose the Right Cheese: Gruyère is the classic choice for French onion soup, but you can also use Swiss cheese, provolone, or a combination of cheeses. Make sure to use a good melting cheese for that perfect gooey texture.
  • For Extra Flavor: Consider adding a dash of sherry, brandy, or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the soup for an additional layer of flavor. These ingredients add depth and complexity to the broth.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Approximate values based on 1 bowl of soup with cheese and bread:

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Protein: 14g
  • Fat: 19g
    • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 760mg
  • Potassium: 400mg
  • Cholesterol: 40mg