French Onion Soup Recipe

Indulge in the warmth and comfort of a classic French onion soup. This recipe showcases the deep, rich flavors of caramelized onions simmered in savory beef broth, topped with crusty bread and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for a special dinner, this dish is a true culinary delight that will impress your family and friends. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to creating this timeless classic in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 slices of baguette
• 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, with a cooking time of about 1 hour.

Nutritional Value

Each serving (1 bowl) contains approximately:
– Calories: 400
– Protein: 15g
– Carbohydrates: 35g
– Fat: 20g
– Fiber: 2g
This nutritional information is based on one serving.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions and cook until softened, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in sugar and continue cooking until onions are caramelized, about 30-40 minutes.
4. Deglaze the pot with white wine, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits.
5. Add beef broth and thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer for about 20 minutes.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast until golden brown.
9. In oven-safe bowls, ladle soup and top with toasted baguette slices.
10. Add a generous amount of Gruyère cheese on top of the bread.
11. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10 minutes.

Alternative Ingredients

You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Additionally, Swiss cheese can be used instead of Gruyère for a milder flavor. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread.

Serving and Pairings

French onion soup pairs wonderfully with a side salad or a simple green vegetable. It also complements crusty bread, making it perfect for dipping. Serve with a glass of white wine for a delightful meal.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove or in the microwave. Freezing is also an option; however, it’s best to freeze the soup without the cheese and bread, adding them fresh when reheating.

Cooking Mistakes

• Don’t rush the caramelization process; it enhances the flavor.
• Use good quality beef broth for the best taste.
• Avoid using too much salt early on; adjust at the end.
• Ensure your oven-safe bowls are truly oven-safe to prevent breakage.
• Don’t skip the toasting step for the baguette; it adds texture.

Helpful Tips

• Use a mix of yellow and sweet onions for depth of flavor.
• Make a larger batch and freeze for quick meals later.
• Experiment with different cheeses, like mozzarella or Parmesan.
• Top with fresh herbs for added freshness before serving.

FAQs

Can I make French onion soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare French onion soup in advance. Prepare the soup base and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the toasted bread and cheese before serving.

What type of bread is best for French onion soup?

Traditionally, a French baguette is used, but any crusty bread will work. Sourdough or ciabatta can also be excellent choices.

Can I use a slow cooker for French onion soup?

Absolutely! You can caramelize the onions on the stovetop and then transfer everything to a slow cooker for a few hours on low heat.

How do I know when the onions are caramelized?

Caramelized onions will be deeply golden brown and sweet in flavor. This process usually takes about 30-40 minutes, so patience is key!

Is French onion soup gluten-free?

Traditional French onion soup is not gluten-free due to the bread. However, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread and broth.

Conclusion

French onion soup is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal. With its rich flavors and cheesy topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy this classic recipe with friends and family, and savor every delicious bite.

French Onion Soup Recipe

Indulge in the warmth and comfort of this classic French onion soup, featuring caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and melted cheese.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Soup

Cuisine: French

Keyword: French onion soup, comfort food, classic recipes

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 400kcal

Ingredients

• 4 large onions thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 slices of baguette
• 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese

Instructions

• Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add sliced onions and cook until softened, about 10 minutes.
• Stir in sugar and continue cooking until onions are caramelized, about 30-40 minutes.
• Deglaze the pot with white wine, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits.
• Add beef broth and thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
• Bring the soup to a gentle simmer for about 20 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In oven-safe bowls, ladle soup and top with toasted baguette slices.
• Add a generous amount of Gruyère cheese on top of the bread.
• Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 2g