Description
French Onion Soup is a classic, comforting dish featuring slowly caramelized yellow onions simmered in rich beef broth with aromatic herbs, topped with toasted French baguette slices and melted Gruyère cheese. This warm, savory soup is perfect for cozy nights or elegant dinners, delivering deep, layered flavors and a satisfying combination of textures. Adaptable to vegetarian diets and customizable with different wines and cheeses, it is a timeless favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 cup dry white wine or dry sherry (optional)
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1 French baguette, sliced
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss, mozzarella, or a blend)
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: In a large pot, melt the butter with olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and cook slowly, stirring frequently, for 45 to 60 minutes until they turn a deep golden brown and develop a natural sweetness.
- Deglaze the pot: Pour in your choice of dry white wine or sherry. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen all the flavorful browned bits. Allow the liquid to reduce for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add broth and herbs: Add the beef broth along with fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, permitting the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Prepare bread and cheese: While the soup simmers, toast baguette slices in a toaster or oven until golden and crisp. Grate the Gruyère cheese and set aside for assembly.
- Assemble and broil: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls, place toasted baguette slices on top, then sprinkle generously with grated cheese. Place under a broiler until the cheese becomes bubbly, golden, and slightly browned, forming a delicious crust.
Notes
- Don’t rush the caramelization process—it enhances the natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Use high-quality broth, homemade or premium store-bought, for the best taste.
- Keep a close eye under the broiler to avoid burning the cheese.
- Season the soup gradually with salt and pepper to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Experiment with different cheeses and herbs to personalize your soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 1/2 cups soup with toppings)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: French Onion Soup, caramelized onion soup, comfort food, French cuisine, easy soup recipe