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The Ultimate French Onion Soup Recipe: A Delicious Classic

French Onion Soup is a beloved classic, known for its deep caramelized onion flavor, savory broth, and cheesy topping. This dish is perfect for chilly nights or as an impressive starter. With simple ingredients, you can achieve restaurant-quality results right at home. Let’s explore how to prepare this warm and comforting soup in just a few easy steps.

A bowl of French Onion Soup topped with melted Gruyère cheese and a crispy baguette.
French Onion Soup

Why is it called “French Onion Soup”?

French Onion Soup originated in France and dates back to the 18th century. It became a popular dish due to its use of readily available and inexpensive ingredients, like onions and broth. Traditionally, the soup is made with caramelized onions and served with a slice of toasted bread topped with melted Gruyère cheese.

How should “French Onion Soup” taste?

French Onion Soup should have a deep, rich onion flavor with a hint of sweetness from caramelizing the onions. The broth should be hearty, with layers of beef stock, garlic, thyme, and a touch of white wine. The toasted bread adds texture, and the melted Gruyère cheese provides a creamy, savory finish.

How to Make French Onion Soup Super Yummy or Perfect:

  1. Caramelize the onions: In a large pot, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Stir frequently, cooking for about 25 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and caramelized. This step is crucial to get the rich, deep flavor that defines French Onion Soup.
  2. Add garlic and herbs: Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the fresh thyme and bay leaf.
  3. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the white wine and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes, allowing it to reduce and infuse the onions with flavor.
  4. Simmer the broth: Add the beef broth and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for 15–20 minutes so the flavors can meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Toast the bread: While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the slices of baguette on a baking sheet and toast them for 5–7 minutes until golden and crisp.
  6. Cheesy finish: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl and generously sprinkle with shredded Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup Recipe

French Onion Soup recipe is a beloved classic, known for its deep caramelized onion flavor, savory broth, and cheesy topping. This dish is perfect for chilly nights or as an impressive starter. With simple ingredients, you can achieve restaurant-quality results right at home. Let’s explore how to prepare this warm and comforting soup in just a few easy steps.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 4 People
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large soup pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle
  • Soup bowls
  • Baking sheet

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 8 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 slices french baguette
  • 1 1/2 cups gruyere cheese, shredded

Instructions
 

  • 1. Caramelize the onions:In a large soup pot, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Stir frequently, cooking for about 25 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and caramelized. This process is essential to achieve the deep, rich flavor in the soup.
    2. Add garlic and herbs:After the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the thyme and bay leaf.
    3. Deglaze with wine:Pour in the dry white wine and scrape up the caramelized bits from the bottom of the pot using a wooden spoon. Allow the wine to reduce and simmer for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
    4. Simmer the broth:Add the beef broth to the pot, bring it to a simmer, and cook for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
    5. Prepare the toast:While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices of French baguette on a baking sheet and toast them for 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy.
    6. Add cheese and broil:Once the soup is ready, ladle it into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of toasted baguette on top of each bowl of soup, then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Gruyère cheese on top. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and golden brown.
    7. Serve and enjoy:Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and serve the French Onion Soup immediately. Enjoy the rich flavors and gooey, cheesy topping.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, you can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.
  • For extra flavor, use a mix of Gruyère and Parmesan cheese.
  • Make sure to caramelize the onions slowly, as this step defines the soup’s flavor.

Conclusion:

French Onion Soup is a timeless, hearty dish that combines simplicity with rich flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or to impress guests, following these steps will ensure your French Onion Soup is perfect every time. The key to mastering this recipe is the slow caramelization of the onions, which adds a layer of depth to the broth. Don’t forget to finish it with a cheesy, crusty topping for that signature French touch!

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