French Onion Soup is a timeless dish known for its rich, caramelized onions, savory broth, and cheesy, crusty bread topping. This comforting and flavorful soup is surprisingly simple to make at home, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy meal.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to help caramelize the onions)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups beef broth (or a mix of beef and chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or dry sherry (optional)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyรจre cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and sugar. Stir to coat the onions in the fat.
- Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for 30–40 minutes, or until they are deeply golden and caramelized. Reduce the heat if they begin to burn.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Step 2: Build the Broth
- Deglaze the pot with white wine or sherry, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. (Skip this step if not using wine.)
- Add the beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf before serving.
Step 3: Prepare the Topping
- Preheat your oven’s broiler.
- Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler for 1–2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Top each slice with a generous amount of Gruyรจre and Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Assemble and Broil
- Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls.
- Float a cheesy bread slice on top of each bowl of soup.
- Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 2–4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips for Perfect French Onion Soup
- Patience is Key: Take your time caramelizing the onions—it’s the foundation of the soup’s deep flavor.
- Choose the Right Cheese: Gruyรจre is traditional for its nutty, melty texture, but you can also use Swiss or even a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Use Quality Broth: A rich beef broth or a combination of beef and chicken broth gives the soup its hearty flavor.
- Make Ahead: The soup base can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. Add the bread and cheese just before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
This French Onion Soup is:
- Rich and Comforting: A blend of sweet caramelized onions, savory broth, and gooey cheese.
- Elegant Yet Simple: Perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
- Customizable: Adjust the seasonings and toppings to your preference.
- A Classic Favorite: Loved by all ages for its timeless flavor.