French Onion Short Rib Soup with Cheesy Gruyère Toast 🧅🍲🧀


 

Step 1: Prepare the Short Ribs and Broth

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Sear the ribs on all sides until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, sauté the quartered onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
  3. Add the seared short ribs back into the pot along with the beef broth, water, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer covered for 2–3 hours, until the short ribs are tender and falling off the bone.
  5. Remove the short ribs and strain the broth. Set aside 2 cups of broth for the soup and shred the short rib meat into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Make the French Onion Base

  1. In a large skillet or pot, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions caramelize to a deep golden brown, about 30–40 minutes.
  3. Deglaze the pan with the white wine (if using) and cook until the liquid evaporates. Stir in the balsamic vinegar for extra depth.

Step 3: Combine the Soup

  1. Add the caramelized onions to the reserved short rib broth and shredded meat.
  2. Simmer for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Make the Cheesy Gruyère Toast

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Sprinkle the Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses generously over the top.
  3. Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each bowl with a cheesy Gruyère toast.
  2. For extra cheesiness, place the soup bowls under a broiler for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese further.
  3. Garnish with fresh thyme or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and Hearty: The short ribs add depth and meaty flavor to the classic French onion soup.
  • Golden Cheesy Toast: Gruyère cheese is melty, nutty, and pairs perfectly with the caramelized onions.
  • Perfect Comfort Food: A satisfying bowl of soup for chilly nights or special occasions.

Pro Tips for Success

  1. Caramelizing Onions: Patience is key! Cook the onions low and slow for the best flavor.
  2. Short Rib Alternative: Use chuck roast if short ribs are unavailable.
  3. Extra Toast: Serve additional cheesy toast on the side for dipping!

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze the soup (without the toast) for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

This French Onion Short Rib Soup with Cheesy Gruyère Toast takes the classic to a whole new level with its rich, beefy broth and irresistible cheesy topping. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet dinner at home. 🧅🍲🧀✨