French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup: A Timeless Comfort

French Onion Soup is more than just a dish; it’s a warm, comforting embrace in a bowl. This classic French recipe combines the rich flavor of caramelized onions with savory beef broth, all topped with gooey melted cheese and crisp bread. It is perfect for chilly evenings or as an elegant starter for dinner parties. Making this soup at home is easier than you might think, and the taste is truly worth the effort. Dive into this recipe to create a bowl of happiness that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart.

Why Make This Recipe

There are countless reasons to make French Onion Soup. First, it’s a dish that is deeply satisfying, offering a rich and robust flavor that pleases everyone. The slow-cooked onions develop a natural sweetness that balances beautifully with the savory beef broth.

Second, French Onion Soup is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as a starter or main course, and it pairs wonderfully with salads or sandwiches.

Finally, preparing this soup allows you to engage with the classic techniques of cooking, such as caramelizing onions. Plus, kitchen aromas while making this dish will entice everyone nearby. If you’re looking for a delicious way to impress your guests or to treat yourself on a cold day, this recipe is a fantastic choice!

How to Make French Onion Soup

Making French Onion Soup is straightforward. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can create a dish that warms the soul. Below, you will find the ingredients and step-by-step directions to guide you through the cooking process.

Ingredients

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Baguette slices
• 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, and sugar, and cook slowly for about 30-40 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are caramelized.
2. Add the bay leaf, thyme, and white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Preheat the oven broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, place a slice of baguette on top of each bowl, and sprinkle with Gruyere cheese.
5. Place the bowls under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting French Onion Soup!

How to Serve French Onion Soup

Serving French Onion Soup is as important as making it. The presentation adds to the overall experience of enjoying this dish. Here are a few simple tips:

• Use Oven-Safe Bowls: Ensure you pour the soup into bowls that can withstand the heat of the broiler.
• Cheese and Bread: Always top each soup bowl with a slice of baguette and a generous sprinkle of Gruyere cheese for that classic touch.
• Garnish: You can add fresh thyme or parsley on top just before serving for a pop of color.
• Accompaniment: French Onion Soup pairs well with a simple green salad or a light sandwich, making your meal feel complete.

How to Store French Onion Soup

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious), you can easily store them for later. Here’s how:

• Refrigerate: Place the cooled soup in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can also freeze French Onion Soup. Just leave out the bread and cheese, as these do not freeze well. Store the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat. If frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before heating.

Tips to Make French Onion Soup

1. Choose the Right Onions: For the best flavor, use yellow or sweet onions. They provide the caramelization and sweetness needed for a perfect onion soup.
2. Patience is Key: Caramelizing onions takes time—about 30-40 minutes. Stir the onions occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and develop a deep, golden-brown color.
3. Quality Broth: Use a good-quality beef broth for a richer flavor. You can also make your broth from scratch if you have the time.
4. Experiment with Cheese: While Gruyere is traditional, you can mix different cheeses like Swiss, mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a unique twist.
5. Add Extra Toppings: Consider adding a dollop of crème fraîche or a sprinkle of fried onions on top before serving for added flavor and texture.

Variation

While the classic French Onion Soup is beloved as is, you can try some variations to suit your taste:

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute vegetable broth for beef broth and skip the Gruyere. Instead, melt some dairy-free cheese on top.
• Additional Ingredients: Add mushrooms or garlic for an extra layer of flavor, or sprinkle a bit of sherry or balsamic vinegar for some acidity.
• French Onion Soup Gratin: Try baking the soup in a casserole dish instead of individual bowls. Top with bread and cheese, and bake in the oven until bubbly and golden brown.

FAQs

Can I make French Onion Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat before adding the cheese and bread for serving.

What if I don’t have Gruyere cheese?

If you don’t have Gruyere cheese, you can use other melting cheeses like Swiss, mozzarella, or even cheddar. Each will alter the flavor slightly but will still provide a delicious topping.

How do I know when my onions are caramelized?

Caramelized onions should be golden brown and taste sweet. You’ll know they are done when they are soft and have broken down significantly, bringing out their natural sugars.

Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, you can use chicken broth for a lighter flavor. However, the soup will lack some depth that beef broth provides.

Is it safe to freeze the soup with the bread and cheese?

It’s best to freeze only the soup without the bread and cheese. Remove these toppings before freezing, as they can turn soggy and lose texture when thawed.

By following this long-form recipe for French Onion Soup, you will surely create a comforting dish that warms bodies and spirits alike. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

French Onion Soup

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• Author: amanda-hart
• Total Time: 85 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian (if using vegetable broth and no cheese)

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Description

A warm, comforting classic combining caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and topped with melted Gruyere cheese and crispy bread.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Baguette slices
• 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, and sugar, and cook slowly for about 30-40 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are caramelized.
2. Add the bay leaf, thyme, and white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Preheat the oven broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, place a slice of baguette on top of each bowl, and sprinkle with Gruyere cheese.
5. Place the bowls under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting French Onion Soup!

Notes

Use oven-safe bowls for serving. Pair with a green salad or light sandwich.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: French Onion Soup, comfort food, easy soup, classic French dish