There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of Classic French Onion Soup on a chilly evening. This rich, savory soup is made with deeply caramelized onions, flavorful beef broth, and a splash of dry white wine, creating a comforting base that’s topped with toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyère cheese. It’s the ultimate cozy dish—perfect for winter nights or as a comforting appetizer before a grand meal.
Ingredients
- 6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
- 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
Directions
1. Caramelize the Onions:
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them in the butter.
- Cook the onions, stirring frequently, until they are deeply caramelized, which should take about 40 minutes. Be patient—this step is crucial for building the soup’s rich flavor. The onions should turn a deep golden brown, becoming soft and sweet.
2. Add Garlic and Wine:
- Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring to prevent it from burning.
- Pour in the dry white wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits are packed with flavor, so make sure to get all of them.
3. Add Broth and Seasonings:
- Pour in the beef broth, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
4. Prepare the Baguette Toppings:
- While the soup is simmering, preheat the oven broiler. Slice the baguette and toast the slices in the oven until golden and crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Set aside.
5. Assemble the Soup:
- Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl of soup.
- Generously sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese over the bread.
6. Broil the Soup:
- Place the bowls under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning the cheese.
7. Serve:
- Carefully remove the soup from the oven, as the bowls will be hot. Serve immediately and enjoy your cozy bowl of French Onion Soup!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Alternatives: While Gruyère is the classic choice, you can substitute it with Swiss cheese, fontina, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version of this soup. The caramelized onions will still provide plenty of savory depth.
- Herb Additions: For extra flavor, try adding fresh thyme or rosemary along with the dried thyme during the simmering stage. A splash of brandy or sherry can also add a nice depth to the flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the baguette and cheese separate if you plan to store the soup.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat until warmed through. You can toast fresh bread and broil the cheese on top just before serving.
10 FAQs About Classic French Onion Soup
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes! French onion soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can make the soup a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and then reheat it before adding the cheese and bread for broiling.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Gruyère is the classic choice, but other cheeses like Swiss, Emmental, or even fontina would work well, too. For a tangy twist, try a sharp cheddar.
- Do I need to use beef broth? While beef broth adds a rich depth of flavor, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute for a lighter version of the soup.
- How do I avoid burning the onions while caramelizing? Keep the heat at medium and stir the onions regularly. If they start to stick or burn, reduce the heat slightly and add a splash of water to help loosen them.
- Can I freeze French onion soup? Yes, French onion soup can be frozen. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving.
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes! You can caramelize the onions in a skillet first, then transfer them to a slow cooker with the broth, garlic, wine, and seasonings. Let it cook on low for 4-6 hours before topping with cheese and broiling.
- What can I serve with French onion soup? A fresh salad or a side of roasted vegetables pairs beautifully with French onion soup. You can also serve it with a light, crunchy green salad to balance the richness.
- Can I skip the broiling step? While the broiling step adds a golden, bubbly layer of cheese, you can skip it if you prefer. You can still serve the soup with cheese sprinkled on top without broiling.
- Can I add other vegetables to the soup? Yes, you can add vegetables like mushrooms or leeks for a more complex flavor. Just sauté them along with the onions to enhance the soup.
- How do I get the perfect caramelized onions? Patience is key. Cook the onions over medium heat and stir regularly. It takes time to caramelize them properly—around 40 minutes—so don’t rush it.
Conclusion
Classic French Onion Soup with Gruyère is the ultimate comfort food—rich, flavorful, and satisfying. The deep, sweet flavor of the caramelized onions combined with the savory broth and melted cheese creates a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly nights. Whether served as a starter or a main course, this soup is sure to warm you from the inside out. Simple, yet decadent, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.