French Onion Soup is a rich, savory classic that’s perfect for cozy dinners. With caramelized onions, hearty beef broth, and a deliciously gooey Gruyère cheese topping, it’s comfort food at its best. This recipe elevates the traditional soup with a crispy baguette slice and melted cheese to create a mouthwatering experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Deep Flavors: The caramelized onions give this soup its rich, sweet flavor, balanced by savory beef broth.
- Perfectly Melted Cheese: Gruyère cheese adds the perfect creamy, nutty finish when melted under the broiler.
- Comforting & Hearty: This soup makes for a satisfying meal, especially when paired with a glass of white wine or a fresh salad.
Ingredients:
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Baguette slices
- Gruyère cheese, shredded
Directions:
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they become golden brown and caramelized (about 20 minutes). This slow cooking step brings out the onions’ natural sweetness.
Step 2: Prepare the Soup Base
- Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
- Slowly pour in beef broth and white wine, then add sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
- Let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to reduce slightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Topping
- While the soup is simmering, preheat the broiler on your oven.
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls and top each with baguette slices and a generous amount of Gruyère cheese.
Step 5: Broil to Perfection
- Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly (about 3-5 minutes). Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the French Onion Soup hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Tips:
- Onion Caramelization: The longer you caramelize the onions, the more flavor they develop. Be patient and allow them to turn a deep golden brown.
- Cheese Variations: If Gruyère is unavailable, you can substitute with Swiss cheese or a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the soup in advance, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat and add the cheese topping just before broiling.
Conclusion:
French Onion Soup is the perfect dish for when you’re craving a warm, flavorful, and indulgent meal. The combination of rich broth, sweet caramelized onions, and a cheesy topping is sure to impress. Enjoy this French classic in the comfort of your own home!
PrintFrench Onion Soup
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A classic French comfort food, this French Onion Soup features rich caramelized onions in a savory broth, topped with a crusty baguette slice and melted Gruyère cheese. Perfect for chilly days and hearty appetites!
Ingredients
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally (about 25-30 minutes).
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Pour in the beef broth and white wine, then add sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let cook for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the broiler.
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of baguette and a generous amount of Gruyère cheese.
- Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally (about 25-30 minutes).
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Pour in the beef broth and white wine, then add sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let cook for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the broiler.
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of baguette and a generous amount of Gruyère cheese.
- Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of brandy or cognac to the broth.
- You can also use a mix of cheeses, such as Swiss or Parmesan, if Gruyère is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes