French Onion Soup
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of French Onion Soup. Picture yourself on a chilly evening, cozying up under a soft blanket, and savoring this rich, aromatic soup. The comforting scent of slowly caramelized onions fills your kitchen, wrapping you in warmth as the aroma wafts through the air. What’s truly delightful about this soup is its simplicity; it’s all about the onions, patiently cooked to a beautiful golden brown, then enriched with a deeply flavorful broth and topped with crusty bread and melty cheese.
Table of Contents
I still remember the first time I tasted a bowl of French Onion Soup at a little bistro in Paris. It was love at first sip. The balance of sweetness from the caramelized onions and the savory depth from the broth was magical. That moment inspired me to recreate this classic dish at home, where the joy of making it becomes part of the experience. Trust me, this simple recipe will elevate your typical soup night into something memorable. So, let’s dive into a bowl of comfort that’s both easy to prepare and utterly satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: In just 10 minutes of prep and a simmering time of about 2 hours, you’ll have a heartwarming soup ready to enjoy.
- Irresistible Flavor: The deep, sweet flavor of caramelized onions mingled with rich beef broth creates an umami explosion with every spoonful.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The sight of bubbling cheese atop toasted bread is nothing short of impressive; serve it at dinner parties for a fabulous touch.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for a cozy night in, a fancy dinner party, or even a romantic date night.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the beef broth with vegetable broth; it’s just as delicious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth to the flavor. If you’re out of butter, feel free to use all olive oil.
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Helps to caramelize the onions beautifully. Opt for a quality oil for the best flavor.
- 4 large onions, sliced thin: The star of the show! Yellow or sweet onions work best for that perfect balance of sweet and savory.
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry: Offers lovely complexity; a splash of white wine could also be used here.
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth: Provides the base flavor; using low-sodium allows you to control the saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon chopped, fresh thyme: Adds an earthy note that complements the sweetness of the onions.
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: A little goes a long way in enhancing the umami flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Helps season the soup just right. Adjust to taste if you’re sensitive to salt.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked for the best flavor.
- 2 (½-inch) thick slices French bread, cut into small cubes (about 1 cup): This bread adds heartiness and texture. Use a day-old loaf for best results.
- ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and complements the dish nicely.
- 4 (½-inch) thick slices French bread: These slices will act as the sturdy base for your cheesy topping.
- 4 slices Gruyère cheese: Rich, nutty, and slightly sweet; Gruyère is perfect for that mouthwatering, bubbly topping.
How to Make French Onion Soup
Melt Butter and Oil: In a large stock pot, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. This combination will help the onions caramelize evenly without burning.
Cook the Onions: Add 4 large thinly sliced onions to the pot, mixing well to coat them in the buttery oil. Cook over medium heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until they brown beautifully. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook for an additional hour, stirring occasionally. The goal is to achieve an incredibly soft, tender texture and a deep, rich brown color.
Add Sherry: Pour in 1 tablespoon of dry sherry and cook for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and that complex flavor to infuse the onions.
Incorporate the Broth: Add 4 cups of low-sodium beef broth, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme, ½ teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything together, melding those flavors beautifully. Then incorporate the 1 cup of cubed French bread into the mix.
Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer on medium-low for about 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld and deepen.
Prepare for Serving: Carefully ladle the soup into individual ramekins or small oven-proof bowls. Top each bowl with 2 tablespoons of shredded Swiss cheese. Then, place a slice of the remaining French bread on top and add a slice of Gruyère cheese over the bread.
Broil the Cheese: Broil on high heat, positioning the ramekins about 3-4 inches from the heat source for about 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on them until the cheese melts and bubbles, being careful not to let it burn.
Serve Immediately: Once perfectly bubbly and golden, serve the soup right away for the best experience! You can also top with additional shredded Swiss cheese if desired.
Storing & Reheating
After enjoying your delicious French Onion Soup, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. If refrigeration is needed, transfer it to the fridge where it can last for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just remember, the texture may change slightly after freezing, but reheating on the stovetop over medium heat is the best method to restore some warmth and flavor. Give it a gentle stir and, if needed, a splash of extra broth to bring it back to life.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid burning the onions by cooking them slowly; patience is key to unlocking that deep caramel flavor.
- Make sure to use a good quality broth; it really makes a difference!
- If you find the soup too thick, feel free to add a little more broth during the simmering phase.
- Experiment with herbs like bay leaves or rosemary to add even more flavor depth.
- For a make-ahead option, prepare the soup up to the broiling step earlier in the day and simply reheat when ready to serve.
Indulging in a bowl of French Onion Soup is a wonderful experience, from the first sip to the last bite of cheese-laden bread. Making this delicious dish at home is about more than just eating; it’s about transforming a simple gathering into something special, all while filling your home with unforgettable aromas.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make French Onion Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the low-sodium beef broth for a hearty vegetable broth. The caramelized onions still provide the main flavor, so you won’t miss out on that delicious depth.
Is there a way to speed up the caramelizing process?
While slow cooking is key for maximum flavor, if you’re in a pinch, you can cook the onions over medium-high heat to speed things along. Just be vigilant and stir often to prevent burning, and aim for that rich brown color.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup base in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, and rewarm it on the stovetop before serving. Prepare the cheesy topping just before broiling for the best results.
What type of bread is best for French Onion Soup?
A crusty French baguette works wonderfully, but you could also use sourdough or even a nice Italian bread. A day-old loaf is always preferable as it holds up better when broiled. Enjoy creating a beautiful bowl of magic!
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📖 Recipe Card
French Onion Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 145 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Description
This French Onion Soup is a comforting dish made with caramelized onions and topped with melted cheese, offering an irresistible taste that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 large onions, sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chopped, fresh thyme
- ½ teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 (½-inch) thick slices french bread, cut into small cubes (about 1 cup)
- ½ cup shredded swiss cheese
- 4 (½-inch) thick slices french bread
- 4 slices gruyere cheese
Instructions
- Melt butter and olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and coat them well, cooking for 30-40 minutes until they start to brown, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking for another hour until the onions are very soft and deep brown, but not burnt.
- Pour in the dry sherry and cook for 1-2 minutes to let it evaporate slightly.
- Stir in the beef broth, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well, then add the cubed bread and stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer on medium-low for 30 minutes.
- Carefully ladle the soup into individual ramekins or small oven-proof bowls. Top with shredded Swiss cheese, a slice of French bread, and a slice of Gruyere cheese.
- Broil on high for 3-4 minutes, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning, until the cheese melts. Serve hot.
- Alternatively, place French bread slices on a foil-lined baking sheet, top with Gruyere cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes. Serve the soup topped with melted cheese bread.
Notes
For richer flavor, use homemade beef broth if available.
Adjust the amount of cheese based on personal preference.
Don’t rush the browning of the onions; it’s key to the soup’s depth of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
