Looking for a classic soup to keep you warm on those chilly days? Look no further than this delectable French Onion Soup recipe. With thinly sliced onions that are caramelized to savory perfection, this soup is simmered in a flavorful beef or vegetable broth with just the right amount of dry white wine, bay leaf, and thyme.
Once it’s fully cooked, the soup is ladled into oven-safe bowls and then topped off with a crispy slice of toasted French baguette, along with heaping amounts of rich and tangy Gruyere cheese. With everything just right, the bowls are then quickly broiled until the cheese is melted and bubbly, bringing everything together into one absolute masterpiece.
Whether your trying to warm up on a chilly afternoon or just want a comforting meal that won’t let you down, this recipe is the perfect choice. It’s easy and straightforward to make, which means that it’s perfect for any night of the week, no matter how busy your schedule may be. So, why wait? Give this soup recipe a try tonight and see why so many people around the globe can’t get enough of its savory goodness.
French Onion Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large onion thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp flour
- 6 cups (1.5 kg) beef broth
- 1/2 cup (121.7 g) dry white wine
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices French baguette
- 1 cup (133.9 g) grated Gruyere cheese
Instructions
- Thinly slice 4 large onions.
- Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
- Heat 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot.
- Add onions and garlic and cook until onions are soft and lightly browned.
- Add 1 tbsp flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in 6 cups of beef or vegetable broth and 1/2 cup of dry white wine.
- Add 1 bay leaf and 1/2 tsp dried thyme.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a simmer and let cook for 30 minutes.
- Preheat broiler.
- Place slices of French baguette on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler until lightly golden.
- Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls and top each with a slice of toasted bread.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Gruyere cheese on each slice of bread.
- Place bowls under the broiler until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot.
Notes
2. Mince garlic finely to ensure it is evenly distributed throughout the soup.
3. Use a large pot to cook the onions and garlic to prevent overcrowding and burning.
4. Stir onions frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Add flour and stir continuously to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth texture.
6. Choose a high-quality beef or vegetable broth for a rich and flavorful soup.
7. Add white wine for added depth and complexity in flavor.
8. Use a bay leaf and dried thyme for traditional French onion soup flavor.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
10. Toast bread slices until lightly golden for a crispy texture.
11. Use oven-safe bowls to ensure that the cheese melts properly under the broiler.
12. Sprinkle Gruyere cheese generously for a rich and gooey layer on top of the soup.
13. Watch carefully under the broiler to avoid burning the cheese.
14. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
Data source: USDA
Storage Tips
This recipe can typically last up to 3-4 days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container. To store, let the soup completely cool down before placing it in the container and refrigerate it.
To freeze, let the soup cool down to room temperature and then freeze it in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months.
To defrost, transfer the frozen soup to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can use the microwave to defrost the soup by placing it in a microwave-safe bowl and heating it in short intervals until it’s fully defrosted.
When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them until they’re lightly browned. Fill each oven-safe bowl with some soup and place a slice of the toasted baguette on top. Sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese on top of the baguette slice and place the bowls on the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Recipe Variations
1. Vegetarian French Onion Soup: Instead of using beef broth, vegetable broth is used as a base for the soup. To add more depth of flavor, mushrooms can be added to the recipe.
2. Beer French Onion Soup: A unique twist on the classic recipe, this version uses beer instead of beef broth. The beer adds a malty and slightly bitter flavor to the soup.
3. French Onion Soup with Gouda Cheese: This variation includes a layer of melted Gouda cheese on top of the soup before broiling. The cheese adds a creaminess and sharpness to the soup.
4. French Onion Soup with Red Wine: Red wine is added to the beef broth to give the soup a deeper flavor. The wine adds a fruitiness and acidity that complements the sweetness of the onions.
5. French Onion Soup with Caramelized Shallots: In this version, shallots are caramelized and added to the soup, which enhances the sweetness of the onions. The soup is then topped with a mixture of toasted bread and Gruyere cheese.
6. Vegan French Onion Soup: This recipe uses vegan butter and vegetable broth, and substitutes the traditional Gruyere cheese with a vegan cheese. Nutritional yeast can be used to add a cheesy flavor to the soup.
What To Serve With
1. Crusty bread (such as baguette or sourdough) for dipping
2. Gruyere or Swiss cheese for topping and melting
3. Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
4. A side salad with bitter greens, such as arugula or endive, dressed with a simple vinaigrette
5. A glass of red wine, such as a Bordeaux or Cabernet Sauvignon.
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