French Onion Soup recipe with rich, caramelized onions, flavorful broth, and melted cheese-topped bread. Perfect for a cozy meal or as an elegant starter.
French Onion Soup
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to enhance caramelization)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 6 cups beef broth (or a mix of beef and chicken broth)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
For the Topping:
- 4 slices French baguette, toasted
- 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them in the fat. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the sugar (if using) and a pinch of salt to enhance caramelization. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes, until golden brown and deeply caramelized.
- Deglaze the Pot:
- Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Let the wine reduce for 2-3 minutes.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Add the broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes to develop flavors. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf before serving.
- Prepare the Topping:
- While the soup simmers, preheat the oven’s broiler.
- Place the toasted baguette slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle them with grated Gruyère cheese. Broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place one cheese-topped baguette slice on top of each bowl.
- For an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle additional Gruyère on top of the bread and soup, and broil the bowls for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately, garnished with a sprig of thyme if desired. Pair with a green salad or a glass of wine for a complete meal.
Tips:
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Use a combination of Gruyère and Parmesan for added flavor.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Enjoy this elegant yet comforting bowl of French Onion Soup! 😊