french onion soup recipe
If you have ever dreamed of cozying up on a chilly evening with a bowl of rich, deeply flavorful soup, then this french onion soup recipe is going to become your new best friend. This timeless classic features sweet, caramelized onions swimming in a savory broth, topped with crusty, toasted baguette slices crowned with bubbling, golden Gruyère cheese. It’s the perfect comfort food that delivers a symphony of textures and tastes, making every spoonful utterly irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen beginner, this french onion soup recipe is approachable, rewarding, and absolutely worth mastering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this french onion soup recipe lies partially in its simplicity. With just a handful of trusty ingredients, each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and aroma that make the final dish so unforgettable. From the sweet onions to the rich cheese, every element is essential.
- 4 large yellow onions: Thinly sliced, these are the star ingredient, slowly caramelized to sweetness and depth.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a creamy richness and helps in the caramelization process.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Balances the butter for sautéing and adds a subtle fruity note.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Helps the onions caramelize evenly and intensifies their natural sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps draw moisture from the onions during cooking.
- 4 cups beef broth: Provides a robust, savory base; use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.
- 1 cup dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity to balance the sweetness of the onions.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup slightly, giving it a silky texture.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: Or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; thyme brings a fragrant, earthy layer of flavor.
- 8 slices French baguette: Toasted to crispy perfection and used to hold the melted cheese topping.
- 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese: Or a mix of Gruyère and Swiss cheese; melts beautifully for that signature gooey top.
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste: Adds a gentle kick to round out the flavor profile.
How to Make french onion soup recipe
Step 1: Melt Butter and Oil
Start by melting the unsalted butter together with the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. This combination ensures a rich base for caramelizing your onions without burning them.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
Add the thinly sliced onions, sugar, and salt to the pot. Stir everything well to coat the onions, then let them cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 to 20 minutes. Watch as they transform into a deeply golden brown, soft, and sweet caramelized wonder — this step is where the magic begins.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions and stir continuously for about one minute. This slight thickening agent will help give your soup that desirable silky body without being heavy.
Step 4: Add White Wine
Slowly pour in the dry white wine, taking care to scrape the bottom of the pot so you lift all those delicious browned bits into the mix. Let the wine simmer for approximately five minutes as it reduces, giving your soup a lovely layered acidity and depth.
Step 5: Pour in Broth and Add Thyme
Next, pour in the beef or vegetable broth and add fresh or dried thyme. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and allow the soup to cook for twenty more minutes, giving the flavors time to marry beautifully. Season with freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
Step 6: Toast the Baguette
While the soup simmers, preheat your broiler to prepare the perfect topping. Toast the baguette slices until they turn golden brown and crisp — this crunch will wonderfully contrast the silky soup and gooey cheese later on.
Step 7: Assemble and Broil
Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl and generously sprinkle with grated Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns a gorgeous golden brown. Keep a close eye to avoid burning this wonderful cheesy crown!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the bowls from the oven — they will be hot — and serve immediately. Dive in while the cheese is still gooey and the soup steaming warm. It’s an unforgettable bowl of comfort.
How to Serve french onion soup recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or a light dusting of cracked black pepper makes a lovely, simple garnish that enhances the aromatic experience without overpowering the classic flavors of the soup.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad tossed with a bright vinaigrette or a simple roasted vegetable medley to balance its richness. A crisp white wine also complements the toasted cheese and broth magnificently.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the soup in individual mini Dutch ovens or rustic ramekins. You can also layer the baguette and cheese inside the soup and broil directly in the bowl for a hearty, all-in-one experience that’s as charming visually as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover french onion soup recipe tastes just as good reheated. Store the soup (without the bread and cheese) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the toasted baguette slices separate to preserve their crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup once cooled. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion, and store it for up to 3 months. For best texture, do not freeze the bread or cheese toppings; add fresh when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add fresh toasted baguette and cheese, and broil just as you do for the initial serving — this keeps the flavors fresh and textures perfect.
FAQs
Can I make this french onion soup recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the beef broth for a rich vegetable broth, and you’ll retain the soup’s depth of flavor while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
What type of cheese works best for french onion soup recipe?
Gruyère is the traditional choice because it melts well and has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. You can also mix Gruyère with Swiss cheese for an equally delicious topping.
How important is caramelizing the onions?
Caramelizing the onions is crucial. It transforms their natural sugars into a deep, complex sweetness that forms the backbone of the soup’s flavor — don’t rush this step!
Can I use a different type of bread?
French baguette is ideal due to its crusty exterior and sturdy structure, but you can also use other crusty breads like sourdough. Just make sure the bread will hold up when topped and broiled with cheese.
Is there a way to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener, and serve with gluten-free bread to keep this french onion soup recipe safe and delicious for gluten-sensitive diners.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a bowl of homemade french onion soup recipe that warms your heart and comforts your soul. It’s a classic that invites you to slow down, savor every flavor-packed spoonful, and share a moment of delicious happiness with those you love. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, pull out your favorite pot, and dive into the joy of making this timeless dish your own. You will be so glad you did!
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french onion soup recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This classic French Onion Soup recipe features caramelized onions simmered in savory beef broth, enhanced with white wine and fresh thyme. Topped with toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyère cheese, it’s a comforting and flavorful soup perfect for any occasion. A vegetarian variation is available using vegetable broth.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 large yellow onions (about 2 lbs), thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 8 slices French baguette
- 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or mix of Gruyère and Swiss cheese)
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt, stirring well. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally for about 15-20 minutes until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
- Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and cook for another minute, stirring to combine thoroughly and coat the onions, which will help thicken the soup later.
- Add Wine: Slowly pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
- Simmer With Broth and Thyme: Pour in the broth and add the thyme leaves. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for another 20 minutes to develop depth. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Prepare Bread: While the soup simmers, preheat your broiler. Toast the baguette slices under the broiler until golden brown and crisp.
- Assemble Bowls: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks. Top each bowl with a slice of toasted baguette and sprinkle generously with grated Gruyère cheese.
- Melt Cheese: Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Carefully remove the bowls from the oven using oven mitts and serve the French onion soup hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use low sodium broth to control saltiness in the soup.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.
- Gruyère cheese can be substituted entirely or partially with Swiss cheese for a slightly different flavor.
- Be careful while broiling to prevent burning the cheese topping.
- Caramelizing the onions properly is key to the soup’s rich flavor; don’t rush this step.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering and Broiling
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: French onion soup, caramelized onion soup, Gruyère cheese soup, classic French soup, easy French onion soup
