French Onion Soup Recipe

French Onion Soup is a classic dish that combines the rich, savory flavor of caramelized onions with a rich beef broth, topped with crusty bread and melted cheese. This comforting and hearty soup is perfect for warming up on chilly days and makes for a delightful starter or main dish. Whether served at a cozy dinner or a special occasion, it never fails to impress!

Necessary Kitchen Equipment

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: For cooking the onions and soup.
• Ladle: For serving the soup.
• Baking Dish or Oven-Safe Bowls: For melting the cheese on top.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For slicing the onions.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring the onions as they caramelize.

Ingredient Overview

• Onions: Yellow onions are commonly used for their sweetness and flavor.
• Butter: For sautéing the onions and adding richness.
• Beef Broth: The base of the soup, providing depth and savory flavor.
• White Wine: Adds acidity and enhances the flavor of the soup.
• Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme for herbal notes.
• Bay Leaf: For additional flavor during cooking.
• Bread: Crusty baguette or French bread for topping.
• Cheese: Gruyère or Swiss cheese, known for melting beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring frequently, for about 30–40 minutes until the onions are soft, caramelized, and golden brown. Be patient; this step is crucial for developing the soup’s flavor.
2. Add the Wine and Broth
   Once the onions are caramelized, add 1/2 cup of white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly. Then add 4 cups of beef broth, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
3. Prepare the Bread and Cheese
   While the soup simmers, preheat your broiler. Slice the bread into thick slices and toast them lightly. Once toasted, place the slices in an oven-safe dish or individual soup bowls.
4. Assemble the Soup
   Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the soup into the prepared bowls over the toasted bread. Generously sprinkle grated Gruyère cheese over the top of each bowl.
5. Broil the Soup
   Place the bowls under the broiler for about 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
6. Serve
   Remove the bowls from the oven (they will be hot!) and let them cool for a moment. Serve immediately, garnished with additional thyme if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Onion Variety: While yellow onions are traditional, you can also mix in sweet onions or even red onions for different flavor profiles.
• Broth Choice: For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and consider adding a splash of soy sauce for added umami.
• Make Ahead: You can caramelize the onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a couple of days. Just add the broth and continue with the recipe when ready to serve.

What to Serve With This Recipe

French Onion Soup is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty baguette slices for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use pre-sliced onions?
A: While you can use pre-sliced onions for convenience, slicing your own allows for better control over thickness and texture.

Q: Is it possible to freeze French Onion Soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze the soup before adding the bread and cheese. Store it in airtight containers, and reheat before serving.

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Caramelize the onions in a skillet first, then transfer them to a slow cooker with the broth and seasonings. Cook on low for 6–8 hours.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy French Onion Soup as a warm, comforting starter at dinner parties, or serve it as a satisfying meal with a side of salad and bread.

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Ladle
• Baking dish or oven-safe bowls
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon

Ingredients

• French Onion Soup
  4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  4 tablespoons butter
  1/2 cup dry white wine
  4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
  1 teaspoon dried thyme
  1 bay leaf
  Salt and pepper to taste
  4 slices crusty bread (such as French or baguette)
  1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions
   Melt butter in a pot, add onions, and cook over medium heat until caramelized (30–40 minutes).
2. Add the Wine and Broth
   Deglaze with white wine, then add broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Prepare the Bread and Cheese
   Preheat broiler, toast bread slices, and set aside.
4. Assemble the Soup
   Remove bay leaf, ladle soup over bread in bowls, and top with cheese.
5. Broil the Soup
   Broil until cheese is bubbly and golden (3–5 minutes).
6. Serve
   Let cool slightly and serve hot.

Summary

French Onion Soup is a warm and inviting dish that showcases the sweet, rich flavors of caramelized onions in a comforting broth. Topped with crusty bread and melted cheese, it’s a classic recipe that will delight any soup lover!

Notes

Feel free to get creative with the toppings or add additional herbs to personalize this delicious classic!