French Onion Soup Recipe: A Comforting Classic

French onion soup is a classic comfort food that’s both savory and satisfying. It’s made with caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and topped with a melty layer of cheese. Here’s how to make it from scratch, with all the tips and tricks you need to perfect this iconic dish!

Ingredients

For the soup base:

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to help caramelize the onions)
• 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
• 1 cup dry white (optional, but adds great depth of flavor)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the cheesy topping:

• 4 slices French baguette (about 1 inch thick)
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or a mix of Gruyère and Swiss cheese)

Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

The key to a deliciously rich French onion soup lies in properly caramelizing the onions. This process takes time but is worth every minute.

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and sugar. Stir to coat the onions in the fat. Be patient—this can take up to 45 minutes, but it’s crucial for developing the deep, sweet flavor of the soup. Stir the onions every 10 minutes to avoid burning and ensure even caramelization.Pro Tip: If the onions start to brown too quickly, lower the heat to medium-low and add a splash of water to prevent burning.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Wine

Once the onions are beautifully caramelized (golden brown and soft), it’s time to add the broth.

1. Pour in the and let it cook down for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
2. Add the beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Bring the soup to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Prepare the Bread and Cheese Topping

While the soup simmers, prepare the baguette slices for the cheesy topping.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.Pro Tip: You can rub the toasted bread with a garlic clove before adding the cheese for an extra punch of flavor.
3. Once toasted, set the bread aside until ready to assemble.

Step 4: Assemble and Broil

1. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls, leaving some room at the top for the bread and cheese.
2. Place a slice of toasted baguette on top of each bowl of soup, and generously sprinkle with the shredded Gruyère cheese.
3. Place the bowls under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the soup while it’s under the broiler to prevent the cheese from burning. If your bowls aren’t broiler-safe, you can transfer the soup to a baking dish before broiling.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and let them cool for a minute. The soup will be very hot!

Serve the French onion soup immediately, garnished with a sprig of thyme or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors and gooey cheese!

Pro Tips for Perfect French Onion Soup

• Onion variety: Yellow onions are ideal for this recipe as they offer the right balance of sweetness and flavor. However, if you like a more robust taste, you can mix in a few red onions.
• Slow and steady caramelization: Don’t rush the process—slowly caramelizing the onions is the secret to deep, rich flavor.
• Broth options: For a deeper flavor, use beef broth; for a lighter soup, try vegetable broth. If you want to boost the umami flavor, add a tablespoon of soy sauce to the broth.
• Make it ahead: You can make the soup a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat it on the stovetop and broil the cheese just before serving.

French onion soup is the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold day. With its sweet onions, savory broth, and gooey cheese topping, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!