French Onion Soup Recipe
Description
Discover the heartwarming charm of French cuisine with our French Onion Soup Recipe. This classic dish is renowned for its rich, savory broth infused with sweet, caramelized onions, topped with gooey melted cheese, and served over toasted bread. Perfect for a cozy night in or as an elegant starter for a dinner party, this French Onion Soup Recipe promises a delightful and satisfying experience with every spoonful.
Ingredients for French Onion Soup Recipe
Instructions for French Onion Soup Recipe
-
Caramelize Onions: In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for 45-50 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown. Be patient; the slow cooking develops the rich flavor.
-
Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, thyme leaves, and bay leaf. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
-
Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any caramelized bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced by half. Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes to blend the flavors.
-
Season: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
-
Prepare Bread and Cheese: While the soup simmers, preheat your oven’s broiler. Arrange the French baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler until golden brown on both sides.
-
Assemble and Broil: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl and cover with a generous amount of Gruyère and Parmesan cheese.
-
Broil: Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden brown crust. Watch closely to avoid burning.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Let the bowls cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra thyme if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 11g56%
- Trans Fat 0.5g
- Cholesterol 65mg22%
- Sodium 1200mg50%
- Potassium 400mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 12g
- Protein 15g30%
- Vitamin A 800 IU
- Vitamin C 8 mg
- Calcium 300 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
French Onion Soup Recipe Variation Options
Vegetarian French Onion Soup: Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth. Use a vegetarian-friendly cheese or omit cheese for a dairy-free version.
French Onion Soup with a Twist: Add thinly sliced mushrooms or caramelized leeks for added flavor and texture.
French Onion Soup with Chicken: Stir in cooked, shredded chicken for a heartier version of the soup.
Spicy French Onion Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for an extra kick.
French Onion Soup Recipe Cooking Tips
Caramelization is Key: Take your time with the onions. Proper caramelization takes about 45-50 minutes, which is essential for developing a deep, sweet flavor.
Avoid Burning: Stir the onions frequently to prevent them from burning. If you notice any dark bits sticking to the pot, deglaze with a splash of wine or broth.
Broil Carefully: When broiling the cheese-topped soup, keep a close eye to ensure the cheese melts and browns evenly without burning.
Use Quality Cheese: Gruyère and Parmesan are essential for the rich, gooey topping. Freshly grated cheese melts better and has more flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
French Onion Soup Recipe Serving Suggestions
Pair with a Crisp Salad: Serve the French Onion Soup Recipe with a side of mixed greens or a Caesar salad for a complete meal.
Accompany with a Light White Wine: Enjoy the soup with a glass of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the rich flavors of the soup.
Add a Side of Crusty Bread: Offer extra slices of crusty bread on the side for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top with additional fresh thyme or parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Share Your Experience with the French Onion Soup Recipe
We’d love to hear about your experience with our French Onion Soup Recipe! Did you try any variations or have any special tips to share? Leave a comment below and let us know how this classic recipe turned out for you. Your feedback helps us and other readers make the most of this delicious soup!
Did you make this recipe?
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can prepare the soup and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble with the toasted bread and cheese just before serving.
The soup can be frozen without the cheese and bread. Allow it to cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat and add fresh cheese and toasted bread before serving.
You can substitute Gruyère with Swiss cheese, provolone, or a mix of other melting cheeses. However, Gruyère is ideal for its flavor and melting qualities.
Use gluten-free bread for the topping and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients should be naturally gluten-free.
Yes, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and opt for a vegetarian cheese or omit the cheese if needed.
Be cautious with the amount of salt and Worcestershire sauce. You can always adjust the seasoning towards the end of cooking.
Yes, you can caramelize the onions in a skillet, then transfer them to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Ensure your heat is medium-low and give the onions enough time to cook. Stir frequently and add a splash of water or broth if the onions start to stick.
Yellow onions are traditional, but you can also use sweet onions or red onions. Adjust the cooking time as needed for different onion types.
Use freshly grated cheese and broil until bubbly and golden brown. Ensure the bowls are oven-safe and preheat the broiler before adding the cheese.
