Description
This classic French Onion Soup recipe offers a rich, savory broth filled with caramelized onions, infused with fresh thyme and bay leaf, topped with toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyère cheese. Perfect for a comforting appetizer or light meal, it is traditionally prepared on the stovetop to develop deep flavors and a perfectly caramelized onion base.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
Toppings
- 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- Heat oil and butter: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat until melted and shimmering to prepare the base for the onions.
- Caramelize onions: Add the thinly sliced yellow onions along with sugar and salt. Stir frequently and cook over medium heat for about 40 minutes, allowing the onions to slowly caramelize to a deep golden brown, which creates the soup’s signature flavor.
- Add broth and herbs: Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option), fresh thyme leaves, and bay leaf. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for another 15 minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- Prepare toasted baguette slices: While the soup simmers, slice the baguette and toast the slices until golden and crisp, either in a toaster or oven set to broil.
- Assemble and broil: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls, place toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl, and generously sprinkle grated Gruyère cheese over the bread. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Carefully remove the bowls from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve immediately to enjoy the rich flavor and comforting warmth.
Notes
- Use beef broth for a traditional French onion soup flavor, or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Caramelizing the onions slowly and thoroughly is key to developing the soup’s deep, sweet flavor.
- Gruyère cheese melts beautifully and adds nutty richness; you can substitute with Swiss cheese if needed.
- Bake or toast the baguette slices just before adding to prevent sogginess in the soup.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the baguette with gluten-free bread or omit the bread topping.
