Description
This classic French Onion Soup recipe features deeply caramelized onions simmered in a savory beef broth, topped with toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyère cheese. A comforting and rich soup that showcases the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors, ideal as a hearty appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, for 30–40 minutes until the onions are deep golden brown and caramelized, developing sweet, rich flavor.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the white wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits, enhancing the soup’s depth of flavor.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Season Soup: Remove the bay leaf, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Prepare the Baguette: Preheat the broiler. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until lightly golden on both sides.
- Assemble the Soup Bowls: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a toasted baguette slice and a generous sprinkle of shredded Gruyère cheese.
- Broil to Melt Cheese: Place the bowls under the broiler for 2–3 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- Serve Hot: Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and serve immediately for a warm, comforting experience.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and omit the Worcestershire sauce or use a vegan alternative.
- Slowly caramelizing the onions is crucial to develop the rich and sweet flavor that defines this soup; do not rush this step.
- You can use Gruyère or Emmental cheese for an authentic taste.
- Use oven-safe bowls for broiling the cheese topping to avoid cracking.
