Description
French Onion Soup is a classic, comforting dish featuring deeply caramelized sweet yellow onions simmered in a rich beef broth with fresh thyme and garlic, deglazed with dry white wine. Topped with toasted French baguette slices and melted Gruyère cheese broiled to a golden crust, this recipe delivers a warm, flavorful bowl perfect for cozy meals. Easy to prepare with simple, budget-friendly ingredients, it offers customizable variations and impressive presentation for family and guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 6 large sweet yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3–4 fresh thyme sprigs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Liquids
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- 1 cup dry white wine
Fats
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Bread and Cheese
- 1 French baguette, sliced
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (substitute Swiss, mozzarella, or sharp cheddar if desired)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Start by slicing your onions thinly, then cook them slowly over medium-low heat with butter and a bit of olive oil. Stir frequently to ensure they turn a rich, golden-brown color without burning—this step takes patience but delivers the deep sweetness that’s the soul of French Onion Soup.
- Deglaze with Wine: Once the onions are perfectly caramelized, increase the heat slightly and pour in dry white wine. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan, letting the wine reduce until the sharp edge mellows and melds with the onions.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in your beef broth, add fresh thyme sprigs, and a touch of garlic. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 30 minutes so the flavors marry beautifully.
- Prepare the Bread and Cheese: Slice your baguette and toast it lightly under your oven’s broiler or in a toaster. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, float toasted bread on top, then generously pile on shredded Gruyère cheese.
- Broil to Perfection: Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, then carefully remove and serve immediately.
Notes
- Caramelize onions slowly over low heat for optimum flavor without bitterness.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even cooking and prevent scorching during caramelization.
- Homemade or high-quality beef broth dramatically improves soup richness.
- Grate Gruyère fresh for better melting and richer texture.
- Toast the bread just until firm so it holds up under the soup without getting soggy instantly.
- Watch the broiler closely—cheese can go from golden to burnt quickly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: French Onion Soup, Comfort Food, Caramelized Onions, Gruyère Cheese, Beef Broth, Classic French Recipe
