Name: French Onion Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 h 25 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 4 large onions, sliced thin; 1 tablespoon dry sherry; 4 cups low-sodium beef broth; 1 tablespoon chopped, fresh thyme; ½ teaspoon worcestershire sauce; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 (½-inch) thick slices french bread, cut into small cubes (about 1 cup); ½ cup shredded swiss cheese; 4 (½-inch) thick slices french bread; 4 slices gruyere cheese

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French onion soup is a delightful blend of rich, caramelized onions and savory broth, topped with crusty bread and bubbling cheese. This classic French dish is all about creating deep flavors by slowly caramelizing onions until they’re sweet and golden. With each spoonful, you experience the satisfying warmth and comfort that a bowl of homemade French onion soup provides. It’s an ideal dish for chilly evenings when all you crave is something hearty and soul-soothing.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make French Onion Soup
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
French Onion Soup

My first encounter with French onion soup was at a quaint little bistro tucked away in a bustling street. The enchanting aroma of onions sizzling and the bubbling cheese filled the air, making it nearly impossible to resist. When I finally took a bite, the combination of flavors was mesmerizing. From that moment on, I knew I had to recreate this comforting dish at home. This recipe for French onion soup is easy to follow, and with just a little patience, you can impress your family and friends with a homemade classic that rivals any restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prepping takes just 10 minutes, and while it simmers for about 145 minutes, your only task is to enjoy the aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of caramelized onions, flavorful beef broth, and a cheesy, toasty topping creates a delightful experience for your taste buds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This soup will look and smell incredible as it bubbles under a golden layer of melted cheese, making it perfect for special occasions or cozy gatherings.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy this dish as a comforting starter or a main course, perfect for chilly nights.
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to experiment with gluten-free bread or vegan cheese alternatives if you’re looking for a lighter take.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness to the soup, helping in the caramelization of the onions. You can substitute with a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Enhances flavor and prevents the butter from burning. Feel free to use any neutral oil, such as canola or grapeseed oil.
4 large onions, sliced thin: Sweet onions are ideal for this recipe, but yellow or even red onions can work if that’s what you have. The key is to slice them as uniformly as possible.
1 tablespoon dry sherry: This adds a depth of flavor and a hint of acidity, balancing the sweetness of the onions. You can substitute it with white wine or simply leave it out.
4 cups low-sodium beef broth: This forms the backbone of your soup. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider using mushroom or vegetable broth.
1 tablespoon chopped, fresh thyme: Fresh herbs brighten the flavors of the soup; feel free to swap in dried thyme if that’s what you have on hand.
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth.
¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavors. Adjust according to your taste, especially if your broth is salty.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked is always best for seasoning.
2 (½-inch) thick slices French bread, cut into small cubes (about 1 cup): These croutons soak up the soup and provide excellent texture. Use a rustic or sourdough bread for best results.
½ cup shredded Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creaminess and flavor. Gruyere can be used as a direct substitute.
4 (½-inch) thick slices French bread: This will be toasted and placed on top of the soup for serving.
4 slices Gruyere cheese: The classic topping for French onion soup that forms a delightful, bubbly crust. You can swap this for Emmental or even mozzarella if needed.

How to Make French Onion Soup

Melt Butter and Oil: In a large stock pot, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. This combination creates the perfect environment for the onions to caramelize without burning.

Caramelize Onions: Add 4 large onions, sliced thin, to the pot and stir well to coat with the butter and oil. Cook over medium heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to brown. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook for an additional 1 hour, stirring occasionally. You are aiming for extremely soft and tender onions with a deep, rich brown color.

Add Sherry: Pour in 1 tablespoon dry sherry and cook for 1-2 minutes to let some of the alcohol evaporate. This will intensify the flavors and add a nice depth to the soup.

Combine Ingredients: Pour in 4 cups low-sodium beef broth, along with 1 tablespoon chopped, fresh thyme, ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors before adding 1 cup cubed French bread.

Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer on medium-low for 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully while the bread soaks up some of the broth.

Prepare for Serving: Carefully transfer the soup into individual ramekins or small oven-proof bowls. Sprinkle each with 2 tablespoons shredded Swiss cheese. Place a ½-inch slice of French bread on top, and layer with 1 slice of Gruyere cheese.

Broil: Set your oven to broil on high and position the bowls about 3-4 inches from the heat source. Broil for 3-4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Alternative Broiling Method: Alternatively, you can place the French bread slices on a foil-lined baking sheet. Top them with Gruyere and broil for 2-3 minutes until melted. Then, garnish each bowl with Swiss cheese and serve with the broiled bread slice on top.

Storing & Reheating

To store your French onion soup, cool it to room temperature and transfer to an airtight container, where it can be kept for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. If you’d like to freeze it, pour the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space at the top for expansion, and it will keep for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may want to refresh the soup by adding a splash of broth to restore consistency.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid burning the onions by making sure your heat isn’t too high when caramelizing; it requires patience for the onions to turn that beautiful golden brown.
For a richer, more decadent flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar along with the sherry.
If you want to prepare ahead, the soup can be made completely, then stored in the refrigerator. Reheating before serving makes for an easy meal.
Use a high-quality beef broth whenever possible, as it significantly enhances the flavor of the soup.
If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the caramelization process slightly by adding a pinch of sugar, but this is optional.

French onion soup is not only a fantastic dish but also a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. The aroma fills your home, promising warmth and comfort, while the first spoonful transports you to a cozy bistro in France. I encourage you to try making this dish yourself, experimenting with flavors and garnishes. Enjoy the process, and remember, the best things often come from a little patience!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for the topping?

Absolutely! While Gruyere is traditional, you can swap it for Swiss, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar, depending on your taste preferences. Just ensure that whatever cheese you choose melts well.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and omit the Worcestershire sauce or find a vegetarian version. You’ll still enjoy all the delicious flavors without the meat.

How long will the soup stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, your French onion soup will last for up to three days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, consider freezing it.

Why are my onions not caramelizing?

If your onions aren’t caramelizing, it might be because the heat is too high, causing them to fry instead of slowly caramelize. Keep the heat medium to low and be patient. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.