French Onion Soup

This French Onion Soup recipe is a cozy classic that warms the soul. With its rich flavors and deliciously melted Gruyere cheese on crispy baguettes, this soup makes for an excellent starter or a comforting meal any day of the week. Perfect for chilly evenings or special occasions, its inviting aroma and savory depth will impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The caramelized onions combined with high-quality broth create a deep, satisfying taste.
• Comforting Dish: Ideal for warming you up during cold nights, this soup offers comfort in every spoonful.
• Simple Preparation: Even though it takes time, the steps are straightforward and easy to follow.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an appetizer or pair it with a salad for a complete meal.
• Impressive Presentation: Topped with gooey cheese and served in bowls, it looks as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your tools to make the process smoother. Having everything at hand ensures that you can focus on creating this delightful French Onion Soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Mandoline slicer (optional)
• Silicone spatula
• Ladle
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: This allows for even heat distribution while caramelizing onions over low heat.
• Mandoline slicer (optional): Cuts onions quickly and uniformly, making prep easier.
• Silicone spatula: Great for scraping up caramelized bits from the pot without scratching the surface.

Ingredients

This traditional French Onion Soup has warm baguettes topped with hot, melted Gruyere cheese. High quality beef broth, a splash of wine, and perfectly caramelized onions are the secrets to this classic recipe.

• 4 large yellow onions (see notes for pound conversion)
• 2 large sweet onions (Vidalia)
• 6 Tablespoons butter
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 Bay leaves
• ¾ cup dry white wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)
• 3 tablespoons flour (optional)
• 4 cups beef broth (high quality is key)
• 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon)
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt/Pepper (to taste)
• 1 baguette
• 3 Tablespoons olive oil (optional)
• 6 slices Gruyere cheese

How to Make French Onion Soup

Step 1: Slice the Onions

Slice the onions into ¼-inch slices; they will reduce in size quite a bit and you don’t want them to be too stringy. Using a mandoline slicer makes this much easier.

Step 2: Melt Butter

Melt the butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat until it begins to foam. This helps clarify the butter by evaporating water.

Step 3: Add Onions

Add the sliced onions to the pot and use tongs to toss and coat them in the butter. Leave them uncovered as they cook.

Step 4: Caramelize Onions

The onions will slowly caramelize, which may take up to 2 hours or longer. Stir them every 10–15 minutes. If brown residue forms at the bottom of the pot, add a splash of wine to ‘clean’ it off using a silicone spatula.

Step 5: Sprinkle Flour

When nearly done caramelizing, sprinkle flour over the onions and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Add any remaining wine and increase heat to medium-high while tossing more frequently until they are richly brown and sweet.

Step 6: Add Broths

Add beef broth, beef bouillon cube, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme. Simmer over medium heat for about 45 minutes with the lid cracked.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F.

Step 8: Prepare Baguette Slices

Slice the baguette into thick slices of about half an inch. Brush tops with olive oil and bake for around five minutes.

Step 9: Add Cheese

Increase oven temperature to 450°F. Top each baguette slice with Gruyere cheese and bake until melted and bubbly.

Step 10: Season Soup

Remove bay leaves and thyme stems from your soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 11: Serve

Ladle warm soup into bowls and top each bowl with warm baguettes. Enjoy your delicious French Onion Soup!

How to Serve French Onion Soup

Serving French Onion Soup is all about enhancing its rich flavors and creating an inviting presentation. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your dining experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Thyme Sprigs: Garnish each bowl with a sprig of fresh thyme to enhance the aromatic qualities of the soup.

Accompanying Sides

• Crusty Baguette: Serve extra slices of toasted baguette on the side for dipping into the soup.
• Salad Greens: A light mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.

Cheese Variations

• Parmesan Shavings: Add shavings of Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
• Mixed Cheeses: Try a blend of Gruyere and mozzarella for a different texture and taste.

Serving Temperature

• Hot Bowls: Preheat your serving bowls in the oven to keep the soup warm longer, enhancing the overall experience.

Pin this!

How to Perfect French Onion Soup

To achieve the most delicious French Onion Soup, follow these tips that bring out the best in this classic dish.

• Use Quality Broth: The broth is the backbone of your soup, so opt for high-quality beef and chicken broth for a richer flavor.
• Caramelize Slowly: Take your time when caramelizing onions; low and slow cooking enhances their natural sweetness.
• Choose the Right Cheese: Gruyere is traditional, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like fontina or Swiss for varied taste.
• Add Depth with Wine: A good splash of dry white wine elevates the flavors and adds complexity to your soup.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go; adjusting seasoning towards the end ensures balanced flavors without overpowering.

Best Side Dishes for French Onion Soup

Pairing sides with French Onion Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options to complement your dish.

1. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
2. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter add a savory touch perfect for dipping.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted veggies can add both nutrition and flavor to your meal.
4. Quiche Lorraine: This savory pie filled with cheese and bacon makes a hearty addition alongside your soup.
5. Potato Gratin: Creamy potato gratin offers richness that pairs beautifully with the soup’s flavors.
6. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic creates a light yet flavorful bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making French Onion Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes to keep in mind.

• Overcooking the Onions: Caramelizing onions takes time. If you rush this step, the flavor won’t develop fully. Be patient and allow the onions to slowly cook until they are deeply golden brown.

• Using Low-Quality Broth: The broth is a crucial element of French Onion Soup. Always opt for high-quality beef broth for the best flavor. Avoid using water or low-quality stock.

• Skipping the Wine: Wine adds depth to your soup. Don’t skip it! Use a dry white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to enhance the overall taste.

• Not Seasoning Properly: Make sure to taste and adjust seasoning as you go. Salt and pepper can elevate your dish, so season thoughtfully at each stage of cooking.

• Neglecting Crusty Bread: The bread is not just a garnish; it enhances the soup’s texture. Use a fresh baguette for optimal results, and don’t forget to toast it!

Pin this!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover French Onion Soup in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing it in the container.

Freezing French Onion Soup

• Freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container for expansion when freezing.

Reheating French Onion Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, pour soup into an oven-safe bowl, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until warm. Add cheese afterward and microwave briefly until melted.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making French Onion Soup.

What is French Onion Soup?

French Onion Soup is a classic dish made with caramelized onions, beef broth, and topped with melted cheese on crusty bread. It’s known for its rich flavor and comforting qualities.

Can I make French Onion Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute vegetable broth for beef broth and omit any meat products. You can still achieve great flavor with well-caramelized onions.

How long does it take to make French Onion Soup?

The total time is about 175 minutes which includes preparation and cooking time. Patience is key during caramelization!

Can I use other types of cheese?

Certainly! While Gruyere is traditional, you can use Swiss or mozzarella if desired. Each cheese will give your soup a different flavor profile.

How can I customize my French Onion Soup?

You can add herbs like parsley or rosemary for extra flavor or sprinkle some chili flakes for a spicy kick. Feel free to experiment!

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Soup recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. With its rich flavors and customizable options, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or elegant gatherings. Give it a try, and feel free to make it your own!