French Onion Soup is a beloved classic that’s perfect for cozy nights in. This rich and comforting soup features caramelized onions simmered in savory beef broth, topped with crispy, toasted baguette slices, and melted Gruyère cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food that combines sweetness, savory flavors, and indulgence in every bite. Here’s how to make the best French Onion Soup from scratch!
Ingredients:
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
1 baguette, sliced and toasted
2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
Directions:
Caramelize the Onions:
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, for 25-30 minutes, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. If the onions start to stick or brown too quickly, reduce the heat. This step is crucial for developing that sweet, rich onion flavor.
Deglaze the Pot:
Stir in the butter and let it melt into the onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.
Simmer the Soup:
Add the beef broth, fresh thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Remember to remove the bay leaf before serving.
Prepare the Bread and Cheese:
While the soup simmers, preheat your broiler. Place the toasted baguette slices on a baking sheet and top each one with a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Assemble and Serve:
Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of the cheesy baguette. For extra decadence, broil the assembled bowls for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve hot.
Serving Tips:
Garnish: For an extra touch of flavor, garnish your French Onion Soup with freshly chopped thyme, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of truffle oil. This adds a bit of freshness and luxury to the dish.
Side Pairings: French Onion Soup pairs wonderfully with a light salad, such as a simple mixed greens salad with a balsamic vinaigrette, or a crusty side of bread to soak up the broth. If you’re serving it as a main course, consider a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh herb salad.
Serving Temperature: Serve the soup piping hot to ensure the melted cheese is at its best. The bread should be warm and crispy, and the cheese should be gooey and golden brown.
Use Oven-Safe Bowls: Since the soup is broiled in the oven, make sure you’re using oven-safe bowls to prevent accidents. This allows you to melt the cheese directly on top of the soup without any issues.
Storage Tips:
Storing the Soup:
Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you’ve made a large batch and want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the soup without the bread and cheese. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. The soup will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Storing the Toasted Bread and Cheese:
The toasted bread with melted cheese is best enjoyed fresh, as it can become soggy when stored. However, if you have leftovers, store the bread and cheese separately in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
Reheat the bread in the oven or toaster for a few minutes to bring back its crispiness.
Reheating the Soup:
To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, let the soup thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
For the cheese-topped bread, place it under the broiler again for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese and crisp the bread.
Related Recipes:
- French Onion Beef and Noodles
- The Southern Pecan Caramel Cake
- French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole
FAQs:
Can I make French Onion Soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup ahead of time. After caramelizing the onions and simmering the soup, let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, reheat the soup on the stovetop and top with the toasted bread and melted cheese right before serving.
Can I make French Onion Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version of French Onion Soup, simply swap the beef broth for vegetable broth. The caramelized onions and cheese will still provide rich and delicious flavors, making it just as comforting and satisfying.
What kind of cheese is best for French Onion Soup?
Gruyère cheese is the traditional choice for French Onion Soup due to its excellent melting properties and rich, nutty flavor. You can also use Swiss cheese or a blend of Gruyère and Parmesan for added depth. If you prefer a different cheese, go for one that melts well, like provolone or mozzarella.
How can I prevent my French Onion Soup from being too salty?
If you’re concerned about the soup being too salty, use a low-sodium beef or vegetable broth. Also, be cautious when adding salt to the onions, as the broth may already contain salt. Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding a pinch of salt or pepper at the end if desired.
Conclusion:
This Best French Onion Soup is a perfect blend of caramelized onions, savory broth, and melted Gruyère cheese, creating a comforting dish ideal for cozy nights. Simple yet flavorful, it’s a timeless classic that will warm your soul. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, it’s sure to impress your guests.
📖 Recipe:
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Best French Onion Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best French Onion Soup recipe combines caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and toasted bread topped with melty Gruyère cheese. It’s the perfect comfort food for cozy nights, with rich, sweet, and savory flavors. Simple to make, yet incredibly satisfying, this French Onion Soup is a must-try classic that will warm your soul. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, it’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
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
1 baguette, sliced and toasted
2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions:
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, for 25-30 minutes, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Adjust the heat if necessary to avoid burning. - Deglaze the Pot:
Stir in the butter and let it melt into the onions. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes. - Simmer the Soup:
Add the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove the bay leaf. - Prepare the Bread and Cheese:
Preheat the broiler. Place the toasted baguette slices on a baking sheet and top with grated Gruyère cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Assemble and Serve:
Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with the cheesy bread, and broil for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve hot.
Notes
Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth to make this soup vegetarian-friendly.
Cheese Variations: If Gruyère is unavailable, you can use Swiss cheese or a blend of Gruyère and Parmesan for added flavor.
Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop and top with fresh cheese-covered bread when serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop, Broiling
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 300 kcal
