Recipes

Classic French Onion Soup

This classic French Onion Soup is a delightful combination of sweet caramelized onions and rich beef broth, topped with a crusty slice of toasted baguette and melted Gruyère cheese. Perfect for a cozy night in, this timeless dish brings a touch of French elegance to your table.
frenchsimplewinterautumnbakingnuttyvegetarianappetizercomfortfoodsoup
15m 60m 2 0

Ingredients

  • olive oil (1 tablespoons)
  • dry white wine (0.5 cup) - Optional for added depth.
  • fresh thyme (2 sprigs) - Or substitute with 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.
  • bay leaf (1 piece)
  • toasted baguette (4 slices)
  • salt (0.5 teaspoons) - Adjust to taste.
  • freshly cracked black pepper (0.25 teaspoons) - Adjust to taste.
  • unsalted butter (2 tablespoons)
  • thinly sliced onions (4 pieces) - Yellow onions are preferred for sweetness.
  • beef broth (4 cups) - High-quality or homemade for best flavor.
  • grated gruyère cheese (1 cups)

Instructions

Caramelize the onions

  • In a large pot, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium-low heat.
  • Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes until they are golden brown and caramelized.

Build the soup

  • Stir in the dry white wine, if using, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  • Add the beef broth, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf to the pot.
  • Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  • Simmer the soup for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Prepare the cheese toast

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Assemble and serve

  • Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf from the soup.
  • Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks.
  • Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each soup portion.
  • Sprinkle generously with grated Gruyère cheese.
  • Place the bowls under a broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Serve hot.

Tips

  • Ensure onions are evenly sliced for consistent caramelization.
  • If the soup seems too thick, you can add more broth to reach your desired consistency.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with a rich vegetable broth.
  • You can substitute Gruyère with Swiss cheese if needed.
  • Allowing the soup to simmer longer can enhance the depth of flavors.