French Onion Soup is a cozy and tasty dish made with sweet, caramelized onions and rich beef broth. Topped with cheesy bread, it’s the ultimate comfort food!
This soup makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I love how the gooey cheese stretches as I take a bite. Perfect for chilly days or when you just need a hug in a bowl! 🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: Yellow onions are the star of this soup; they caramelize beautifully to create rich sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, sweet onions or even red onions can work, but they may alter the flavor slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a perfect balance to the dish. If you prefer a healthier option, you can use olive oil entirely instead, which pairs well with the onions.
Beef Broth: The recipe calls for beef broth, but if you’re vegetarian or want a lighter option, vegetable broth is a good alternative. Combining beef and chicken broth can give a nice depth too.
Chemcheese: Gruyère cheese is traditional for French onion soup, with its creamy texture and nutty flavor. If it’s hard to find, Swiss cheese or even cheddar can work in a pinch!
How Do I Get the Onions Perfectly Caramelized?
Caramelizing onions is key to achieving the wonderful flavor of this soup. It takes time and patience, but it’s worth it!
- Start by cooking the onions slowly over medium heat with butter and olive oil.
- Add a teaspoon of sugar to help the onions caramelize faster.
- Stir often but allow them to cook undisturbed occasionally for even browning.
- Don’t rush it! Aim for a deep golden brown color, which can take about 30-40 minutes.
With these tips, you’re well on your way to making a delicious French Onion Soup! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
French Onion Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 8 cups beef broth (or a mix of beef and chicken broth)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Topping:
- Baguette slices, toasted
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful French Onion Soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 1 hour of cooking time. So, in total, you’re looking at approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can enjoy this cozy dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions:
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them with the butter and oil. Cook gently while stirring frequently until the onions become soft and translucent, which takes about 15 minutes.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
After the onions are translucent, sprinkle them with sugar. Continue to cook, stirring often, until they turn a deep golden brown and caramelize, which usually takes around 30-40 minutes. Remember to be patient; this step brings out the sweet flavor!
3. Add Garlic and Deglaze:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Then, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom and let it reduce for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Broth and Simmer:
Add the beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
5. Final Touches:
Season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking, then remove the bay leaves. Preheat your oven broiler during this step!
6. Serve and Broil:
Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl, generously covering them with the grated Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
7. Enjoy Your Soup:
If you like, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately, and enjoy your delicious bowl of French Onion Soup!
This classic soup is a warm embrace in a bowl, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on a chilly night! 🥖🧑🍳
Can I Use Different Types of Onions?
Yes! While yellow onions are traditional for their sweetness, you can substitute with sweet onions or even red onions. Just keep in mind that the flavor might vary slightly.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the beef broth with vegetable broth. The caramelized onions are still the star of the show and will provide wonderful flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover French Onion Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove. When reheating, add a little broth or water if the soup seems too thick.
Can I Freeze French Onion Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove before serving. However, it’s best to add the cheese and baguette fresh when serving.