French Onion Soup is a warm and cozy treat, filled with sweet caramelized onions and tasty beef broth. Topped with melted cheese and crispy bread, it’s like a hug in a bowl!
Whenever I make it, my kitchen smells amazing! It’s perfect for chilly nights. Just grab a big spoon and enjoy the cheesy goodness. Trust me, you’ll want seconds! 😊
Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: Yellow onions are the best choice for sweetness and depth of flavor. If you are in a pinch, sweet onions like Vidalia or even red onions can work. Just remember, the cooking process is what really brings out their flavors.
Butter and Olive Oil: Using both adds richness. If you’re dairy-free, try using a plant-based butter or just stick to olive oil. It’s also okay to use canola or avocado oil.
White Wine: This enhances the flavor, but you can skip it or replace it with extra beef broth or a splash of vinegar. Apple cider vinegar can add an interesting twist if you want to try something different.
Baguette: A crusty baguette is ideal for that perfect cheese toast topping, but any sturdy bread will do! Ciabatta or sourdough are fantastic alternatives.
Cheese: Gruyère adds traditional flavor, but Swiss or even a sharp cheddar can work too. For a different taste, mixing cheeses will give you a unique twist!
How Do I Get the Onions Perfectly Caramelized?
Caramelizing onions is essential for achieving that delicious depth of flavor in your soup. It’s simple but takes time, so don’t rush! Here’s how:
- Heat your butter and olive oil over medium heat until melted.
- Add the sliced onions, salt, and sugar to help draw out moisture. Stir occasionally.
- Cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour until they are a deep golden color. You want them to be soft and sweet; patience here pays off!
Remember, if they start to stick to the pot, don’t panic! Just adjust the heat to low and keep stirring until they’re perfect. Enjoy your cooking experience!
How to Make French Onion Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 8 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful French Onion Soup recipe takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 45 minutes caramelizing the onions, 30 minutes simmering the soup, and 15 minutes prepping the cheese and bread. It’s a bit of a labor of love, but so worth it when you take that first warm, cheesy spoonful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Onions:
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once melted, add in the sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Stir gently, and your patience will be rewarded! Cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the onions become deeply caramelized and golden brown. Remember, the more caramelized the onions, the richer the flavor, so take your time!
2. Add Garlic and Deglaze:
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, pour in the white wine (if using) to deglaze the pot. Make sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom—this is where more flavor lies! Let the wine reduce for about 2-3 minutes.
3. Simmer the Soup:
Next, add the beef broth, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Lower the heat and let it gently cook for 30 minutes. After it’s simmered, taste and season with additional salt and fresh black pepper as needed. Make sure to remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf before serving!
4. Toast the Bread:
While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned and crispy. This step adds an essential crunch to your final dish!
5. Serve with Cheese:
To serve, ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with one or two toasted baguette slices, then generously pile on the grated Gruyère cheese. It’s the best part!
6. Broil for the Finish:
Place the bowls under the broiler in your oven until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and a lovely golden brown. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes, so watch carefully to avoid burning.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm layers of sweet caramelized onions, savory broth, and gooey melted cheese on crispy bread!
Enjoy your homemade French Onion Soup! It’s a classic comfort dish that’s sure to warm your heart and fill your belly!
Can I Use Different Types of Onions?
Absolutely! While yellow onions are preferred for their sweetness, you can also use sweet onions like Vidalia or even red onions for a slightly different flavor. Just keep in mind that they may result in a different taste profile!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by substituting the beef broth with vegetable broth. Additionally, if you skip the white wine, use a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for some acidity!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to maintain the soup’s consistency and prevent it from becoming too thick. Always reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Freeze French Onion Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove!
