French Onion Soup is a warm hug in a bowl. It’s made with sweet, caramelized onions, beef broth, and topped with crunchy bread and melted cheese. What’s not to love?
Whenever I make it, the smell fills my house, making everyone hungry. It’s like a cozy dinner party without all the fuss! 🍜 Don’t forget to add extra cheese—you know you want to!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: Yellow onions are your best bet here. Their sweetness truly shines when cooked down. If you’re in a pinch, sweet onions can work too, but I find yellow onions give the best flavor.
Broth: While beef broth is traditional, you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. You could even make your own broth for extra depth of flavor.
Wine: Dry white wine brightens up the soup, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with a splash of apple cider vinegar mixed with water instead. It can help with the acidity!
Cheese: Gruyère is classic, but you can use Swiss cheese or even mozzarella for a gooey melt. Just remember, the type of cheese will slightly change the flavor, so pick one you love!
How Do I Caramelize Onions to Perfection?
Caramelizing onions may take time, but it’s worth every minute for the flavor it brings to your soup. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium-low heat to prevent burning. Patience is key here!
- Spread the sliced onions evenly in your pot, and give them a stir occasionally. Add a pinch of salt early on to help draw out moisture.
- If they’re starting to brown too quickly, lower the heat. Aim for a deep golden-brown color after 40-50 minutes. Trust me, this step is crucial for a rich taste!
French Onion Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 1 hour of cooking time, plus an additional 10 minutes for prep. You’ll spend most of your time caramelizing the onions, which is where the amazing flavor comes from. So, grab a good playlist and enjoy the process!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onions:
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar. Cook slowly, stirring frequently. This step can take about 40-50 minutes, but it’s worth it! You want the onions to become deeply caramelized and golden brown. It’s the heart of your soup and adds that rich flavor.
2. Add Garlic and Deglaze:
Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Next, if you’re using white wine, pour it in to deglaze the pot, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to reduce by half.
3. Add Broth and Simmer:
Now, add the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 30 minutes. This is when the flavors will meld together beautifully. Don’t forget to taste and season with salt and pepper as you go!
4. Toast the Baguette:
While your soup simmers, preheat your oven broiler. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them until they are golden and crisp on both sides. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
5. Assemble and Broil:
Once the soup is ready, ladle it into oven-safe bowls. Place one or two toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl. Then, generously sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese over the bread.
6. Broil and Serve:
Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns a delightful golden brown—this should take about 2-4 minutes. Watch closely, as it can burn quickly! Once done, carefully remove from the oven and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting bowl of French Onion Soup!
Can I Use Sweet Onions Instead of Yellow Onions?
Yes, sweet onions can be used, but they will alter the flavor slightly. Yellow onions are recommended for their balance of sweetness and savory depth, but if sweet onions are what you have, go ahead!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute beef broth with vegetable broth. You can enhance the flavor by adding a touch of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for depth.
How Do I Store Leftover French Onion Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep the bread and cheese separate until you’re ready to reheat to maintain their texture. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding fresh baguette and cheese just before serving.
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Yes! While Gruyère is traditional, you can use Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or provolone for a different flavor. Just remember that the melting characteristics and taste will vary, so choose a cheese you enjoy!
