French Onion Soup Recipe

This French Onion Soup Recipe is a classic, comforting dish with rich, savory flavors that everyone will love. Perfect for cold weather, it features caramelized onions simmered in beef stock, finished with a rich, cheesy crouton topping. This recipe combines simple ingredients like yellow onions, beef stock, dry sherry, and gruyere cheese to create a deeply satisfying soup. The croutons, topped with melted cheese, add a delicious crunch to each spoonful. Whether you’re looking for an easy, homemade French onion soup or a way to impress guests, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• Soup:
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil (plus more for brushing the toasts)
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 lbs yellow onions (about 6 large onions), halved, peeled, and thinly sliced with the grain
  • 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry sherry wine (or dry vermouth or dry white wine)
  • 8 cups beef stock or broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/4 tsp dried thyme), plus more for garnish
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt (divided, to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper (to taste)
• Crouton Topping:
  • 12 slices baguette
  • 8 oz gruyere cheese (1 1/2 cups shredded), divided

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Onions: Slice the onions thinly, cutting them parallel to the grain of the onion. This ensures a perfect texture for caramelization.
2. Cook the Onions: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté, uncovered, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes. Sprinkle the onions with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to speed up the caramelization. Continue to cook for an additional 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are richly caramelized and browned. Stir more frequently toward the end to avoid burning.
3. Add Garlic & Sherry: Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Pour in the sherry (or your choice of dry wine) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Let the liquid cook off for about 3 minutes.
4. Simmer the Soup: Add 8 cups of beef stock, the bay leaf, thyme, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Partially cover and simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with another 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, or as needed.
5. Prepare the Croutons: While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 400˚F. Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices. Brush both sides with olive oil and arrange the slices on a baking sheet. Bake for 6-8 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
6. Assemble the Soup: When ready to serve, preheat your broiler. Place the toasted baguette slices into bowls and top with half of the shredded gruyere cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into warm bowls. Top each bowl with a cheesy crouton and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Garnish with additional thyme, if desired, and serve immediately.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This French Onion Soup is the epitome of comfort food. Rich, savory beef stock is complemented by the sweetness of caramelized onions, perfectly balanced with a touch of wine and herbs. The addition of toasted baguette slices topped with gooey, melted gruyere cheese elevates this dish to a decadent level, making it an irresistible choice for cozy meals. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this soup is sure to impress with its complex flavors and satisfying texture.

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Tips

• Onion Preparation: Slice the onions evenly to ensure uniform caramelization. The process of slow-cooking the onions is crucial to develop that deep, rich flavor.
• Wine Substitution: If you don’t have sherry, you can use dry white wine or dry vermouth. Both will provide the necessary acidity to balance the richness of the soup.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. More salt, pepper, or thyme can be added based on your preference.
• Broiling: Watch closely while broiling the cheesy croutons to avoid burning. Aim for golden, bubbly cheese for the best texture.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese Alternatives: Gruyere is the classic choice, but you can also use Swiss cheese or even a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for a different twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free baguette or bread to make this soup suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the beef stock and use vegetable broth instead for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version.
• Herb Variation: Fresh thyme is ideal, but rosemary or bay leaves can also be used for a different herbal flavor profile.

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FAQs

• Can I make this soup in advance? Yes! French onion soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Store the soup and croutons separately in the fridge, and reheat before serving.
• Can I freeze this soup? French onion soup freezes well without the cheese or croutons. Just freeze the soup base in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to serve, reheat it and add fresh croutons and cheese.
• What kind of bread should I use for the croutons? A baguette is traditional, but any sturdy bread, like sourdough or French bread, will work for the croutons. Just make sure it’s firm enough to hold up to the soup.

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Serving

Serve this French Onion Soup as a hearty appetizer or a satisfying main course. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. For a more filling meal, add a side of grilled cheese or a charcuterie board.

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Suggestions

For an extra indulgent touch, you can drizzle a bit of truffle oil over the soup just before serving or add a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese along with the gruyere. Enjoy your homemade French Onion Soup as a perfect winter meal or to impress guests during a dinner party!