French Onion Soup is an absolute classic, and this recipe will guide you through every detail to create a soup that’s rich, deeply flavorful, and incredibly comforting. Imagine tender, golden-brown onions swimming in a broth with hints of wine, herbs, and spices, topped with melted, gooey cheese on a crispy baguette slice. Perfect for cold evenings or when you’re craving a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Ingredients:
For this recipe, you’ll need to gather some simple but high-quality ingredients to ensure a beautifully layered flavor.
For the Soup:
5 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine (or red wine, for a richer taste)
6 cups beef broth (or a mix of beef and chicken for a lighter flavor)
1/2 cup water
1 bay leaf
3–4 sprigs of fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added depth)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
1 baguette, sliced and toasted
1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or a mix of Gruyère and Swiss)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Onions
This step is the heart and soul of French Onion Soup. Caramelizing the onions until they’re soft and golden brown creates the deep, sweet flavor that defines the dish.
Slice the onions as thinly as possible. Consistent slices will cook more evenly and produce a better result.
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot (a Dutch oven works best), melt the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat.
Add the sliced onions, and stir well to coat them in the oil and butter. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to soften.
Add the sugar and salt. The sugar helps the onions caramelize faster, while the salt draws out moisture, making them soft and tender.
Caramelize the onions by cooking them for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring every few minutes. Adjust the heat if they start to burn, but aim for a golden-brown color. (Tip: Avoid rushing this step, as caramelizing onions is key to developing a deep, rich flavor.)
Step 2: Building the Soup Base
With the onions beautifully caramelized, you’ll add the remaining ingredients to build a flavorful broth.
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