Description
Discover the Best French Onion Soup recipe featuring deeply caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and melted Gruyère cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners or elegant appetizers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions:
- In a large pot over medium heat, combine olive oil and butter until melted and shimmering.
- Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Cook onions for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and golden brown. Adjust heat to prevent burning.
- Make the Soup:
- Stir in thyme, black pepper, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute to release aromatics.
- Pour in beef broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes to meld flavors.
- Remove and discard bay leaf after simmering.
- Prepare the Bread:
- Preheat oven broiler. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet.
- Toast under broiler for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Assemble the Soup:
- Divide soup among oven-safe bowls.
- Place a toasted baguette slice on top of the soup in each bowl.
- Generously sprinkle grated Gruyère cheese over the bread.
- Place bowls under broiler for 2-3 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Carefully remove bowls from oven. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy
Notes
- Pairing: Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Beverage: Pair with sparkling water with a slice of lemon or warm herbal tea.
- Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based cheese.
- Cheese Alternatives: Replace Gruyère with Swiss, Emmental, or sharp white cheddar.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread or omit the baguette.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20
- Category: soup
- Method: Stovetop and broiler
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: French Onion Soup Caramelized Onions Gruyère Cheese Classic French Recipe Comfort Food