French Onion Soup is a warm bowl of comfort. It’s made with sweet onions, tasty broth, and topped with melted cheese and crusty bread. Perfect for chilly days!
I love cozying up with this soup, especially when that cheese gets all gooey and bubbly. It’s hard to resist! Pair it with a crunchy salad and you’re in for a treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Onions: These are perfect for caramelizing due to their sweetness. If you can’t find yellow onions, you can use sweet onions like Vidalia for a similar flavor.
Butter and Olive Oil: I love the combo of butter for richness and olive oil for cooking. If you need a dairy-free option, you could use just olive oil or vegan butter.
Beef Broth: Low-sodium beef broth helps control the saltiness of your soup. If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth works fine too, just keep in mind it will change the flavor profile.
Gruyère Cheese: This cheese adds a lovely melt and flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute Swiss cheese or even mozzarella, though the taste will differ slightly.
Baguette: A crispy baguette is ideal for the topping. For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free bread—just make sure it’s hearty enough to hold up in the soup!
What’s the Best Way to Caramelize Onions for My Soup?
Caramelizing onions is crucial for building depth in French Onion Soup, and it takes time. Lightning-fast cooking won’t do here!
- Start with medium heat to soften the onions in butter and oil for about 15-20 minutes.
- Add a teaspoon of sugar to enhance caramelization. Slow and low is the key—keep cooking for another 30-40 minutes until they achieve a deep, golden brown.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Be patient; it’s worth the wait!
French Onion Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or dry sherry (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 1 baguette or French bread, sliced into 1/2-inch slices
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or a mix of Gruyère and Swiss cheese)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup will take about 15-20 minutes for prep and 1 hour for cooking. You will spend around 30-40 minutes caramelizing the onions to get that perfect flavor. Add 10-15 minutes for broiling the topped soup before serving. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and it’s all worth it for that rich, comforting taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelizing the Onions:
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter together with the olive oil over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced onions, stirring to coat them evenly. Cook the onions, stirring often, until they are soft and translucent—this should take about 15-20 minutes. Don’t rush this step; patience pays off!
2. Making it Sweet:
Add the teaspoon of sugar to the onions and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the onions turn a deep golden brown—this can take about 30-40 minutes. Keep your eye on them to ensure they don’t burn; the goal is to develop a rich, sweet flavor.
3. Adding Flavor:
Once your onions are beautifully caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the white wine or sherry (if you’re using it) to deglaze the pot, scraping up all those delicious bits stuck to the bottom.
4. Simmering the Soup:
Add the beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme to the pot. Stir well to combine everything. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
5. Toasting the Bread:
While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven’s broiler. Lay the slices of bread on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until they are golden brown on both sides. Keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly!
6. Serving Up the Deliciousness:
To serve, ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place one or two pieces of toasted bread on top of each bowl. Generously sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese over the bread slices.
7. Broiling for the Perfect Melt:
Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil them for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
8. Finishing Touches:
Once out of the oven, garnish with a few fresh thyme leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy every spoonful of this classic and comforting French Onion Soup!
Can I Use Different Types of Onions?
Absolutely! While yellow onions are traditional for their sweetness, you can also use sweet onions like Vidalia for a milder flavor. If you prefer a bit more bite, red onions can be used, but they will impart a different color and taste.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth. You can also enhance the flavor by adding a splash of soy sauce or miso paste for depth.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove. If the soup thickens too much after refrigerating, just add a little water or broth to loosen it up.
What If I Don’t Have Gruyère Cheese?
If Gruyère is unavailable, you can use Swiss cheese or even a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for similar melting qualities. Although the flavor will differ slightly, it’ll still be delicious!
