A rich, savory, and comforting dish, Classic French Onion Soup is the perfect combination of caramelized onions, flavorful broth, and a cheesy, crispy baguette topping. This timeless French recipe is easy to make and sure to impress!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep, Rich Flavor: Slow-cooked onions create a naturally sweet and savory broth.
- Cheesy Perfection: Topped with melty cheese and crispy bread for the ultimate texture.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples.
- Comforting & Elegant: Perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive appetizer.
Ingredients
- Yellow Onions (4 large, thinly sliced) – The star of the dish, caramelized to perfection.
- Butter (3 tbsp) – Adds richness to the onions.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp) – Helps prevent the butter from burning.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Enhances the savory depth.
- Beef Broth (6 cups) – Provides a rich base for the soup.
- Bay Leaf (1) – Adds an aromatic touch.
- Thyme (1 tsp, dried or 3 sprigs fresh) – Classic herb for deep flavor.
- Salt (½ tsp) – Balances the flavors.
- Black Pepper (½ tsp) – Adds warmth and spice.
- Balsamic Vinegar (1 tbsp) – Enhances the sweetness of the onions.
- French Baguette (6 slices, about ½-inch thick) – Toasted for the perfect crunch.
- Gruyère Cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded) – The traditional cheese for its meltability and nutty flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – To caramelize the onions and simmer the soup.
- Ladle – For serving.
- Baking sheet – For toasting the bread.
- Oven-safe bowls – Essential for broiling the cheese topping.
How to Make Classic French Onion Soup
1. Caramelize the Onions
Melt butter with olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 30–40 minutes until deep golden brown. Add garlic in the last minute of cooking.
2. Deglaze the Pot
Stir in the balsamic vinegar and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
3. Simmer the Broth
Add the beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, black pepper, and remaining salt. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 15–20 minutes to develop flavors. Remove the bay leaf.
4. Toast the Baguette Slices
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and bake for 5–7 minutes until crisp.
5. Assemble and Broil
Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place toasted baguette slices on top and sprinkle with shredded Gruyère. Broil on high for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Carefully remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and flavorful French Onion Soup!
What to Serve with French Onion Soup
- A fresh green salad – Lightens up the meal.
- Roasted vegetables – Complements the rich flavors.
- A glass of iced tea or fruit juice – A refreshing contrast.
Tips for the Best French Onion Soup
- Low and slow for caramelization: Patience is key to achieving deep, sweet onion flavor.
- Use good-quality broth: A rich beef broth makes all the difference.
- Broil the cheese properly: Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Make ahead: The soup base can be made a day in advance for even better flavor!
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the soup without bread and cheese for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop and assemble fresh with toasted bread and cheese before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! If you don’t have Gruyère, try Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How do I get the best caramelized onions?
Cook on medium-low heat and stir often. If they start to burn, add a splash of water to deglaze.
Conclusion
This Classic French Onion Soup is the perfect combination of rich, sweet onions, flavorful broth, and a crispy, cheesy topping. Whether for a cozy dinner or an elegant starter, this recipe will never fail to impress!
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: French
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 12g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 620mg
Classic French Onion Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour
Description
A rich, savory, and comforting dish, Classic French Onion Soup is the perfect combination of caramelized onions, flavorful broth, and a cheesy, crispy baguette topping. This timeless French recipe is easy to make and sure to impress!
Want more delicious recipes like this? Subscribe now for the latest culinary inspirations!
Ingredients
- Yellow Onions (4 large, thinly sliced) – The star of the dish, caramelized to perfection.
- Butter (3 tbsp) – Adds richness to the onions.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp) – Helps prevent the butter from burning.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Enhances the savory depth.
- Beef Broth (6 cups) – Provides a rich base for the soup.
- Bay Leaf (1) – Adds an aromatic touch.
- Thyme (1 tsp, dried or 3 sprigs fresh) – Classic herb for deep flavor.
- Salt (½ tsp) – Balances the flavors.
- Black Pepper (½ tsp) – Adds warmth and spice.
- Balsamic Vinegar (1 tbsp) – Enhances the sweetness of the onions.
- French Baguette (6 slices, about ½-inch thick) – Toasted for the perfect crunch.
- Gruyère Cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded) – The traditional cheese for its meltability and nutty flavor.
Instructions
Melt butter with olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 30–40 minutes until deep golden brown. Add garlic in the last minute of cooking.
Stir in the balsamic vinegar and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add the beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, black pepper, and remaining salt. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 15–20 minutes to develop flavors. Remove the bay leaf.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and bake for 5–7 minutes until crisp.
Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place toasted baguette slices on top and sprinkle with shredded Gruyère. Broil on high for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Carefully remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and flavorful French Onion Soup!
Notes
- Low and slow for caramelization: Patience is key to achieving deep, sweet onion flavor.
- Use good-quality broth: A rich beef broth makes all the difference.
- Broil the cheese properly: Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Make ahead: The soup base can be made a day in advance for even better flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisine: French
