French Onion Soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and melted Gruyère cheese into a bowl of pure indulgence. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an elegant starter, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers restaurant-quality results at home.
Ingredients
For this hearty French Onion Soup, 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
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional, for deglazing)
- 6 cups beef broth (or a mix of beef and chicken broth)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
Instructions for French Onion Soup with Gruyère
- Caramelize the Onions:
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Be patient—this step is key to the soup’s rich flavor. - Deglaze the Pot:
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. If using wine, pour it into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer until mostly evaporated. - Simmer the Soup:
Add the beef broth, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf before serving. - Prepare the Topping:
While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden. - Assemble and Broil:
Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls or ramekins. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl, then generously sprinkle with Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. - Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the bowls from the oven (they’ll be hot!) and serve immediately. Pair with a simple green salad or enjoy on its own for a satisfying meal.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Onions: Yellow onions are ideal for their sweetness and balance.
- Make Ahead: The soup base can be made a day in advance and reheated before serving. Add the bread and cheese just before serving for the best texture.
- Experiment with Cheese: Gruyère is traditional, but Swiss or Comté cheese are excellent substitutes.
French Onion Soup with Gruyère is a classic dish that never fails to impress. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just craving something warm and comforting, this recipe is sure to deliver. Bon appétit!
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