Description
Classic French Onion Soup with caramelized onions simmered in a rich beef broth, topped with toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyère cheese, perfect for a comforting and flavorful appetizer or meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
Topping
- 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted. Add the thinly sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions caramelize and turn golden brown, about 40-45 minutes. This slow cooking brings out the sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Add broth and herbs: Once the onions are caramelized, add the beef broth, or vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version. Stir in the fresh thyme leaves and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook gently for 20-25 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Prepare the baguette slices: While the soup simmers, slice the baguette and toast the slices until crispy and golden. This can be done in the oven or a toaster.
- Assemble the soup bowls: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks. Place toasted baguette slices on top of the soup, then generously sprinkle grated Gruyère cheese over the bread.
- Broil the soup: Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. Monitor closely to avoid burning.
- Serve hot: Carefully remove the bowls from the oven using oven mitts. Serve the French onion soup immediately while hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth for beef broth to make a vegetarian version.
- Gruyère cheese is traditional, but Swiss cheese can be used if unavailable.
- Caramelizing onions takes time but is key to developing deep flavor.
- Use oven-safe bowls when broiling the soup with cheese on top.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of dry white wine when cooking the onions.
