Description
This classic French Onion Soup recipe features deeply caramelized onions simmered in a rich beef broth, topped with toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyère cheese. A comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days, with an optional vegetarian variation.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 6 cups beef broth, low-sodium
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
Toppings
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 40 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma without burning.
- Deglaze Pot: Pour in the white wine, if using, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Simmer Soup: Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 20 to 25 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Toast Baguette Slices: While the soup simmers, preheat the broiler. Arrange the sliced baguette on a baking sheet and toast for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until crisp and golden.
- Prepare Bowls: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with one or two toasted baguette slices, then sprinkle generously with shredded Gruyère cheese.
- Broil Cheese: Place the bowls under the broiler for 2 to 4 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
- Serve: Carefully remove from the oven and serve immediately to enjoy the soup hot and cheesy.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth to make a vegetarian version and skip Worcestershire sauce to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
- For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of brandy before serving.
- Be careful while broiling to not burn the cheese or bread.
- Slow caramelization of onions is key to developing rich flavor.
