Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this authentic French Onion Soup recipe. Featuring deeply caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and a glorious melted cheese topping, this soup is a heartwarming masterpiece you’ll truly cherish.
Ingredients
- 6 large yellow or sweet onions (about 3 lbs), thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp granulated sugar (optional, aids caramelization)
- 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or dry vermouth
- 6 cups low-sodium beef broth (high quality is key!)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 bay leaf
- 1 baguette or crusty bread, sliced 1-inch thick and lightly toasted
- 8 oz Gruyère cheese, grated
Instructions
- 1. Prepare Onions: Slice onions thinly and uniformly.
- 2. Caramelize: In a large heavy pot, melt butter and oil over medium-low heat. Add onions, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp sugar. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 45-60 minutes until deep golden brown and jammy.
- 3. Deglaze: Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute. Sprinkle in flour, stir, and cook 2-3 minutes. Pour in wine/vermouth, scrape brown bits from bottom of pot, and simmer 5 minutes until reduced.
- 4. Simmer Broth: Stir in beef broth and fresh thyme/bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Remove herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- 5. Assemble: Ladle soup into oven-safe crocks. Top each with 1-2 toasted baguette slices, then generously cover with grated Gruyère cheese.
- 6. Broil: Place bowls on a baking sheet. Broil on high (6-8 inches from heat) for 2-5 minutes, watching carefully, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 30 mins