French Onion Soup is a timeless dish that brings the warmth and flavors of French cuisine right into your kitchen. This classic soup is known for its rich, savory broth filled with caramelized onions, topped with a slice of toasted baguette and melted cheese. Whether you’re preparing a comforting meal for a cold day or impressing guests with a delicious starter, this recipe will guide you through creating the perfect French Onion Soup.
Ingredients for Classic French Onion Soup
For the Soup:
- 6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 8 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Classic French Onion Soup
Caramelize the Onions:
- Prepare the Onions:
- Peel and thinly slice the onions. This can be done with a sharp knife or a mandoline for uniform slices.
- Cook the Onions:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook the onions, stirring frequently, until they become soft and golden brown. This process takes about 30-40 minutes. The onions should be deeply caramelized but not burnt.
- Add Garlic:
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant.
Deglaze and Simmer:
- Deglaze with Wine:
- If using wine, pour it into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
- Add Broth and Seasonings:
- Add the beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce to the pot. Stir to combine. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Prepare the Topping:
- Toast the Baguette:
- While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until they are golden and crisp, about 10 minutes.
- Grate the Cheese:
- Grate the Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses and set them aside.
Assemble and Serve:
- Preheat Broiler:
- Once the soup is ready, preheat your oven’s broiler.
- Ladle Soup into Bowls:
- Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl of soup.
- Add Cheese and Broil:
- Sprinkle a generous amount of Gruyère and Parmesan cheese over the baguette slices. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Serve:
- Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and serve the soup immediately. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors and the satisfying crunch of the cheesy toast.
About the Main Ingredients
Onions
The star ingredient in French Onion Soup is, of course, the onions. Yellow onions are typically used for their balance of sweetness and sharpness. The key to a perfect French Onion Soup is to caramelize the onions slowly, allowing their natural sugars to develop a deep, rich flavor. This process requires patience but is crucial for achieving the soup’s signature taste.
Beef Broth
A high-quality beef broth is essential for the depth of flavor in French Onion Soup. Homemade beef broth is ideal, but a good store-bought version can also be used. The broth provides the savory base that complements the sweetness of the caramelized onions, creating a harmonious and satisfying soup.
Gruyère Cheese
Gruyère cheese is a traditional topping for French Onion Soup. This Swiss cheese is known for its creamy texture and slightly nutty flavor, which melts beautifully under the broiler. Gruyère adds richness and a delectable cheesy crust that contrasts with the soup’s soft onions and broth.
Baguette
A crusty baguette is the perfect choice for the topping. The bread soaks up the flavors of the soup while maintaining a crispy texture under the broiled cheese. The combination of the toasted baguette and melted cheese creates an irresistible finishing touch that elevates the entire dish.
Thyme and Bay Leaves
Fresh thyme and bay leaves are aromatic herbs that enhance the soup’s flavor profile. Thyme adds a subtle earthiness, while bay leaves contribute a slightly floral, herbal note. These herbs infuse the broth as it simmers, creating a more complex and delicious soup.
French Onion Soup is a classic dish that showcases the beauty of simple ingredients and slow cooking. By taking the time to caramelize the onions and simmer the soup to perfection, you can create a deeply flavorful and comforting dish that is sure to impress. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a main course, this Classic French Onion Soup is a testament to the elegance and richness of French cuisine. Follow this guide to make your own delicious version and savor every spoonful of this iconic soup.
