This French Onion Soup is all about rich, warm flavors! With sweet caramelized onions and a delicious broth, it’s topped with bubbly melted cheese and crispy bread.
Nothing beats a cozy bowl of this soup on a chilly day. I love how the melted cheese stretches out when you take a bite. It’s pure comfort in a bowl! 🧀🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: Yellow onions are the best choice as they caramelize beautifully, bringing out their sweetness. If you’re out of yellow onions, sweet onions like Vidalia work well too!
Butter and Olive Oil: The mix gives great flavor and helps achieve the perfect sauté. If you’re dairy-free, use just olive oil or a vegan butter alternative.
Beef Broth: For a vegetarian option, substitute with vegetable broth. You can also use chicken broth if you prefer a lighter flavor profile.
Gruyère Cheese: This cheese melts nicely and adds depth. If you can’t find Gruyère, you can use Swiss cheese or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a similar texture.
How Do You Caramelize Onions to Perfection?
Caramelizing onions is key for that rich flavor in soup. It’s all about low and slow cooking! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a mix of butter and oil at medium heat. This prevents burning.
- Add the onions and stir to coat. Cook them slowly for about 30-40 minutes.
- Add a teaspoon of sugar halfway through to boost their sweetness.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
Be patient; this step transforms the onions into a sweet and flavorful base for your soup. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
How to Make French Onion Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth (preferably homemade or low sodium)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Topping:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful French Onion Soup takes about 1 hour to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 30-40 minutes caramelizing the onions, then simmering the soup for about 20-30 minutes. After that, a quick time under the broiler will give you that cheesy, bubbly topping. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the butter and olive oil over medium heat until melted and hot. Add the sliced onions, stirring well to coat them in the buttery mixture. Cook slowly, stirring frequently for 30-40 minutes, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown. To help with caramelization, add in the sugar about halfway through this process.
2. Build Flavor:
Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, sprinkle the flour over the onions, stirring constantly for about 2-3 minutes. This helps slightly thicken the soup.
3. Add the Broth and Herbs:
Next, carefully pour in the white wine (if using), scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Then, add the beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes to develop a delicious flavor.
4. Final Touches:
Before serving, season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf! While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven broiler. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them until they are golden and crispy.
5. Assemble and Broil:
Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks. Place one crispy baguette slice on top of each bowl, then generously sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese over the bread. Put the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown—this takes about 3-5 minutes, so keep a close eye on it!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully take the bowls out of the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy your rich, savory, and comforting French Onion Soup with the perfect combination of flavors!
Can I Use Chicken Broth Instead of Beef Broth?
Yes, you can definitely substitute chicken broth for beef broth if you prefer a lighter flavor. Just keep in mind that it will slightly alter the depth of taste in your soup, but it will still be delicious!
What If I Don’t Have Gruyère Cheese?
While Gruyère is traditional for its melting qualities and flavor, you can substitute it with Swiss cheese or even a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a similar creamy texture and taste.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply replace the beef broth with vegetable broth. You can also skip the wine or use a vegetable-friendly wine to maintain the flavor balance.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove before serving, and broil with the cheese and bread just before enjoying!
