French Onion Soup is a warm and cozy dish that’s all about rich flavors. It’s made with sweet caramelized onions, beef broth, and topped with melted cheese on crusty bread.
This soup is like a hug in a bowl! I love to enjoy it on chilly evenings, letting the cheesy goodness ooze as I scoop it up. You can’t go wrong with a slice of crusty bread by your side!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Onions: These are the star of your soup! Their natural sweetness deepens when caramelized. If you’re in a pinch, try using white onions, though they’re a bit sharper in flavor.
Butter & Olive Oil: I like a mix for flavor and cooking ease. You can switch olive oil with canola or vegetable oil if you prefer a lighter option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds great depth. If you’re short on fresh, garlic powder will work too, just use a smaller amount, about 1/8 tsp per clove.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth shines here, but low-sodium store-bought works just as well. For a lighter version, chicken broth is a suitable substitute.
Gruyère Cheese: This cheese is wonderful for its melting quality. If unavailable, Swiss cheese or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan will work nicely.
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions takes patience, but it’s so worth it for the flavor! Start by heating your pot to medium heat, and be ready to stir often. Here’s how to get those sweet, golden onions:
- Combine the butter and olive oil in the pot. Heat until melted.
- Add the sliced onions and sprinkle sugar on top. This helps the caramelization.
- Cook on low, stirring frequently, for 40-50 minutes until golden brown. Lower the heat if they darken too fast.
Don’t rush this step! The slow cooking unlocks the sweetness that’s essential for your soup.
What’s the Best Way to Serve and Melt the Cheese?
To get that perfect cheese topping, follow these steps:
- Toast your bread slices under the broiler until they’re golden brown.
- Once the soup is in the bowls, place the toasted bread on top and generously add the grated cheese.
- Pop the bowls under the broiler just until the cheese is bubbly and golden, which usually takes only a few minutes.
Keep an eye on it! The broiler can quickly go from perfect to burnt.
How to Make Delicious French Onion Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 8 cups beef broth (preferably homemade or low sodium)
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 baguette or crusty bread, sliced about 1/2-inch thick
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (can substitute with Swiss or a mixture of Gruyère and Parmesan)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and around 1 hour and 20 minutes of cooking time, making the total time roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes. You’ll be rewarded with a comforting and hearty soup that can serve 4-6 people.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions:
In a large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with sugar. Cook slowly, stirring frequently, until the onions become deeply caramelized and golden brown, which will take about 40-50 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning; you can lower the heat if needed.
2. Add Garlic and Deglaze:
Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the optional white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom. Allow the wine to reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Simmer the Broth:
Add the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Partially cover the pot and let it cook for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together beautifully.
4. Season the Soup:
After simmering, season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf and set the soup aside.
5. Prepare the Bread:
While the soup simmers, preheat your oven’s broiler. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until golden brown, which should take about 1-2 minutes per side. Keep a close watch so they don’t burn!
6. Assemble and Broil:
Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place one or two of the toasted bread slices on top of each bowl of soup. Generously sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese over the bread.
7. Final Melting:
Put the bowls on a baking sheet and place them under the broiler until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. This should take about 2-4 minutes, so keep an eye on it!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the bowls from the oven (they will be hot!). If you like, garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, hearty flavors of your homemade French Onion Soup!
This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days and is sure to please everyone at your table.
Can I Use Yellow Onions Instead of Other Types?
Yes! Yellow onions are perfect for this recipe because they become sweet and caramelized when cooked. If you need a substitute, you can use white onions for a sharper taste or red onions for a milder flavor, though they may not caramelize as well.
What Can I Substitute for Gruyère Cheese?
If you can’t find Gruyère cheese, Swiss cheese is a great alternative as it melts beautifully, or you can use a mixture of mozzarella and Parmesan for a different flavor profile. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if necessary to thin it out. For best results, add the cheese just before serving on fresh toast, or enjoy the soup on its own!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before serving, then add the toasted bread and cheese and broil until bubbly. This allows the flavors to meld even more!
