french onion soup
French onion soup recipe is the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something warm and hearty. Imagine caramelized onions simmering to sweet perfection, enveloped in a rich, savory broth made with vegetable stock and a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. Topped with crusty bread and gooey, melted cheese, each spoonful is a delightful embrace. This cozy bowl of goodness not only warms your heart but also fills your home with an irresistible aroma that invites everyone to gather around the table. Enjoy the magic of homemade comfort!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
French Onion Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot For sautéing onions and simmering soup.
- 1 Oven-safe bowls For serving the soup.
Ingredients
Onions
- 4 large onions The star of the soup, providing sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Adds richness and helps caramelize the onions to perfection.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil A great substitute for butter, adding a fruity note to the dish.
Garlic
- 2 cloves garlic Enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic qualities.
Broth
- 6 cups vegetable broth A flavorful base that keeps the soup hearty and satisfying.
Herbs
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme Adds an earthy note that complements the onions.
- 1 leaf bay leaf Infuses the soup with a subtle herbal flavor during cooking.
Seasoning
- to taste salt Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the soup.
- to taste pepper Adds a touch of heat and balances the sweetness of the onions.
Bread
- 1 baguette baguette Perfect for toasting and topping the soup for that classic finish.
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese For a gooey, melty topping that completes the dish.
Instructions
Step 1: Slice the Onions
- Grab 4 large onions. Peel and slice them thinly. Aim for even slices for consistent cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
- In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions
- Cook the onions for about 30-40 minutes. They should turn a lovely golden brown. Don’t rush this step; patience is key!
Step 4: Add Broth
- Pour in 6 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Season the Soup
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and a bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Step 6: Prepare the Bread
- While the soup simmers, slice a baguette into thick pieces. Toast them lightly until golden brown.
Step 7: Assemble the Soup
- Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl.
Step 8: Add Cheese
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Gruyère cheese over the bread. Don’t be shy; cheese is the star!
Step 9: Broil the Soup
- Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
- Carefully remove the bowls from the oven. Let them cool slightly, then dig in! Enjoy your cozy French onion soup!
Why You’ll Love This French Onion Soup
- Rich, savory flavors that warm your soul.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings.
- Easy to make, yet feels gourmet!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Soup |
| Cuisine: | French |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 45 minutes |
| Total Time: | 1 hour |
| Dietary: | Vegetarian |
| Serves: | 4 |
| Best Served: | Hot with crusty bread |
Ingredients for French Onion Soup
- Onions – The star of the soup, providing sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps caramelize the onions to perfection.
- Olive oil – A great substitute for butter, adding a fruity note to the dish.
- Garlic – Enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic qualities.
- Vegetable broth – A flavorful base that keeps the soup hearty and satisfying.
- Thyme – Fresh or dried, it adds an earthy note that complements the onions.
- Bay leaves – Infuses the soup with a subtle herbal flavor during cooking.
- Salt – Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the soup.
- Pepper – Adds a touch of heat and balances the sweetness of the onions.
- Baguette – Perfect for toasting and topping the soup for that classic finish.
- Cheese – Gruyère or mozzarella for a gooey, melty topping that completes the dish.
How to Make the French Onion Soup
Get ready to create a warm bowl of French onion soup that will wrap you in comfort!
Step 1: Slice the Onions
Grab 4 large onions. Peel and slice them thinly. Aim for even slices for consistent cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions
Cook the onions for about 30-40 minutes. They should turn a lovely golden brown. Don’t rush this step; patience is key!
Step 4: Add Broth
Pour in 6 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Season the Soup
Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and a bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Step 6: Prepare the Bread
While the soup simmers, slice a baguette into thick pieces. Toast them lightly until golden brown.
Step 7: Assemble the Soup
Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl.
Step 8: Add Cheese
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Gruyère cheese over the bread. Don’t be shy; cheese is the star!
Step 9: Broil the Soup
Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
Carefully remove the bowls from the oven. Let them cool slightly, then dig in! Enjoy your cozy French onion soup!
Pro Tips for Making the French Onion Soup
Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness.
Caramelize onions slowly over medium heat for rich flavor.
Consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
Top with crusty bread and a generous layer of cheese for the perfect finish.
Let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
How to Serve French Onion Soup
Enjoy your French onion soup with these delightful serving suggestions:
- Top with a generous layer of melted mozzarella or Gruyère cheese.
- Serve with crusty baguette slices for dipping.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color.
- Pair with a light salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette.
- Offer a side of roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
- For a twist, try adding caramelized mushrooms or sautéed spinach.
- Serve in individual ramekins for a charming presentation.
- Enjoy with a warm, crusty roll to soak up every drop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing leftovers is a great way to enjoy your French onion soup later. Follow these simple tips:
Storing Leftovers
• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the cheese separate if possible to maintain texture.
Freezing
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
• For the best cheese melt, broil in the oven after reheating.
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FAQs
What type of onions are best for French onion soup?
Yellow onions are the classic choice for French onion soup due to their natural sweetness and rich flavor. However, you can also mix in some sweet onions like Vidalia for an extra layer of sweetness. Just remember to slice them thinly for even caramelization!
Can I make French onion soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup base in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the soup, top it with cheese and bread, and broil until bubbly. It’s a great time-saver!
What can I use instead of beef broth?
If you prefer not to use beef broth, vegetable broth is an excellent substitute. You can also make a flavorful broth by simmering water with herbs, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce for depth. This will still give you a delicious and satisfying soup!
How do I achieve the perfect cheese topping?
For the perfect cheese topping, use a combination of Gruyère and mozzarella. Gruyère melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor, while mozzarella gives that gooey texture. Make sure to broil the soup until the cheese is golden and bubbly for that irresistible finish!