Classic French Onion Soup

Looking for a hearty and delicious soup to warm you up? This Classic French Onion Soup recipe features perfectly caramelized onions in a rich beef broth, topped with crispy toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyère cheese. The slow-cooked onions add a sweet and savory depth of flavor, while the cheese and toasted bread create the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests, this French onion soup is sure to impress. Customize it with optional substitutions and variations to suit your preferences, including gluten-free options and different cheeses.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 5 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus extra to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ½ cup dry white wine (or beef broth) for deglazing
• 7-8 cups beef broth (or bone broth for richer flavor)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf

For the baguettes:

• 1 demi French baguette, cut into 1-inch slices
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Garlic powder, to taste
• 8 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions:
   In a large Dutch oven or pot, melt the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and salt, stirring to coat. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes, until they caramelize and turn golden. Reduce the heat if the onions are browning too quickly or sticking.
2. Add the Flour and Garlic:
   Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the flour and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Deglaze and Simmer:
   Deglaze the pot with ½ cup dry white wine or beef broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Gradually add the beef broth, thyme, freshly ground black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
4. Prepare the Baguette:
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on the sheet, brushing one side with butter and sprinkling with garlic powder. Toast for 5 minutes per side until golden on the edges.
5. Finish the Soup:
   You have two options to complete the soup:
   • Option 1: Top each toasted baguette slice with shredded Gruyère cheese and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted. Ladle the soup into bowls, then place the cheesy baguettes on top. Serve immediately. Optionally, add more cheese on top of the soup.
   • Option 2: For the traditional method, ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks. Top with the toasted baguette slices and sprinkle with shredded Gruyère cheese. Broil in the oven for 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, watching closely to avoid burning. Serve immediately.

This recipe makes 6 servings.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Classic French Onion Soup is the ultimate comfort food, rich in savory, caramelized onion flavor with a deliciously cheesy topping. It combines layers of tender onions in a flavorful broth, enhanced by a splash of white wine and Worcestershire sauce. The toasted baguette slices topped with melted Gruyère cheese are the perfect finishing touch, making each bowl a warm and satisfying meal.

Tips

• Slow and Steady Caramelization: Take your time caramelizing the onions. This slow process is key to developing the deep, sweet flavor that makes French onion soup so special.
• Customize the Broth: Use bone broth for a richer, more hearty flavor, or go with a lighter beef broth if you prefer.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to easily make this recipe gluten-free.
• Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add extra Gruyère on top or even mix in a little Swiss or Parmesan for added flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Wine-Free: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with more beef broth for a fully non-alcoholic version.
• Cheese Options: While Gruyère is traditional, you can also use Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme is ideal, but you can experiment with rosemary or bay leaves for a different herbaceous note.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead. After simmering, store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat and top with freshly toasted baguette slices and cheese.

Can I freeze French onion soup?
Yes, French onion soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To serve, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat before adding the toasted baguette and cheese.

Can I use a different type of bread for the topping?
While a French baguette is traditional, any crusty bread, like sourdough or ciabatta, works well as a topping.

Serving and Suggestions

• Pair with a Side Salad: Serve your French onion soup with a light, green salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Wine Pairing: This rich, savory soup pairs well with a glass of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, or a light red like Pinot Noir.
• Serve with a Side of Roasted Vegetables: Complement the deep flavors of the soup with roasted veggies like carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts for a comforting meal.