french onion soup warms the soul with layers of sweet caramelized onions simmered in a rich, savory broth enriched with a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. Picture this: golden onions dancing in melting butter, each slice releasing a whisper of sweetness. We swap beef stock for a robust mushroom broth (or unsalted beef broth for meat-eaters) to keep it rich without any pork. A golden toast crowned with bubbling gruyère invites you to swoon at every spoonful. This playful, cozy recipe brings café-style charm to your kitchen, coaxing you into a warm hug with every aromatic, cheesy bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This french onion soup
- Rich, savory flavors that warm your soul.
- Simple ingredients create a gourmet experience.
- Perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests.
- Customizable with your favorite cheese and herbs.
french onion soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Peel and Slice Onions – Start by peeling and thinly slicing the onions. Aim for even slices to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Step 2: Melt Butter and Oil – In a large pot, melt some butter with a splash of olive oil over medium heat. This combo adds flavor and helps prevent burning.
- Step 3: Caramelize Onions – Add the sliced onions and a pinch of sugar. Cook them slowly, stirring frequently, until they are deeply caramelized, about 30–40 minutes. Patience is key here!
- Step 4: Add Broth – Pour in some vegetable broth and add thyme and a bay leaf. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 20–30 minutes. This is where the flavors meld beautifully.
- Step 5: Season the Soup – Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf before serving.
- Step 6: Preheat Broiler – While the soup is simmering, preheat your broiler. This will give your cheese that perfect bubbly finish.
- Step 7: Assemble the Soup – Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of baguette and a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese.
- Step 8: Broil the Cheese – Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
- Step 9: Serve Hot – Carefully remove the bowls from the oven. Serve your delicious French onion soup hot and enjoy every spoonful!
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbs | 30g |
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients for a delectable French onion soup that warms the soul!
- 4 large yellow onions – sliced thinly
- 3 tablespoons butter – for richness
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing
- 1 teaspoon sugar – to enhance sweetness
- 6 cups beef broth – or vegetable broth for a lighter option
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme – or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf – adds depth of flavor
- salt and pepper to taste – for seasoning
- 4–6 slices baguette – for topping
- 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese – melts beautifully
How to Make French Onion Soup
This delightful French onion soup is a warm hug in a bowl. With a preparation time of about 10 minutes and a cooking time of 1 hour, you’ll be savoring this comforting dish in no time. Just a little extra time under the broiler for that cheesy goodness, and you’re all set!
Step 1: Peel and Slice Onions
Start by peeling and thinly slicing the onions. Aim for even slices to ensure they cook uniformly.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Oil
In a large pot, melt some butter with a splash of olive oil over medium heat. This combo adds flavor and helps prevent burning.
Step 3: Caramelize Onions
Add the sliced onions and a pinch of sugar. Cook them slowly, stirring frequently, until they are deeply caramelized, about 30–40 minutes. Patience is key here!
Step 4: Add Broth
Pour in some vegetable broth and add thyme and a bay leaf. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 20–30 minutes. This is where the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Season the Soup
Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf before serving.
Step 6: Preheat Broiler
While the soup is simmering, preheat your broiler. This will give your cheese that perfect bubbly finish.
Step 7: Assemble the Soup
Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of baguette and a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese.
Step 8: Broil the Cheese
Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
Step 9: Serve Hot
Carefully remove the bowls from the oven. Serve your delicious French onion soup hot and enjoy every spoonful!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Soup |
| Cuisine | French |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 60 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 70 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian option available |
| Serves | 6 |
| Best Served | Hot with melted cheese on top! |
Pro Tips for Making French Onion Soup
- Choose sweet onions like Vidalia for a richer flavor.
- Slowly caramelize the onions for that deep, golden color.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth for a balanced taste.
- 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 the flavors.
How to Serve this french onion soup
- Top with crispy baguette slices for a delightful crunch.
- Sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color.
- Pair with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
- Serve alongside a warm, crusty bread for dipping.
- Enjoy with a side of roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
- For a twist, add a dollop of pesto on top before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your French onion soup later is easy and convenient:
Storing Leftovers
- Let the soup cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
- Cool the soup completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Leave some space for expansion as it freezes.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add a splash of vegetable broth for creaminess if needed.
- Serve hot, topped with cheese and toasted bread.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is the secret ingredient in French onion soup?
The secret ingredient in French onion soup is often a touch of sweetness, which can be achieved by using a bit of sugar or caramelized onions. This enhances the natural flavors of the onions and adds depth to the soup. Some people also like to add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a hint of soy sauce for an umami boost, making the soup even more delicious!
2. What is French onion soup made of?
French onion soup is primarily made of caramelized onions, beef or vegetable broth, and topped with crusty bread and melted cheese. The onions are slowly cooked until they are golden brown, which brings out their natural sweetness. For a vegetarian version, you can use vegetable broth and skip any meat-based ingredients, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting dish!
3. What is the difference between French onion soup and regular onion soup?
The main difference between French onion soup and regular onion soup lies in the preparation and flavor profile. French onion soup is characterized by its rich, caramelized onions and a savory broth, often topped with melted cheese and toasted bread. Regular onion soup may not have the same depth of flavor or the signature cheese topping, making French onion soup a more indulgent and hearty option!
4. What is Julia Child’s recipe for French onion soup?
Julia Child’s recipe for French onion soup emphasizes the importance of slowly caramelizing the onions to develop their flavor. She typically uses a combination of beef broth and a bit of white wine, but you can substitute with vegetable broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a non-alcoholic version. The key is to take your time with the onions and to finish the soup with a generous layer of cheese on top of the bread before broiling it until bubbly and golden!
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making French onion soup, it’s time to savor every spoonful! This comforting dish is not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. So gather your loved ones, share a laugh, and enjoy the simple pleasure of this classic delight. Bon appétit!