Description
This classic French Onion Soup recipe features deeply caramelized yellow onions, rich beef broth, and a perfectly cheesy topping of Gruyère and Parmesan melted over toasted baguette slices. It is a comforting and indulgent bowl of savory goodness that captures the authentic Parisian bistro experience, ideal for cozy lunches or dinners when craving traditional French cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Soup:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)
- 6 cups beef broth (or mix of beef and chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
For the Topping:
- 1 French baguette, sliced into rounds
- 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Cook slowly for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn deeply golden and caramelized, which creates a rich, sweet flavor base for the soup.
- Build the Soup: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute to release its flavor. Then, deglaze the pot with dry white wine, scraping up the browned bits stuck to the bottom. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, and bay leaf. Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully.
- Prepare the Topping: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until crisp and lightly golden, which adds a delightful texture contrast to the soup.
- Assemble & Broil: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, then top each bowl with a toasted baguette slice. Generously sprinkle with shredded Gruyère and grated Parmesan cheese. Place the bowls under the broiler on high for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts, becomes bubbly, and develops a lovely golden crust.
- Serve & Enjoy: Carefully take the hot bowls out of the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy this cozy, savory soup with extra toasted bread on the side for a full comforting meal experience.
Notes
- Use sweet yellow onions for the best natural sweetness and caramelization.
- Caramelize the onions slowly and patiently to develop a deep, rich flavor.
- Gruyère cheese is traditional and provides great meltability and nuttiness, but Swiss or provolone cheeses can be used as alternatives.
- Be careful when broiling the cheese topping; keep an eye on the soup to prevent burning.
- Oven-safe bowls are necessary to broil the soup directly; otherwise, transfer toppings to a baking dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Lunch & Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: French Onion Soup, caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, rich beef broth, classic French recipe, comfort food, baguette, savory soup
