The Ultimate French Onion Soup Recipe

French onion soup is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. It's made with caramelized onions, beef broth, and a generous amount of Gruyere cheese. This recipe is easy to make and the result is a delicious and sophisticated soup that will make you feel fancy.

French onion soup has a long history dating back to ancient Rome. It was originally made with onions, water, and salt and was served as a simple, cheap meal for the poor. It wasn't until the 18th century that the dish was elevated to the rich, hearty soup we know today, with the addition of beef broth and bread.

The traditional way to serve French onion soup is in a crock, which is a small, round, oven-safe bowl. The crock is filled with the soup and then topped with a piece of bread and cheese. This allows the cheese to melt and create a delicious, gooey layer on top of the soup.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of onion for this recipe?

While sweet onions are traditional for French onion soup, you can use a different type of onion, such as yellow onions or shallots. However, the flavor may vary slightly.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Gruyere cheese is traditional for French onion soup, but you can also use other types of cheese such as Comté, Emmental or even a blend of different cheeses such as Gruyere and Comté.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of beef broth and omitting the butter.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free bread instead of a French baguette.

Is it necessary to deglaze the pot with red wine?

No, it is not necessary, but it adds flavor and helps to deglaze the pot, which means to scrape off any bits of caramelized onion that may be stuck to the bottom. This can help to add more flavor to the soup.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can

Make it

French Onion Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

3 pounds sweet onions

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more to brush the bread

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup red wine

8 cups beef stock

2 sprigs of fresh thyme

2 bay leaves

8 ounces of gruyere cheese

1 French baguette

Fresh chives (for garnish)

Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

Peel and thinly slice the onions. To do this, cut parallel to the grain of the onion.

In a heavy bottom pot or Dutch oven, over medium heat, add the butter and olive oil. Once the butter has melted, transfer the sliced onions into the pot and add a pinch of kosher salt.

To caramelize the onions, continue cooking over medium heat, stirring frequently. This will take about 45 minutes, so do not rush the process.

Grate the Gruyere cheese while the onions are caramelizing.

Once the onions have caramelized, add the minced garlic and saute for another minute. Then, add the red wine and deglaze the bottom of the pot. Continue stirring until all the wine has been cooked out, about 6 minutes.

6. Once the wine has evaporated, add the beef stock, fresh thyme, and bay leaves. Bring the soup to a simmer and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue simmering for at least 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, slice the French baguette into half-inch thick slices. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush the slices with olive oil and transfer them onto a baking tray. Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Set the bread aside.

Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.

Ladle the French onion soup into oven-safe bowls, leaving space for the croutons and cheese. Place a couple of slices of bread on top of each bowl, and then top them with shredded Gruyere cheese.

Bring the soup back to the oven and broil on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Garnish with fresh chives and serve.

This recipe is a great way to enjoy the classic French onion soup. The caramelized onions give the soup a rich, sweet flavor that is balanced by the beef broth and red wine. The Gruyere cheese and bread add a delicious gooeyness that makes the soup even more comforting. Enjoy it with a glass of red wine and you will feel like you're in a French bistro. Buen provecho!