Name: French Onion Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 h 25 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 4 large onions, sliced thin; 1 tablespoon dry sherry; 4 cups low-sodium beef broth; 1 tablespoon chopped, fresh thyme; ½ teaspoon worcestershire sauce; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 (½-inch) thick slices french bread, cut into small cubes (about 1 cup); ½ cup shredded swiss cheese; 4 (½-inch) thick slices french bread; 4 slices gruyere cheese

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A warm bowl of French Onion Soup is like a cozy hug on a chilly day. The rich, caramelized onions swimming in a savory broth topped with toasted bread and gooey melted cheese create a flavor symphony that’s hard to resist. It’s the perfect comfort food that warms both the heart and the soul, making it a beloved classic in kitchens everywhere.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make French Onion Soup
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
French Onion Soup

I remember the first time I made French Onion Soup; it was a crisp autumn evening, and the smell of slowly caramelizing onions filled my kitchen, transforming my home into a fragrant haven. Each step in the cooking process heightened my anticipation, and when I finally took that first spoonful, it was unforgettable. The depth of flavor surpassed anything I’d had at a restaurant. This simple French Onion Soup recipe is not only easy but surprisingly budget-friendly. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll want to serve it at gatherings or make it a weekly staple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can have a delicious soup ready to simmer for dinner.
Irresistible Flavor: The sweetness of the onions and savory broth combine for an incredible, comforting taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Topped with melted cheese and toasted bread, it looks as good as it tastes and impresses every guest.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a starter or main dish; it’s a great addition to any winter meal or just a cozy night in.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets, just use gluten-free bread and broth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons unsalted butter: This will add a rich flavor and help caramelize the onions. If you prefer, you can swap it with more olive oil.
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Offers a healthy fat option that enhances flavor. Feel free to use all butter if you want a more indulgent taste.
4 large onions, sliced thin: Yellow onions are preferred for their sweetness as they caramelize beautifully, but you can also use white onions in a pinch.
1 tablespoon dry sherry: Adds a lovely depth; however, you can substitute with white wine or skip it if you prefer alcohol-free.
4 cups low-sodium beef broth: Provides the base of the soup. For a vegetarian version, replace it with vegetable broth.
1 tablespoon chopped, fresh thyme: This herb enhances the overall flavor profile and brings earthiness. Dried thyme can be used in a smaller amount.
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: A secret ingredient for umami flavor; you can omit it for vegetarian versions or use a vegan Worcestershire sauce.
¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Adjust to taste; remember the broth may already contain salt.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is best for maximum flavor.
2 (½-inch) thick slices French bread, cut into small cubes (about 1 cup): These cubes absorb the soup and add texture. You can use any crusty bread.
½ cup shredded Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creaminess. Gruyere also works wonderfully.
4 (½-inch) thick slices French bread: These will top the soup and create a tasty, cheesy crust.
4 slices Gruyere cheese: This classic cheese creates that perfect, stretchy topping. If unavailable, use mozzarella as a substitute.

How to Make French Onion Soup

Melt the Butter and Oil: Start by melting 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter along with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. This combination creates a wonderful base for caramelizing the onions.

Caramelize the Onions: Add the 4 large sliced onions to the pot, stirring well to ensure they’re coated in the buttery oil. Cook the onions over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to achieve a deep, rich brown color without burning them. Once they start to soften, lower the heat and let them cook for an additional hour, stirring occasionally.

Deglaze with Sherry: Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, it’s time to add 1 tablespoon of dry sherry. This will add a fragrant punch of flavor, so let it cook for a minute or two until the alcohol evaporates.

Combine Ingredients: Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium beef broth, then stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme, ½ teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix it all together, then add in the 2 cups of cubed bread, ensuring it’s well incorporated.

Bring to a Boil and Simmer: Increase the heat, bringing the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover it, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the flavors have melded, and the aroma fills your kitchen.

Prepare for Serving: Carefully transfer your soup into individual ramekins or small oven-proof bowls. Top each with 2 tablespoons of shredded Swiss cheese, followed by 1 slice of French bread on top, and finish it off with 1 slice of Gruyere cheese.

Broil to Perfection: Place the bowls under the broiler, about 3-4 inches from the heat source. Broil for about 3-4 minutes, keeping a close eye to ensure it doesn’t burn. The cheese should be bubbly and golden brown.

Enjoy Immediately: Once the cheeses have melted to perfection, serve your delicious soup right away. Alternatively, for a simpler method, you can broil the cheese-topped bread separately and place the slices atop the served bowls of soup as a finishing touch.

Storing & Reheating

Leftover French Onion Soup can be stored at room temperature for up to two hours. For longer storage, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you wish to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat until it’s hot throughout, adding a little extra broth if it seems too thick. The texture might change slightly after freezing, but a quick stir and heat will bring it back to life.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To ensure perfectly caramelized onions, patience is key; don’t rush the cooking process.
If your onions start to stick, add a splash of water to loosen them. This can help avoid burning and allows for even cooking.
Allow your soup to cool before transferring it to the refrigerator to prevent excess condensation in the container.
Using a mix of cheeses can enhance flavor; combine Swiss with Fontina for a delightful twist.
Consider adding a dash of balsamic vinegar just before serving for a tangy flavor boost.

There’s nothing quite like the warm embrace of a bowl of French Onion Soup to lift your spirits. With this simple recipe, you’re not just cooking a meal; you’re creating an experience that can bring friends and family together. Embrace the process, adjust as you see fit, and enjoy every flavorful spoonful.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make French Onion Soup in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the soup up to the boiling stage and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat before adding your toppings and broiling.

What type of bread works best for this recipe?

For the best texture and flavor, use crusty French bread or baguette. However, any hearty bread will work well. If you’re gluten-free, choose a gluten-free artisan bread that can hold up to the broth.

Is it possible to make it vegetarian-friendly?

Yes! Simply replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and make sure to use a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. This keeps all the richness while being meat-free.

Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, you can freeze French Onion Soup for up to 3 months. However, cheese textures may change upon freezing. It’s best to add cheese fresh when reheating!