Description
A classic French onion soup recipe featuring deeply caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and a topping of crusty bread with melted Gruyère cheese. This comforting soup is perfect for cold evenings or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5–6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss, Emmental, or mozzarella)
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and jammy. Add garlic during the last 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle onions with sugar if desired. Add broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes. Remove bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes.
- Top toasted bread slices with shredded Gruyère cheese. Return to the oven and bake until cheese is melted and bubbling, about 5 minutes.
- Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place one or two cheese toasts on top and serve immediately. For a broiled finish, place bowls under the broiler until cheese bubbles and browns.
Notes
- Patience is key when caramelizing onions for the best flavor.
- Use a sturdy baguette that won’t get soggy quickly.
- Gruyère is traditional, but Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella are good cheese alternatives.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and a vegetarian-friendly cheese.
- Store soup (without toast) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop and Oven
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: Approx. 450 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 15g
- Sodium: Approx. 900mg
- Fat: Approx. 25g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 13g
- Trans Fat: Approx. 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 40g
- Fiber: Approx. 5g
- Protein: Approx. 18g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 50mg
Keywords: French onion soup, cheese, Gruyère, comfort food, classic soup, caramelized onions