French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup blends caramelized onions, rich broth, and melty cheese for a decadent meal that’s ready in about 90 minutes and perfect for cozy nights or elegant gatherings. This simple recipe delivers classic French soups with bold flavor.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup 60ml olive oil
- 2 tbsp 30g unsalted butter
- 3 lbs 1.4kg yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 6 large onions)
- ½ cup 120ml dry white wine
- ¼ cup 60ml dry sherry
- 2 tbsp 15g all-purpose flour
- 6 cups 1.4L beef stock
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 slices rustic sourdough or baguette about 120g
- 1 garlic clove halved
- 1 cup 100g shredded Gruyère cheese
- ¼ cup 25g grated Parmesan cheese
- Substitution: Use vegetable stock for vegetarian; gluten-free flour and bread; vegan cheese for plant-based.
Instructions
Caramelize Onions
- I heat ¼ cup olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat, add 3 lbs sliced onions with 1 tsp salt, cover, and cook 15 minutes. I uncover and cook 35–45 minutes, stirring often, until deep golden for these French Onion Soup bowls.
Deglaze and Thicken
- I add ½ cup white wine and ¼ cup sherry, scrape the pot, stir in 2 tbsp flour, and cook 1–2 minutes for these cheesy onion bowls.
Add Stock and Season
- I pour in 6 cups beef stock, add 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 3 thyme sprigs, 2 bay leaves, and ½ tsp pepper, then simmer 20 minutes, discarding herbs after, for these classic French soups.
Toast Bread
- I brush 4 sourdough slices with olive oil, bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden, and rub with a garlic clove for this simple recipe.
Assemble and Broil
- I ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with a bread slice, ¼ cup Gruyère, and 1 tbsp Parmesan per bowl, then broil until cheese is bubbly and golden for these cheesy onion bowls.
Serve
- I serve hot, garnished with thyme if desired, for these classic French soups.
Notes
- Caramelize onions low and slow for the best flavor.
- Gruyère or Swiss cheese melt best and give authentic flavor.
- Vegetarian option: use vegetable broth.
- For gluten-free, use GF flour and bread.
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