why make this recipe
Classic French Onion Soup is a warm, comforting dish that brings a touch of Paris to your kitchen. It’s rich in flavor, thanks to sweet caramelized onions and hearty broth. This soup is perfect for cold days, making you feel cozy from the inside out. Plus, the melted cheese on top adds a delicious, gooey touch that makes each spoonful even better. Making this recipe is a great way to impress your family and friends with a classic French dish without much fuss.
how to make Classic French Onion Soup
Ingredients
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup dry white wine or sherry
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
Directions
- In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring often, until caramelized (about 25 minutes).
- Add the wine or sherry, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any brown bits.
- Stir in the broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven’s broiler.
- Remove the thyme and bay leaf from the soup. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, place a slice of baguette on top of each bowl, and sprinkle with Gruyère cheese.
- Broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 2-4 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
how to serve Classic French Onion Soup
Serve your Classic French Onion Soup hot, with the cheese melted and bubbly on top. It’s lovely on its own or paired with a fresh salad or crusty bread. For an extra special touch, you can garnish it with some fresh thyme leaves.
how to store Classic French Onion Soup
To store your soup, let it cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Just make sure to leave off the cheese and bread until you reheat it.
tips to make Classic French Onion Soup
- Take your time when caramelizing the onions. The longer they cook, the sweeter and more flavorful they will become.
- If you want a deeper flavor, you can use a mix of beef and vegetable broth.
- Use good-quality Gruyère cheese for the best melt and taste.
- If you don’t have a broiler, you can also bake the bowls in the oven at 400°F until the cheese melts.
variation
If you’d like to add a twist, try adding sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor or some cooked bacon for added richness. You can also switch up the cheese by using mozzarella or a sharp cheddar for a different taste.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of beef broth and skipping the cheese or using a vegetarian cheese.
How can I make the soup thicker?
If you want a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water at the end of cooking or let the soup simmer longer to reduce.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the soup a day ahead. Just reheat it on the stove and add the cheese and bread right before serving.