Description

This classic French Onion Soup recipe features deeply caramelized onions, a rich beef broth, toasted baguette slices, and melted Gruyere cheese, creating a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

6 cups thinly sliced onions
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 sprigs fresh thyme (leaves removed)
1 bay leaf
½ cup white wine
4 cups high-quality beef broth
Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

4 slices baguette, toasted
1 ½ cups grated Gruyere or similar cheese

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Instructions

Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet with high sides, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, thyme leaves, and bay leaf. Cook the onions on low heat for about 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent sticking. Add a teaspoon of salt to aid in caramelization. Continue until the onions are deeply caramelized to develop rich flavor.
Deglaze and Simmer: Once onions have turned a deep caramel color, deglaze the pan with the white wine by increasing heat to bring it to a boil, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. Add the beef broth and return the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer while preparing the broiler. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Prepare for Broiling: Ladle the soup evenly into four oven-safe bowls. Place one toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl, then generously sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese over the bread and soup surface.
Broil the Soup: Position the bowls under a hot broiler until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent the cheese from burning.
Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh thyme leaves. Serve the soup immediately while hot and enjoy its comforting flavors.

Notes

Onion Choice: Yellow onions are traditional, but mixing yellow, white, and red onions can add extra complexity to the flavor.
Wine Substitute: If avoiding alcohol, replace white wine with an equal amount of beef broth mixed with a splash of vinegar for acidity.
Cheese Options: Classic Gruyere can be substituted with Emmental, Swiss, or a cheese blend for varied flavors.
Broiler Tip: Keep a close eye on the soup during broiling to prevent the cheese from burning quickly.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 350g)
Calories: 380
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 55mg