Is there anything cozier than a big bowl of French Onion Soup on a cold evening? I can’t think of anything that quite matches the warm blanket feeling of the warm rich, broth with a cheesy breaded topping at the end of the day.
Making this dish isn’t complicated, though there are many variations of it found in cookbooks around the world. I like to caramelize the onions really well. To do it right takes a long time, but be patient because it is worth it. Then I add the broth and all the flavors to get it rich and creamy. Even though there is no dairy in this dish, it can have a creamy-like texture when it’s simmered for a nice, long time.
Don’t skimp on the bread or cheese either because, honestly, I think that’s what makes the soup so outrageously awesome. It is kind of like having a full grilled cheese on the top of your soup bowl and who wouldn’t love that?! I like to make sure the bread is really crispy and the cheese is fully melted and not too watery. Then, I crack the topping with a spoon and get a bite of cheesy bread with each spoonful of broth. It’s so good! Once I saw someone make a grilled cheese and cut it up and add it to the bread like croutons, that was yummy, too.
I recommend this dish for the cooler months. I find it specifically good for the nights we come home from skiing or sledding and really need something hot. It also is fun for easy nights with friends over because it’s such a treat!
I hope you love this great way for making French Onion Soup at home. Don’t let the idea intimidate you, it really is quite simple. Once you have success making it, you’re going to put in on regular rotation in your kitchen! Enjoy!
French Onion Soup
This is such comforting dish made with caramelized onions, rich broth, and topped with crusty bread and melted cheese. I love making it in the winter months when we’re all in the mood for cozy food!
Ingredients:
4 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sugar
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
6 cups beef broth (or a mix of beef and chicken broth)
2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
1 bay leaf
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 baguette (sliced into rounds)
2 cups Gruyère cheese (grated)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
Instructions:
1. Caramelize the onions:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar (which helps with caramelization), and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Adjust the heat if the onions start to brown too quickly.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Deglaze with wine (optional):
Add the white wine to the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine cook down for about 2-3 minutes until reduced.
3. Simmer the soup:
Add the beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce (if using) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Prepare the bread:
While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crisp.
5. Assemble the soup:
Once the soup has finished simmering, remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, leaving a little room at the top.
6. Add the cheese:
Place 1-2 toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl of soup. Generously sprinkle the grated Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses on top.
7. Broil the soup:
Place the bowls on a baking sheet and transfer them to the oven under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Serve:
Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and serve the French Onion Soup hot.
Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT.. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekascollective.com or call 203.658.8659.
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