Name: French Onion Soup
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 large yellow onions (about 3 lbs), thinly sliced; 4 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp kosher salt (use less if using table salt); 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sherry wine or white wine; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about ½ a lemon); 8 cups high-quality beef broth; 2 cups water; 1 tbsp Better Than Bouillon Beef Base; 3 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped; 1 yellow onion, roughly chopped; 2 stalks celery, roughly chopped; 6 large cloves garlic, smashed; 1 tsp prepared horseradish; 3 sprigs fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried); 3 small sprigs fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried); 3 bay leaves; 15 peppercorns (about ½ tsp); 1 lb French bread, sliced; 1 cup gruyere cheese, freshly grated; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 8 oz Swiss cheese, sliced

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Imagine a cool evening, the air crisp and the world a little quieter, when you take that first spoonful of French Onion Soup. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with layers of rich, caramelized onions, savory broth, and a melted cheesy topping that’s just the cherry on top. Trust me when I say, this soup is everything—it’s the kind of dish that wraps you up in a cozy embrace, making you forget about everything else in the world.

You don’t need to be a professional chef to create this beautiful, soul-soothing soup. It’s simple, comforting, and has that “wow” factor that makes it perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests. You’ll be amazed at how something so humble, like onions and broth, can create such a deep, flavorful experience. This one’s a game-changer, my friend!

Why You’ll Love French Onion Soup

Let me tell you, French Onion Soup isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s going to become your new favorite:

Versatile

Perfect for a quiet dinner at home or as a showstopper when you’re entertaining. Picture this: a cozy night with family, or a dinner party where this soup is the star of the show. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Budget-Friendly

You don’t need anything fancy or expensive to create this masterpiece. Onions, broth, a bit of cheese—simple, everyday ingredients come together to make something extraordinary. Plus, this soup is hearty enough to serve as a full meal without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy

Okay, I know what you’re thinking: “French Onion Soup sounds fancy!” But don’t worry—it’s surprisingly easy to make. Yes, it takes a little time for the onions to caramelize to perfection, but the actual steps? Easy-peasy! You’ll feel like a culinary genius by the time it’s done.

Customizable

Feel free to play around with this recipe! Want a sharper flavor? Try adding a dash of wine or a splash of balsamic vinegar. Want it even cheesier? You can never go wrong with more Gruyère or a sprinkle of Parmesan. Make it yours!

Crowd-Pleasing

Who doesn’t love French Onion Soup? With that deep, savory broth and gooey melted cheese, it’s a guaranteed hit. Even picky eaters can’t resist that golden, cheesy topping.

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Ingredients in French Onion Soup

Here’s the magic of French Onion Soup—it’s made with just a few basic ingredients, yet the flavors are so much more than the sum of their parts. Let’s break it down:

Onions

Onions are the star of the show, so don’t skimp! As they caramelize, they transform into this sweet, rich base for the soup. You’ll want a good amount, as they’re what make the soup so comforting and flavorful.

Broth

A rich, savory broth is key to this soup. You can use beef broth for that deep, hearty flavor, or chicken broth for something a little lighter. Either way, it’ll give your soup that deliciously savory foundation.

Cheese

A generous helping of melted cheese on top is what takes this soup to the next level. Gruyère is the classic choice—melty, nutty, and just perfect. A little sprinkle of Parmesan adds an extra layer of flavor, too.

Bread

Crusty bread is a must. It soaks up the broth and provides the perfect base for the melted cheese to cling to. You’ll want to make sure your bread is sturdy enough to handle all that deliciousness without falling apart!

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive in and make some French Onion Soup? Let’s do this!

Caramelize the Onions

Start by slicing your onions thinly. Heat a little butter and oil in a large pot over medium-low heat, then add the onions. Stir occasionally and cook them low and slow for about 40-45 minutes. The key is to let them caramelize slowly, turning golden and sweet. This step is crucial for building that deep, rich flavor.

Add the Broth

Once your onions are beautifully caramelized, it’s time to add the broth. Pour in your beef or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Toast the Bread

While the soup simmers, toast your bread slices. You can use a toaster, broiler, or even a skillet. Just make sure the bread is golden and crispy on both sides—it’ll be the perfect vehicle for all that cheese!

Assemble the Soup

Once your soup is ready, ladle it into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl, then top with a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese (and Parmesan, if you’re feeling fancy!).

Broil to Perfection

Place the bowls under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and slightly crispy. The cheese should form a gorgeous, golden crust over the bread and soup.

Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the bowls from the oven (they’ll be hot!), and serve the soup right away. It’s perfect for dipping, slurping, and savoring every comforting spoonful.

How to Serve French Onion Soup

Now that your soup is ready, here are a few serving ideas to elevate the experience:

Fresh Green Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect balance to the richness of French Onion Soup.
Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted veggies like carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts pairs wonderfully with this comforting soup.
Wine Pairing: A glass of dry white wine or a light red wine can be the perfect accompaniment. The acidity and lightness complement the richness of the soup.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make this soup even more perfect:

Slow and Steady: Don’t rush the caramelizing process. It takes time, but it’s so worth it for that deep, rich flavor.
Make It Ahead: French Onion Soup stores beautifully in the fridge. Make a big batch and reheat it for an easy meal throughout the week.
Cheese: Don’t skimp on the cheese! Gruyère is key for that meltiness, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Swiss or Emmental for a different twist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of broth?

A1: Absolutely! You can use chicken or vegetable broth if you prefer something lighter. Beef broth gives the soup its signature deep flavor, but feel free to adjust based on your taste.

Q2: Can I make this soup ahead of time?

A2: Yes! In fact, it’s even better the next day. Prepare the soup and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready, just reheat and add the bread and cheese before broiling.

Q3: Can I freeze French Onion Soup?

A3: Yes! This soup freezes wonderfully. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, and add fresh bread and cheese before broiling.

Q4: Can I make this vegetarian?

A4: Absolutely! Simply swap the beef broth for vegetable broth, and you’re all set for a vegetarian-friendly French Onion Soup.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

A5: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best results, keep the bread and cheese separate and toast the bread fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?

A6: Definitely! Just make sure you have a big enough pot to accommodate the extra ingredients. The soup can be made in larger quantities and stored for later.

Q7: What’s the best way to reheat French Onion Soup?

A7: Reheat the soup gently on the stove over low heat. When you’re ready to serve, toast fresh bread, add cheese, and broil until bubbly!

Conclusion

French Onion Soup is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re indulging in something special without much effort at all. It’s rich, comforting, and downright delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just enjoying a cozy meal at home, this soup is sure to hit the spot. So grab your onions, get that broth simmering, and get ready for a bowl of pure, melted cheesy perfection! Enjoy!