French Onion Soup is a classic dish that’s perfect for warming up on a cold day. The deep, rich flavors of caramelized onions combined with beef stock and topped with a cheesy baguette make for a comforting and satisfying meal. Follow this simple recipe to create a delicious French Onion Soup that will impress your family and friends.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 4 to 6 large yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced (3 pounds/1350g)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 5 to 6 cups warm beef stock
• 5 thyme sprigs
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons brandy

For the Topping:

• 1 baguette, cut into ½-inch-thick slices
• 2 cups grated Gruyere cheese

Step-by-Step Directions

Caramelize the Onions

1. Melt Butter: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Cook Onions: Add the sliced onions and salt. Cover and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, just until the onions are softened and starting to release moisture.
3. Caramelize Onions: Uncover, and continue cooking, stirring every few minutes, until the onions are deeply golden brown and caramelized, about 1 hour. If the onions start to stick or appear to be burning, reduce the heat or add a tablespoon of water when stirring. Towards the end of the cooking time, you may need to stir every minute or so to keep them from burning.

Prepare the Soup

4. Add Garlic and Flour: Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and flour. Cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
5. Deglaze with Wine: Slowly pour in the white wine and scrape the bottom of the pot with your spoon to deglaze.
6. Add Stock and Seasonings: Add the warm beef stock, thyme sprigs, bay leaf, and ground black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
7. Simmer: Continue simmering for 20 minutes or until the soup reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the brandy and simmer for a few more minutes. Taste and add more salt, if needed. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf.

Prepare the Topping

8. Preheat Broiler: Preheat the oven to High broil (500°F).
9. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the soup into broiler-proof serving bowls. Top each with a slice or two of baguette and sprinkle with ¼ cup of grated Gruyere cheese.
10. Broil: Place the bowls on a lined sheet pan for easier handling. Broil for 2 minutes or until the cheese is very bubbly and just starting to brown.

Serve

11. Serve Immediately: Serve the French Onion Soup hot, garnished with additional fresh thyme if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-clumping agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best results, grate your own Gruyere cheese.
• Lined Sheet Pan: Place each bowl of soup on a lined sheet pan to make it easier to transfer the soup into the oven to broil. This also prevents any spills from ending up at the bottom of your oven.
• Stock Alternatives: This soup is just as delicious with chicken or vegetable stock if you don’t have beef stock on hand.
• No Oven-Safe Bowls?: If you do not have oven-safe serving bowls, you can place the slices of bread on a lined sheet pan and top with cheese. Broil until the cheese is melty, and transfer the baguettes with a spatula onto your bowls of soup.
• Patience is Key: The onions must be caramelized for the best flavor. Slightly browned onions will not lead to the classic flavors of French Onion Soup.
• Thyme Substitute: If you do not have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme in place. ¼ teaspoon of dried thyme is equal to approximately one sprig of fresh thyme.
• Don’t Skip Deglazing: Deglazing the pot is crucial as it incorporates the browned bits at the bottom into the soup, adding extra flavor.
• No Baguette?: Try using croutons instead.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover French Onion Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make French Onion Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop before serving. Add the bread and cheese topping just before serving and broil as directed.

What type of wine should I use?

Use a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio for the best flavor.

Can I freeze French Onion Soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup without the bread and cheese topping. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and adding the topping.

What can I use instead of Gruyere cheese?

You can substitute Gruyere with Swiss cheese, Emmental, or a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for a similar flavor.

Conclusion

This French Onion Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, caramelized onions, savory broth, and cheesy topping, it’s sure to become a favorite. Follow these simple steps and enjoy a bowl of this classic soup that’s sure to impress.