French Onion Soup is a classic dish with rich, caramelized onions in a flavorful broth topped with crusty bread and melted cheese. This BEST French Onion Soup Recipe takes this traditional dish to the next level by perfectly caramelizing the onions for deep flavor and slow-simmering them in a savory beef broth. The golden, bubbly layer of Gruyère cheese on top of a crispy baguette slice makes this soup irresistible and comforting.
Perfect for a cozy dinner or as an elegant appetizer, this French onion soup is a heartwarming dish that brings both depth and elegance to your table.
Why You’ll Love This BEST French Onion Soup Recipe
- Rich, Deep Flavor: Slowly caramelized onions give this soup an unmatched richness and sweetness.
- Bubbly Gruyère Cheese: The cheesy, melty topping with crispy bread makes each spoonful indulgent and satisfying.
- Elegant & Comforting: This soup is perfect for both special occasions and cozy nights in.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of basic ingredients to create a truly gourmet dish.
Key Ingredients for French Onion Soup
1. Onions
- Yellow or sweet onions work best for this recipe, as they caramelize beautifully and add natural sweetness to the soup.
2. Beef Broth
- A rich, high-quality beef broth forms the base of the soup. You can use homemade or store-bought, but look for one that’s low in sodium so you can control the seasoning.
3. Butter & Olive Oil
- A combination of butter and olive oil is used to caramelize the onions, giving them a rich, golden-brown color.
4. Dry White Wine
- Dry white wine adds a subtle acidity that balances the sweetness of the onions. You can also substitute with dry sherry or omit it if preferred.
5. Fresh Thyme
- Fresh thyme adds an earthy aroma to the soup, enhancing the savory flavors of the broth and onions.
6. Gruyère Cheese
- Gruyère is the classic choice for topping French onion soup. It melts beautifully and has a nutty, rich flavor that complements the onions.
7. Baguette
- Slices of toasted baguette serve as the base for the melted cheese. It adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.
How to Make the BEST French Onion Soup
This French onion soup recipe is easy to follow, and the result is a rich, comforting bowl of soup with perfectly caramelized onions and a cheesy, golden top. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 5-6 large thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes until the onions are deep golden brown and caramelized. Lower the heat if the onions begin to brown too quickly.
Step 2: Deglaze with White Wine
- Once the onions are caramelized, pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes until mostly evaporated.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
- Add 6 cups of beef broth, 2 sprigs of fresh thyme, and a bay leaf. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Prepare the Baguette
- While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice a baguette into 1-inch thick slices and place them on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes until crispy and golden.
Step 5: Top with Cheese
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls and place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl. Generously sprinkle 1/4 to 1/2 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese on top of the bread.
Step 6: Broil the Cheese
- Place the bowls under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Step 7: Serve
- Remove the soup from the broiler and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra thyme leaves if desired. Enjoy your rich, cheesy French onion soup!
Tips for Making the Best French Onion Soup
1. Be Patient with the Onions
- The key to a great French onion soup is properly caramelized onions. Take your time and cook them slowly over medium to low heat until they are deep golden brown and sweet.
2. Use Good-Quality Broth
- The beef broth is the base of the soup, so using a high-quality broth will make a big difference in flavor. If possible, opt for homemade or low-sodium beef broth.
3. Broil Just Before Serving
- Broil the cheese-topped soup right before serving for the best results. This ensures the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly, with a crispy top.
4. Add Wine for Extra Depth
- Dry white wine or sherry adds depth to the soup by balancing the sweetness of the onions. You can skip it if you prefer, but it enhances the overall flavor.
5. Serve with Extra Baguette Slices
- Serve extra slices of toasted baguette on the side for dipping into the soup, as they pair perfectly with the rich broth and melted cheese.
Recipe Variations
1. Vegetarian French Onion Soup
- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version of this classic soup. The caramelized onions still provide plenty of rich flavor.
2. Cheddar Onion Soup
- Substitute the Gruyère with sharp white cheddar for a different cheesy flavor profile. It adds a tangy richness that complements the caramelized onions.
3. Sherry Onion Soup
- Replace the white wine with dry sherry for a slightly sweeter and more complex flavor in the broth.
4. Herb-Infused Onion Soup
- Add extra herbs like rosemary or bay leaves to the broth for a more aromatic version of the soup.
FAQs: The BEST French Onion Soup
1. Can I Make French Onion Soup Ahead of Time?
- Yes! You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop, then top with baguette and cheese before broiling.
2. What Is the Best Cheese for French Onion Soup?
- Gruyère is the traditional cheese used for French onion soup, but you can also use Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or a combination of cheeses.
3. Can I Freeze French Onion Soup?
- Yes, you can freeze the soup (without the bread and cheese) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving with fresh baguette and melted cheese.
4. What Should I Serve with French Onion Soup?
- French onion soup pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a glass of red wine for a complete meal.
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