Description
This classic Easy French Onion Soup features slowly caramelized sweet onions simmered in a rich beef broth with fragrant herbs, topped with toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyère cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 6 cups beef broth (or a mix of beef and chicken broth)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sugar, stirring occasionally. Cook the onions slowly for 30-40 minutes until they turn golden brown and develop a deep, caramelized flavor. Adjust the heat to prevent burning.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. If using, pour in the dry white wine and cook for 3-4 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits, until the wine has reduced by half.
- Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaves and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes to meld the flavors. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste and remove the bay leaves before serving.
- While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush them lightly with olive oil. Toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the bread slices are golden and crispy.
- Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place one toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl, then sprinkle generously with grated Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles with a beautiful golden crust.
- Carefully remove the bowls from the oven using oven mitts and allow them to cool slightly before serving to avoid burns. Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and flavorful French onion soup!
Notes
- This recipe serves 6.
- You can make this soup with or without white wine.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: French Onion Soup, Soup, Comfort Food