Description
A cozy French onion soup featuring slow-caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and topped with melty Gruyere cheese on toasted baguette slices. Perfect comfort food for chilly evenings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 2 pounds)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 6 cups beef broth, preferably low sodium
- 1/2 cup dry sherry (or dry white wine)
- 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 French baguette, cut into 1/2-inch slices
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
Instructions
- Peel and thinly slice about 4 large yellow onions (about 2 pounds). Aim for even slices for uniform caramelization.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir frequently and cook for 40-50 minutes until onions soften, turn golden, then deep brown and sweet. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour and stir well to coat the onions. Cook for another 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
- Pour in 1/2 cup dry sherry (or dry white wine) to deglaze the pot, scraping up brown bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add 6 cups beef broth, 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside. Top each slice with a generous handful of shredded Gruyere cheese.
- For classic presentation, ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a cheese-topped baguette slice on top of each bowl and broil for 2-4 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. If no oven-safe bowls, serve soup with cheesy toast on the side.
- Carefully remove from oven and serve immediately.
Notes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop and Broiling
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: French Onion Soup, Cozy Soup, Homemade Soup