Description
This classic French Onion Soup recipe features deeply caramelized onions simmered in rich beef broth with red wine and herbs, topped with toasted baguette slices and a generous layer of melted Gruyere and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1½ pounds yellow onions, peeled, halved, and thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 6 cups beef broth, low sodium or no sodium added
- 1 cup dry red wine (Pinot Noir, Côtes du Rhône, or Merlot)
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 sprigs thyme
- 3 tablespoons cognac
- 8 slices French baguette
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- In a large heavy pot such as a Dutch oven, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until the butter melts. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them evenly in the oil. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 20 minutes, stirring every few minutes. The onions should turn transparent after this initial cooking.
- Remove the lid, then stir in the sugar and salt. Continue cooking uncovered for another 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onions should turn a deep golden brown and develop a sweet, rich flavor.
- Add the flour and remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the pot. Stir well and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and slightly thicken the mixture.
- Pour 1 cup of beef broth into the pot and stir thoroughly, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits. Cook for about 1 minute until the liquid begins to evaporate.
- Add the remaining broth, red wine, bay leaves, and thyme sprigs to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 30 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove and discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs afterward.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in the cognac to finish the base.
- Preheat your broiler. Lightly brush the baguette slices with olive oil and toast them under the broiler for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side until golden. Ladle soup into ovenproof bowls, sprinkle about 1 cup of Gruyere cheese over the top, then place the toasted bread slices onto the cheese. Top the bread with remaining Gruyere and Parmesan cheese.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Transfer the bowls to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese melts and starts to brown lightly. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop and Oven
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: French Onion Soup, Gruyere Cheese, Comfort Food