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french onion soup recipe

Indulgent French Onion Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights In


  • Author: grace bellamy
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

The first time I inhaled the rich, sweet aroma of a bubbling french onion soup recipe simmering away in my grandmother’s kitchen, I felt an instant warmth that wrapped around me like a cozy blanket. The simple act of caramelizing onions became a cherished ritual, resulting in a deeply satisfying dish that effortlessly brought my family together. This french onion soup recipe is not just a meal; it’s a heartfelt invitation to slow down, breathe in the rich flavors, and savor the comforting embrace of this classic dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups yellow onions
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 French baguette slices
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • to taste fresh parsley
  • to taste ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Allow it to foam and bubble slightly, which indicates it’s time to add the onions.
  2. Add 4 cups of thinly sliced onions, stirring well to coat them in the melted butter. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a lovely golden brown and caramelized.
  3. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of sugar over the onions. This step enhances sweetness, helping the onions caramelize even more beautifully.
  4. Pour in 1 cup of dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any flavorful bits. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
  5. Stir in 4 cups of beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes, allowing all the flavors to marry together.
  6. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, as the broth adds its own saltiness.
  7. Preheat your oven to 400°F while you prepare the topping. Slice a French baguette and toast the slices for crispness.
  8. Assemble the soup in oven-safe bowls—ladle in the hot soup and top each bowl with a couple of toasted baguette slices.
  9. Top generously with grated Gruyère cheese. Broil the bowls for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  10. Optional: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a delightful aromatic touch.

Notes

  • Choose Quality Onions: Select sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla for a rich, caramelized flavor that enhances your French onion soup recipe.
  • Low and Slow Cooking: Caramelizing onions takes time. Cook them on low heat to avoid burning, ensuring a deep brown color and sweet taste.
  • Deglaze Wisely: When adding wine, choose a dry variety and scrape the bottom of the pot to lift the flavorful bits stuck there, enriching the broth.
  • Layer Your Cheese: Instead of just one type of cheese, mix Gruyère with a bit of Parmesan for a complex, gooey, and crispy topping.
  • Serve Right: For the best experience, ladle the soup into broiler-safe bowls and bake right before serving—this creates a beautifully melted cheese crust.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: french onion soup recipe