Description
This classic French Onion Soup features deeply caramelized yellow onions simmered in rich beef broth with hints of white wine, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Topped with toasted baguette slices and melty Gruyère cheese, it creates a heartwarming and savory comfort food perfect for cozy nights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
- 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the yellow onions. Melt the unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions become golden brown and sweetly caramelized, about 40 to 60 minutes. Patience is key to developing the rich flavor.
- Add Aromatics and Deglaze: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves, cooking briefly until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate deep flavor.
- Simmer with Broth and Seasonings: Add the beef broth and bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Bread and Cheese: While the soup simmers, slice the baguette and toast until crisp. Grate the Gruyère cheese and set aside, ready for topping.
- Broil Until Golden and Bubbly: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with toasted baguette slices, then generously cover with grated Gruyère. Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns a beautiful golden brown, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Take your time caramelizing the onions; slow cooking over medium-low heat prevents burning and develops maximum sweetness.
- Use good-quality broth, homemade or store-bought, to ensure a flavorful base.
- Choose a cheese that melts well like Gruyère for the classic gooey crust; Comté or Emmental also work well.
- Toast the bread thoroughly to prevent sogginess in the soup.
- Broil the cheese topping for the best melted, golden finish instead of just baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups soup with bread and cheese)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: French Onion Soup, caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, comfort food, classic soup, French cuisine, easy soup recipe
