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French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup
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Classic French Onion Soup featuring slow-caramelized yellow onions simmered in rich beef broth with fresh thyme and bay leaf, topped with toasted French baguette rounds and melted Gruyère cheese. A comforting, savory dish perfect for chilly days or elegant dinners, combining deep sweet and umami flavors with a golden, bubly cheesy crust.

Ingredients

Scale

Onions and Base

  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 8 cups beef broth (homemade or quality store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 2 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Bread and Cheese Topping

  • 1 French baguette, sliced into thick rounds
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Begin by thinly slicing your yellow onions and cooking them low and slow in butter over medium-low heat. Stir frequently as the onions soften and gradually turn a deep golden brown, bringing a rich sweetness essential for authentic French Onion Soup. This process takes about 40 to 50 minutes.
  2. Deglaze with Wine: Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan. Scrape up the flavorful browned bits while the wine reduces for a minute or two, brightening and balancing the sweetness of the onions.
  3. Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in your beef broth along with fresh thyme sprigs and a bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting all those flavors meld together while the soup gently thickens over about 30 minutes—this slow simmer builds richness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Prepare the Bread Topping: Slice the French baguette into thick rounds and toast them until golden and crisp. These toasted croutons will provide the perfect base for molten cheese to sit atop the soup.
  5. Assemble and Broil: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Float the toasted baguette slices on top, then sprinkle generously with shredded Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown, about 3-5 minutes, creating that iconic cheesy crust. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

  • Patience with Onions: Take your time caramelizing the onions low and slow to build maximum flavor—this step cannot be rushed.
  • Use Quality Broth: A rich, well-flavored beef broth makes all the difference in the soup’s depth.
  • Keep an Eye on Broiler: During cheese melting, watch closely to avoid burning while achieving a perfect golden crust.
  • Use Oven-Safe Bowls: Don’t skip this to safely broil the soup without mess or risk.
  • Fresh Herbs Matter: Whenever possible, use fresh thyme for more vibrant, natural aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Onion Soup, caramelized onions, beef broth, Gruyère cheese, French baguette, comfort food, savory soup, classic recipe

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/french-onion-soup/