French Onion Soup is a classic, heartwarming dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or as a starter for a special meal. This rich and savory soup is made by slowly caramelizing onions to bring out their natural sweetness, then simmering them in a flavorful broth. Topped with a slice of crusty bread and melted Gruyere cheese, it’s a comforting and delicious treat. Let’s dive into the recipe and see how to create this traditional French Onion Soup step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds yellow onions, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1/2 cup balsamic drizzle
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1.5 cups grated Gruyere cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup brandy (optional)
- Slices of crusty bread (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- Heat Butter and Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the melted butter and canola oil over medium heat.
- Add Onions: Add the finely chopped onions to the pot, stirring to coat them evenly with the butter and oil.
- Cook Onions: Cook the onions, stirring frequently, until they are soft and golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low if they start to brown too quickly. The goal is to caramelize the onions slowly to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Add Balsamic Drizzle: Once the onions are caramelized, add the balsamic drizzle to the pot. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and fragrant.
Step 2: Prepare the Soup
- Add Broth and Thyme: Add the beef broth and fresh thyme sprigs to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Season: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If using, add the brandy at this point and stir to combine.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Prepare the Toppings
- Toast Bread: While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the slices of crusty bread on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until they are golden brown and crispy, about 10 minutes.
- Grate Cheese: Grate the Gruyere cheese and set it aside.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Ladle Soup: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks.
- Add Bread and Cheese: Place a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl of soup, then sprinkle generously with grated Gruyere cheese.
- Broil: Place the bowls on a baking sheet and transfer them to the oven. Broil the soup for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden brown crust.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the soup from the oven. Serve immediately, garnished with extra thyme sprigs if desired. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors of this classic French Onion Soup.
Cooking Notes
- Onions: Yellow onions are traditional, but you can use a mix of yellow and sweet onions for added depth of flavor.
- Cheese: Gruyere cheese is classic, but you can also use Swiss or a combination of both for a different twist.
- Balsamic Drizzle: The balsamic drizzle adds a nice depth of flavor and sweetness. If you don’t have balsamic drizzle, you can use a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stove and add the bread and cheese just before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze French Onion Soup? A: Yes, you can freeze the soup without the bread and cheese. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and adding the toppings.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of this French Onion Soup, follow these modifications:
- Bread: Use a low-carb bread or omit the bread altogether.
- Thickener: Use a small amount of xanthan gum to thicken the soup instead of flour.
French Onion Soup is a timeless classic that never fails to impress. With its rich, savory broth, caramelized onions, and cheesy topping, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy a bowl of homemade French Onion Soup that’s sure to warm your heart and soul.
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