French Onion Soup Recipe

Indulge in the comforting warmth and rich flavors of French Onion Soup with this delicious and easy-to-follow recipe. Made with caramelized onions, hearty beef stock, and topped with melted Gruyère cheese, this classic soup is perfect for warming up on chilly evenings or impressing guests at your next dinner party. Join us as we explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions of this beloved soup recipe!

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp olive oil, plus more to brush toasts
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 lbs yellow onions, about 6 large onions, halved, peeled and thinly sliced with the grain
• 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup dry sherry wine, or use dry vermouth or dry white wine
• 8 cups beef stock, or broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme, plus more to garnish (or 1/4 tsp dried thyme)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste, divided
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
• 12 slices baguette
• 8 oz gruyere cheese, 1 1/2 cups shredded, divided

Instructions:

1. Caramelize the Onions:

1. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted.
2. Add the sliced onions to the pot and sprinkle with sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 45-60 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

2. Deglaze the Pot:

1. Pour in the sherry wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly.

3. Simmer the Soup:

1. Add beef stock, bay leaf, fresh thyme sprigs, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

4. Prepare the Cheese Toasts:

1. Preheat the broiler. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
2. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip the slices over. Divide half of the shredded Gruyère cheese evenly among the slices, then return to the broiler for another 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve the Soup:

1. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place 2 cheese toasts on top of each bowl, then sprinkle with the remaining shredded Gruyère cheese.
2. Return the bowls to the broiler for 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
3. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve immediately.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute vegetable broth for beef broth to make this soup vegetarian-friendly.
• Onion Varieties: Experiment with different onion varieties such as red onions or sweet onions for unique flavor profiles.
• Cheese Alternatives: If Gruyère cheese is not available, you can use Swiss cheese or provolone as a substitute.
• Herb Substitutions: Use dried thyme or other herbs such as rosemary or parsley if fresh thyme is not available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I make this soup in advance? A: Yes, French Onion Soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Q: Can I freeze French Onion Soup? A: While the soup can be frozen, the texture of the onions may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best to freeze the soup without the cheese toasts and add them when reheating.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese from burning under the broiler? A: Keep a close eye on the cheese toasts while broiling to prevent burning. If necessary, move the baking sheet to a lower rack in the oven to slow down the melting process.

Q: Can I use store-bought croutons instead of baguette slices? A: Yes, you can use store-bought croutons as a convenient alternative to homemade baguette slices.

Keto Version:

• Low-Carb Bread: Use low-carb or keto-friendly bread for the cheese toasts, or skip them altogether and enjoy the soup without the bread.

Low Carb Version:

• Thicken with Xanthan Gum: Use xanthan gum as a thickening agent instead of flour to keep the soup low in carbs.
• Replace Baguette: Substitute baguette slices with low-carb bread or omit them entirely for a low-carb option.

French Onion Soup is a classic and comforting dish that’s perfect for warming up on cold days or impressing guests at any dinner table. With its rich flavors, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese topping, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re enjoying it as a starter or a main course, this homemade version will delight your taste buds and warm your soul. So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a bowl of homemade French Onion Soup today!