French Onion Soup is a comforting classic that warms the soul with its rich, savory broth and perfectly caramelized onions. Topped with toasted baguette slices and melted cheese, this soup is a delightful treat that brings the flavors of a French bistro right to your home.
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Toasted Baguette and Cheese Topping:
- 4 slices of baguette or French bread
- 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese or Swiss cheese
Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
- In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown. This may take about 45 minutes.
2. Add Garlic:
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Deglaze with Wine (Optional):
- Pour in the white wine (if using) and cook for a few minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
4. Add Broth and Seasonings:
- Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaves. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.
5. Prepare the Toasted Baguette:
- Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the slices of baguette on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until they’re lightly golden. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.
6. Ladle the Soup:
- Remove the bay leaves from the soup. Ladle the hot soup into ovenproof bowls.
7. Add Toasted Baguette:
- Float a toasted baguette slice in each bowl of soup.
8. Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the toasted baguette.
9. Broil:
- Place the bowls under the broiler and broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
10. Serve Hot:
- Carefully remove the bowls from the broiler, and serve the French Onion Soup hot, garnished with extra cheese if desired.
Cook’s Notes:
- Use ovenproof bowls that can withstand broiling when preparing the cheese topping.
- While the white wine is optional, it adds a nice depth of flavor to the soup.
Classic French Onion Soup is a delightful and hearty soup that’s perfect for cooler days or when you’re in the mood for something comforting. The rich, caramelized onions and melted cheese create a satisfying combination of flavors and textures that make this soup a beloved favorite for many. Enjoy it as an appetizer or a full meal with a side salad.
