French Onion Soup – Welcome to a recipe that will transport you to cozy French cafes with its enticing aroma and rich flavors. Our Easy Homemade French Onion Soup is a beloved classic, reinvented with a cheesy twist that will leave you craving for more. Caramelized onions, fragrant thyme, and a touch of sherry or white wine create a depth of flavors in a savory beef broth. Topped with slices of crusty bread and a melty blend of mozzarella and Gruyere cheese, this soup is the epitome of comfort and indulgence. Join us on this culinary journey and discover why this soup has become a cherished favorite in households around the world.
In our little family, this French Onion Soup holds a special place. It all started when my husband, an avid food enthusiast, ventured into the kitchen to surprise me with a homemade meal. He decided to try his hand at French cuisine, and this soup quickly became his go-to recipe. I remember the excitement in his eyes as he carefully caramelized the onions, patiently waiting for their transformation into golden perfection. The fragrant aroma filled our home, drawing everyone to the kitchen, eagerly anticipating the final dish. With each spoonful, we were transported to a Parisian bistro, savoring the warm and comforting flavors. This soup has become a symbol of love and togetherness in our household, and we hope it brings the same joy to yours.
Why This Soup Will Steal Your Heart?
- Rich and Deep Flavors: The slow caramelization of onions creates a luscious and sweet base, complemented by the savory beef stock and the aromatic notes of thyme.
- Cheesy Perfection: The combination of melted mozzarella and Gruyere cheese adds a delightful creaminess and a savory twist to the classic recipe.
- Easy and Approachable: With simple ingredients and clear instructions, this recipe is perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs looking to enjoy a quick, homemade bowl of comfort.
- Versatile and Customizable: Experiment with different types of onions for unique flavors, or add your personal touch with a splash of your favorite wine.
- Ready in No Time: In just under an hour, you’ll have a steaming bowl of heavenly goodness to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons (56g) butter
- 6 cups (900g) thinly sliced onions, any kind (see note below)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (120ml) dry sherry or white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- 4 cups (960ml) beef stock or broth
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 to 8 slices of crusty bread (such as ciabatta or a French baguette), use 1 to 2 slices per bowl depending on the size of the bread
- ½ cup (56g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (56g) shredded Gruyere cheese
Directions:
In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, uncovered, stirring often, for 30 to 45 minutes or until the onions are soft and caramelized, achieving a beautiful golden brown color.
Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for one minute.
Pour in the sherry (or wine) to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon. Simmer until most of the wine has evaporated.
Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and cook, stirring, for one minute to create a roux-like consistency.
Add the beef stock (or broth) and dried thyme, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
Preheat the broiler and position the oven rack in the middle.
Toast the bread slices either in a toaster or under the broiler.
Place four oven-safe bowls on a large baking sheet. Ladle the soup into the bowls.
Top each bowl with one or two slices of toasted bread, ensuring they fit the bowl size.
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of mozzarella and 2 tablespoons of Gruyere cheese over each bowl.
Broil the soup-filled bowls until the cheese is melted and bubbling, creating a golden, irresistible crust.
Remove from the oven and let the soup cool slightly before serving. Dive into the cheesy goodness and savor the heartwarming flavors of this Easy Homemade French Onion Soup.
Notes:
- Onion Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different types of onions, such as yellow, white, or red, to create subtle variations in flavor.
- Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use sherry or wine, you can substitute it with additional beef stock or broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Serving Suggestions: This soup pairs beautifully with a side salad or a slice of warm, crusty bread for a complete meal.
Indulge in the warmth and flavors of our Easy Homemade French Onion Soup, a recipe that brings comfort and culinary elegance to your table. With its caramelized onions, fragrant thyme, and the melty, cheesy topping, this soup is a symphony of flavors that will enchant your taste buds. Whether you’re seeking a cozy meal on a chilly evening or looking to impress your guests with a classic dish, this recipe is a must-try. From the slow caramelization of the onions to the bubbling cheese under the broiler, each step tells a story of love and dedication. So, gather your loved ones, savor the richness of this soup, and create memories that will warm your heart for years to come. Bon appétit!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely! You can substitute the beef stock or broth with vegetable stock or mushroom broth to create a delicious vegetarian version of this French Onion Soup.
How can I store the leftovers?
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the flavors.
Can I freeze this soup?
While you can freeze the soup, it’s worth noting that the texture of the onions may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you plan to freeze it, ensure the soup is fully cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Gruyere cheese are traditional choices, you can experiment with other melty cheeses like Swiss, Provolone, or Fontina to create your own unique flavor combination.
French Onion Soup
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons 56g butter
- 6 cups 900g thinly sliced onions, any kind (see note below)
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons 16g all-purpose flour
- ½ cup 120ml dry sherry or white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- 4 cups 960ml beef stock or broth
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 to 8 slices of crusty bread such as ciabatta or a French baguette, use 1 to 2 slices per bowl depending on the size of the bread
- ½ cup 56g shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup 56g shredded Gruyere cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, uncovered, stirring often, for 30 to 45 minutes or until the onions are soft and caramelized, achieving a beautiful golden brown color.
- Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for one minute.
- Pour in the sherry (or wine) to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon. Simmer until most of the wine has evaporated.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and cook, stirring, for one minute to create a roux-like consistency.
- Add the beef stock (or broth) and dried thyme, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Preheat the broiler and position the oven rack in the middle.
- Toast the bread slices either in a toaster or under the broiler.
- Place four oven-safe bowls on a large baking sheet. Ladle the soup into the bowls.
- Top each bowl with one or two slices of toasted bread, ensuring they fit the bowl size.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of mozzarella and 2 tablespoons of Gruyere cheese over each bowl.
- Broil the soup-filled bowls until the cheese is melted and bubbling, creating a golden, irresistible crust.
- Remove from the oven and let the soup cool slightly before serving. Dive into the cheesy goodness and savor the heartwarming flavors of this Easy Homemade French Onion Soup.
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