Y’all, let’s talk about some good comfort food that warms the soul and fills the belly: French Onion Soup! This classic recipe is simple yet oh-so-delicious. Perfect for cozy nights in or when you just gotta impress your friends with your cooking skills. Grab your onions and let’s get started!
Easy Homemade French Onion Soup
If you’re craving that rich, savory flavor, this is the recipe for you. It’s loaded with sweet caramelized onions and topped with melty, gooey cheese. Trust me, once you get the hang of this, you’ll be making it on the reg!
Ingredients:
You’ll need the following ingredients to whip up this hearty soup:
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 4 cups beef broth (you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 cup white wine (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 slices of French bread or baguette
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or a blend of your favorites)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Let’s get this soup cookin’:
- In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them.
- Sprinkle in the salt and sugar (this helps with caramelization) and cook the onions, stirring frequently, until they are a deep golden brown. This usually takes about 30-40 minutes. Patience is key, y’all!
- Once the onions are caramelized, pour in the wine (if using) and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it reduces slightly. Scrape up those tasty bits from the bottom of the pot!
- Next, add the broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Season with pepper to your liking.
- While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place your bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until crisp and golden brown.
- Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, place the toasted bread on top, and sprinkle generously with the Gruyère cheese.
- Bake the bowls in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy the cozy comfort of this delicious French Onion Soup!
This soup is just the thing to warm you up on a chilly evening. So gather ‘round the table and share the love. Bon appétit!