French onion soup is a classic dish that perfectly embodies the essence of comfort food. Rich in flavor and deeply satisfying, it makes for a wonderful starter or a hearty main course. The combination of caramelized onions, savory broth, and gooey melted cheese creates an unforgettable experience for the palate. Here, we present to you a superb recipe that will elevate your culinary skills and delight your guests.
Deliciously Cheesy French Onion Soup
This traditional French onion soup recipe brings together the wonderful flavors of caramelized onions and aromatic herbs, topped generously with crusty bread and melted cheese, creating an irresistible dish.
Ingredients
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 8 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- French bread, sliced
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter along with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, and sugar, cooking slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deep golden brown and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes.
- Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pot by adding the white wine, scraping up any brown bits at the bottom. Allow the wine to cook down for about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 20-30 minutes. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the sliced French bread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- To serve, ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of toasted French bread on top of each bowl, then sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese.
- Broil the bowls in the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Remove from the oven with care.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Enjoy the warm, comforting goodness of this classic French onion soup, perfect for a cozy evening at home or as an elegant addition to your dinner party menu. Bon appétit!
