French Onion Soup
A classic French Onion Soup featuring deeply caramelized onions simmered in a rich, savory beef broth, then topped with a toasted baguette slice and a generous layer of melted, bubbly Gruyère cheese.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Yellow onions(peeled and sliced thinly (about 3mm thick))
- 60 g Unsalted butter(cold, cut into cubes)
- 1.5 L Beef stock(high quality, low sodium if possible)
- 250 ml Dry white wine(such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 4 sprigs Fresh thyme(plus extra for garnish if desired)
- 1 Baguette(sliced into 1-inch thick rounds)
- 300 g Gruyère cheese(grated, divided)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 45-60 minutes, or until the onions are deeply golden brown and caramelized. This slow process is crucial for developing the soup's rich flavor. Be patient and ensure the heat is low enough to prevent burning; if the onions start to stick, add a tablespoon of water and scrape the bottom of the pot.
⏱️ 45-60 minutes - 2
Increase the heat to medium-high. Pour in the dry white wine and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze, loosening any browned bits. Let the wine simmer and reduce by about half, which should take 3-5 minutes. Then, add the beef stock and the fresh thyme sprigs. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
⏱️ 40 minutes - 3
While the soup simmers, preheat your broiler. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes per side, until lightly golden and crisp. Watch them closely to prevent burning. Remove the thyme sprigs from the soup. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks. Place one or two toasted baguette slices on top of the soup in each bowl. Generously sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese over the bread, ensuring it covers the bread and extends slightly to the edges of the bowl. Carefully place the bowls on a sturdy baking sheet and position them under the broiler. Broil for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Serve immediately, being cautious as the bowls will be very hot.
⏱️ 5-10 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Patience is key for caramelizing the onions; low and slow heat is essential for sweetness and depth of flavor.
- ✓Deglazing the pot with wine helps lift flavorful browned bits (fond) from the bottom, enriching the broth.
- ✓Ensure you use oven-safe bowls or crocks for the final broiling step to prevent accidents.
- ✓For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a splash of brandy or cognac along with the white wine.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a splash of brandy or cognac along with the white wine for an extra layer of flavor.
- Use a combination of yellow, sweet, or even red onions for a more complex onion flavor profile.
- For a vegetarian version, use a rich vegetable stock and consider adding a touch of soy sauce or mushroom powder for umami.