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French Onion Soup Recipe

French Onion Soup Recipe

This French Onion Soup Recipe is a rich, flavorful classic with caramelized onions, hearty beef broth, toasted baguette slices, and melted Gruyère cheese. A comforting and elegant dish perfect for cozy evenings or special meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Soup, Main Course, Appetizer
Cuisine French
Servings 4 Bowls
Calories 390 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Soup:

  • - 5 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • - 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • - 1 teaspoon sugar
  • - 2 garlic cloves minced
  • - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • - 6 cups beef broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian option
  • - 2 bay leaves
  • - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • - Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

  • - 1 French baguette sliced
  • - 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese or Swiss/provolone as substitutes

Instructions
 

  • Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat. Cook for 10 minutes, then sprinkle with sugar and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized.
  • Add Garlic and Vinegar: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add balsamic vinegar to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  • Simmer the Soup: Add the beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove and discard the bay leaves.
  • Toast the Baguette: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
  • Assemble and Broil: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl and sprinkle generously with shredded Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the bowls from the oven (they’ll be hot!). Serve immediately and enjoy with extra bread for dipping.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and plant-based cheese.
  • Toast your bread with a drizzle of olive oil for extra crispness.
  • Store leftovers (without bread and cheese) in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.
Keyword French onion soup, caramelized onions, onion soup, comfort food, soup recipes