Kitchen Recipe Collection
Classic French Onion Soup
Deeply caramelized onions in a rich beef broth, topped with toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyere cheese.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 60 min
- Total
- 80 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- medium
- Cuisine
- french
Ingredients
Scaled for 6 servings
- yellow onions
- beef broth
- butter
- dry white wine
- baguette
- gruyere cheese
- thyme
Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Oven-safe bowls
- Baking sheet
Instructions
- 1
Caramelize Onions
Melt butter in a Dutch oven. Add sliced onions and cook low and slow for 45-50 minutes until deep brown and jammy.
- 2
Deglaze
Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom.
- 3
Simmer Broth
Add the beef broth and fresh thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- 4
Toast Bread
While the soup simmers, slice the baguette and toast the slices in the oven until dry and golden.
- 5
Broil Cheese
Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls. Top with a baguette slice and a heavy handful of grated Gruyere. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Tips
- Patience is key for the onions. Do not rush the caramelization process; it is the foundation of the soup's flavor.
- A high-quality beef stock will drastically improve the final result.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Substitute beef broth for a rich mushroom or vegetable broth and add a splash of soy sauce for umami.
Chef's Notes & Storage
- For extra depth, add a splash of brandy or cognac right before adding the broth.
- Storage: The soup base (without bread and cheese) freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Estimate
380 calories · 18g protein · 34g carbs · 19g fat · 5g fiber per serving
