Looking for a french onion soup recipe that will warm your soul? Look no further! This homemade french onion soup is the ultimate comfort food that will transport you straight to a cozy French bistro. With its deep flavors, caramelized onions, and melted cheese topping, this easy french onion soup is a classic that never disappoints.

French onion soup has a long history and is deeply rooted in French culinary traditions. It’s a traditional french onion soup that has been enjoyed by generations. No wonder it has become a beloved dish around the world.

To create this classic french onion soup, the onions are slowly caramelized to perfection, giving them a rich and sweet flavor. The addition of a touch of sugar enhances their natural sweetness even more. The broth is then thickened with a hint of flour, adding body and depth to the soup. Finally, the soup is topped with two types of cheese – Gruyère and Parmigiano Reggiano – creating a deliciously gooey and irresistible crust.

This best french onion soup recipe is a must-try for any soup lover. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a chilly day or want to impress your dinner guests with a taste of France, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

How to Make French Onion Soup?

Making French onion soup at home is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps to recreate this gourmet dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 6 cups beef broth
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 cup sherry
• 1 baguette, sliced
• Gruyère cheese, grated
• Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated

Instructions:

1. In a Dutch oven or soup pot, melt the butter and heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add the sliced onions, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden brown and caramelized.
3. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook until almost all of the liquid has evaporated.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to coat.
5. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
6. Simmer the soup for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Stir in the sherry.
8. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Toast the baguette slices on a baking sheet until crispy and golden.
9. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe crocks. Top each crock with a couple of toasted baguette slices.
10. Sprinkle a generous amount of Gruyère and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese over the bread.
11. Place the crocks on a baking sheet and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

To add a finishing touch, garnish with fresh thyme leaves or sliced green onions. Enjoy your homemade French onion soup!

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Serves
15 minutes	1 hour 30 minutes	1 hour 45 minutes	6-8 servings

Tips for Perfect French Onion Soup Recipe

To achieve the best results with your French onion soup, here are some helpful tips:

1. Use a variety of sweet onions like Vidalia, Spanish, and Bermuda, as they caramelize perfectly.
2. Avoid using red onions, as they can darken the soup.
3. Slice the onions thin for a uniform texture.
4. Cook the onions on low heat to ensure they caramelize without burning.
5. If needed, deglaze the pan with a splash of wine or water to prevent burning.
6. Use beef broth for a traditional flavor, or substitute with vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
7. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves for added depth of flavor.
8. Choose Gruyère cheese for its perfect pairing with onions.
9. For a slow cooker version, follow the same steps but cook on low for 6-8 hours.

For an authentic French touch, crack an egg into each soup bowl and broil until poached.

With these tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious, flavourful, and authentic French onion soup that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for the best recipe, a top-rated option, a good recipe to try, or a traditional and authentic version, these tips will guide you towards success. You can even adapt the recipe to make a vegetarian version or use a slow cooker for added convenience. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and enjoy the wonderful flavors of this classic dish!

Serving Suggestions for French Onion Soup

French onion soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a first course or as a complete meal. It pairs well with various accompaniments, adding depth and variety to the dining experience.

“Soup is a lot like a family. Each ingredient enhances the others; each batch has its unique characteristics; and it needs time to simmer to reach its full potential.”

Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your French onion soup:

1. Steak:

For a hearty and satisfying dinner, serve French onion soup alongside a succulent steak. The rich flavors of the soup complement the tender meat, creating a delicious and well-rounded meal.

2. Green Salad:

Balance the richness of the soup with a simple green salad. The fresh crispness of the greens provides a refreshing contrast, while the vinaigrette dressing adds a tangy note to the meal.

3. Kale Salad:

Opt for a more robust salad option by serving chopped kale salad with French onion soup. The sturdy leaves of kale hold up well against the rich flavors of the soup and provide a pleasant textural contrast.

4. Caesar Salad:

A classic Caesar salad is another fantastic choice to enjoy alongside French onion soup. The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons complement the soup’s flavors, creating a delightful combination.

5. Simple Salad:

If you prefer a lighter option, a simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light dressing is an excellent choice. The salad adds freshness and vibrant colors to the meal.

French onion soup is perfect for chilly evenings or special occasions. Its savoury goodness and indulgent cheesy toasts make it a comforting classic for all to enjoy.

French Onion Soup Serving Suggestions

Accompaniment	Description
Steak	Pair the soup with a juicy steak for a satisfying and flavourful meal.
Green Salad	Enjoy the soup alongside a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Kale Salad	Opt for a hearty kale salad to create a more robust and texturally interesting pairing.
Caesar Salad	Indulge in a classic Caesar salad to complement the flavours of the soup with creamy dressing and crunchy croutons.
Simple Salad	Keep it light with a refreshing mixed green salad, featuring cherry tomatoes and a light dressing.

Embrace the heartiness of French onion soup by serving it with these delectable accompaniments. Whether you opt for a steak, a vibrant salad, or a combination of both, the flavors and textures will blend harmoniously for a memorable dining experience.

Make-Ahead Instructions and Nutritional Information

French onion soup is a delicious and comforting dish that can be prepared in advance for added convenience. By following these make-ahead instructions, you can enjoy homemade French onion soup whenever you crave its rich flavors.

To make the soup ahead of time, simply follow the recipe up until the step where you add the toasts and cheese. After the soup has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, allowing you to save it for future meals.

Toasts, a quintessential part of French onion soup, can also be prepared ahead of time. After toasting the baguette slices, let them cool completely. Once cooled, store the toasts in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

When you’re ready to serve the soup, reheat it on the stovetop until hot. Then, proceed with adding the toasts and cheese before broiling. Keep in mind that the soup won’t warm up much in the oven, so make sure it is very hot before adding the toasts to ensure they become crispy and delicious.

Now that you’re equipped with these make-ahead instructions, you can enjoy the convenience of having homemade French onion soup readily available whenever you desire its comforting flavors.

Here’s the nutritional information per serving (5 servings):

Calories	Fat	Saturated Fat	Carbohydrates	Sugar	Fiber	Protein	Sodium	Cholesterol
642	31g	17g	53g	19g	4g	31g	1,697mg	82mg

Please note that these values may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Conclusion

French onion soup is a classic and beloved dish that has earned its place as a timeless favorite. With its rich flavors and the irresistible combination of caramelized onions, savory broth, and gooey melted cheese, this soup delivers warmth and comfort in every spoonful.

Whether you choose to follow a traditional recipe or put your own spin on it, homemade French onion soup is a true labor of love. The slow process of caramelizing the onions creates a depth of flavor that cannot be replicated. The addition of sugar enhances their natural sweetness, while the touches of flour and white wine add body and complexity to the broth.

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of savoring a piping hot bowl of classic French onion soup. So why not treat yourself to this culinary masterpiece? Discover the recipe that suits your taste and prepare to be transported by the divine flavors and comforting aroma of this beloved soup. Bon appétit!

FAQ

Can I make French onion soup ahead of time?

Yes, French onion soup can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days without the toasts or cheese. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat French onion soup?

To reheat French onion soup, simply warm it on the stovetop until hot and proceed with adding the toasts and cheese before broiling.

What are some popular side dishes to serve with French onion soup?

French onion soup pairs well with steak or a simple green salad. Popular side dishes include chopped kale salad, Caesar salad, or a simple salad.

What type of cheese should I use for the topping?

Gruyère cheese is a classic choice for French onion soup as it pairs perfectly with the caramelized onions. Parmigiano Reggiano can also be used for added flavor.

How long should I caramelize the onions?

The onions should be cooked low and slow until they are deep golden brown and caramelized. This process can take anywhere from 30-45 minutes.

Can I make a vegetarian version of French onion soup?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of French onion soup by substituting beef broth with vegetable stock. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

Can I make French onion soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make French onion soup in a slow cooker. Simply follow the same steps but cook on low for 6-8 hours.

What is the nutritional information for French onion soup?

The nutritional information per serving (5 servings) is approximately 642 calories, 31g fat, 17g saturated fat, 53g carbohydrates, 19g sugar, 4g fiber, 31g protein, 1,697mg sodium, and 82mg cholesterol. Please note that these values may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.