Description
A classic French onion soup with caramelized onions simmered in rich beef broth, topped with toasted bread and melted cheese.
Ingredients
4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 garlic cloves, minced
8 cups beef broth
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
2 bay leaves
4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 baguette, sliced and toasted
2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
Instructions
1. In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onions, sugar, and salt, and cook slowly, stirring often, until deeply caramelized, about 35–40 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Deglaze the pot with white wine (if using) and scrape up browned bits.
5. Pour in beef broth, add bay leaves and thyme, and bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted baguette slices, and cover with Gruyère cheese.
9. Place bowls under the broiler until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.
Notes
Caramelizing the onions slowly is the key to rich flavor.
If Gruyère is unavailable, Swiss or mozzarella can be used as a substitute.
Serve immediately for best results, as the bread softens over time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop + Broiler
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 40mg