French Onion Soup
A soul-warming dish with deeply caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and a luxurious layer of melted Gruyère cheese, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced These fragrant gems will transform from sharp and pungent to sweet and caramelized.
- 4 tablespoons butter Forms the luscious base for the onions.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Enhances the butter’s richness.
- 1 teaspoon salt Essential for drawing out moisture in the onions.
- 1 teaspoon sugar Accelerates caramelization.
- 8 cups beef broth Provides the soup's luxurious foundation.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine Optional, adds bright acidity.
- 1 teaspoon thyme Imparts delightful earthiness.
- 1 baguette, sliced baguette, sliced Adds a satisfying crunch.
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese Creates a gooey topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, combine the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions, salt, and sugar, stirring gently.
Cooking
- Cook the onions for 30-40 minutes until deeply caramelized.
- Add the white wine (if using) and deglaze the pot by scraping the bottom.
- Pour in the beef broth and add the thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Broiling and Serving
- Preheat the broiler to high.
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with baguette slices, and sprinkle with Gruyère cheese.
- Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbling, then serve immediately.
Notes
For a lighter version, use vegetable broth and low-fat cheese. Can be made ahead and reheated. Freezing is possible without cheese.