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French Onion Soup Recipe

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4.4 from 91 reviews

This classic French Onion Soup recipe features caramelized yellow onions simmered in a savory blend of beef and chicken broths, enhanced with red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh herbs. Topped with toasted French bread slices and a gooey, melted layer of Gruyere, Mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, this comforting soup captures the rich, deep flavors of traditional French cuisine perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Broth and Seasoning

  • 1/2 cup dry red wine
  • 32 ounces low-sodium beef broth
  • 24 ounces low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Toppings

  • 5 slices French bread, 1-inch thick
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere Swiss cheese, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese, room temperature

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Melt the unsalted butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions along with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar. Cook slowly, stirring frequently, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 40 to 50 minutes. This step builds the rich, sweet base for the soup.
  2. Add Garlic and Deglaze with Wine: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in 1/2 cup dry red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine reduce slightly for about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in 32 ounces of low-sodium beef broth and 24 ounces of low-sodium chicken broth. Add 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 sprigs fresh thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  4. Finish the Soup: Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Stir in 1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Keep the soup warm over low heat while preparing the bread and cheese topping.
  5. Prepare the Bread and Cheese: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the 1-inch thick slices of French bread with 2 tablespoons olive oil on both sides. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until golden brown and crisp, about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  6. Assemble and Broil: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place one or two toasted bread slices on top of each bowl of soup. Mix together 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere, 1/4 cup shredded Mozzarella, and 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese. Generously sprinkle the cheese mixture over the bread in each bowl. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  7. Serve: Carefully remove the bowls from the oven using oven mitts. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this hearty, cheesy French Onion Soup as a perfect appetizer or warming main course.

Notes

  • Using a mix of beef and chicken broth enhances the depth of flavor without making the broth too intense.
  • Allowing the onions to caramelize slowly is key to achieving the soup’s signature sweetness and richness.
  • Dry red wine is recommended to add acidity and complexity; you can substitute with extra broth if avoiding alcohol.
  • Use oven-safe bowls such as ramekins or French onion soup crocks for broiling the cheese topping safely.
  • Watch the broiler carefully as cheese can go from melted to burnt quickly.
  • You can prepare the soup base ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before assembling and broiling.

Find it online: https://amandafood.com/french-onion-soup-recipe/