French Onion Soup Recipe: A Deliciously Savory Classic

French Onion Soup is my go-to soup recipe, thanks to its delectable combination of delicious broth, caramelized onions, and a tasty layer of crusty bread and melted cheese on top! 

With that, I'll guide you through creating the ultimate French Onion Soup in the comfort of your kitchen. This version of the recipe is not only tasty but also incredibly simple to make, guaranteeing that even those with limited culinary skills can create a dish that rivals restaurant-quality fare! Now, let's get started!

Why This French Onion Soup Will Become Your Go-to Recipe?

French Onion Soup is not your average dish—it's a culinary experience that will leave your taste buds begging for more. This timeless soup originates from the rich traditions of French cuisine and has delighted palates for countless generations. 

The charm of this soup lies in its delightful simplicity. Although it may appear to be quite fancy, French Onion Soup is actually crafted using only a handful of simple ingredients. Learning the art of caramelizing onions is all about finesse—taking your time to get their inherent sweetness and crafting a rich, umami-packed broth that flawlessly harmonizes with the onions' natural flavours. The end product is a delightful soup that perfectly balances heartiness and sophistication, making it a versatile choice for any event! 

The Perfect Soup for Any Season

What I love about French Onion Soup is that it's not just for cold weather but a versatile dish that can be savoured all year. This soup is perfect for those chilly days with its rich and warming qualities. But don't be fooled; its lightness and balanced flavours make it a delightful choice even on warmer days. No matter the occasion, French Onion Soup is an adaptable and delicious option that will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests!

Ingredients:

• 5 Medium onions, thinly sliced
• 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2 Crushed garlic cloves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 Cup white wine
• 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 6 Cups beef broth
• 1/2 Teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 Bay leaves
• 1 Small baguette, sliced
• 2 Cups grated Gruyère cheese
• 1/2 Cup grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make French Onion Soup?

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

The initial and essential step in creating French Onion Soup involves caramelizing the onions. This process requires a lot of time and a healthy dose of patience, but trust me, the results are absolutely worth the wait. Start by warming up a big saucepan over medium heat. Combine the unsalted butter and olive oil, ensuring the butter is fully melted.

Now, let's toss those perfectly sliced onions into the pan. Give those onions a good swirl every now and then. It'll take about 25-30 minutes to get them just right. While the onions work their magic on the stove, their natural sugars will be unleashed, transforming them into a glorious shade of deep golden brown. The slow caramelization process is what gives French Onion Soup its distinct sweetness and rich flavour, so take your time with this step.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour

After achieving a stunning caramelization and a luscious, intense hue, it's time to introduce the garlic. Add the crushed garlic cloves and cook for approximately 1 minute until they release their delightful aroma. The garlic brings a touch of aroma that perfectly complements the sweet onions.

Now, generously dust the all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic. Mix thoroughly for the flour to be evenly distributed. Just give it a good stir for approximately 2 minutes. Adding flour makes the soup a smooth consistency.

Step 3: Deglaze with White Wine

With the flour cooked in, it's time to deglaze the pan with white wine. Pour the 1/2 cup of white wine into the pan, stirring to combine. As the wine hits the hot pan, it will sizzle and help lift any browned bits stuck to the bottom. These browned bits, also known as fond, are packed with flavour and will enhance the taste of your soup.

Allow the wine to boil and cook for about 1 minute or until most of the alcohol has evaporated. The wine adds a layer of complexity to the soup, balancing the sweetness of the onions with a touch of acidity.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

With the onions bursting its flavour, it's time to make that delectable broth that elevates this soup to irresistible heights. Just add the 6 cups of beef broth to create a deliciously savoury base for the soup. Throw some dried thyme and bay leaves into the pot, giving the broth a touch of herbal flavour. Add a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper to the mixture. Let's get that soup bubbling away, but not too aggressively. Once it's reached a nice boil, we'll turn down the heat and let it do its thing for 35 minutes. 

Step 5: Prepare the Bread and Cheese

While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place an oven rack in the middle position to ensure even cooking.

Next, prepare the baguette slices that will top the soup. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking pan and bake them in the preheated oven until they are dry, crisp, and golden brown around the edges—about 8-10 minutes. Once toasted, set the bread slices aside.

In a separate bowl, combine the grated Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses because we all know that cheese makes everything better. This cheese mixture is the perfect finishing touch for the soup, resulting in a delightful bubbly and golden crust that will have you coming back for more!

Step 6: Assemble and Broil

Once the soup is perfectly cooked, remove those bay leaves. Pour the steaming soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks, leaving some room at the top.

Add a couple of slices of the toasted baguette on top of each bowl of soup for an extra touch of deliciousness. The bread effortlessly glides atop the surface, serving as the perfect foundation for the delectable cheese. You can then scatter the grated cheese mixture over the top of the bread.

Pop those bowls onto a baking sheet and slide them into the oven. Pop the soup in the oven and let the cheese do its thing. In just 2 to 3 minutes, you'll have a bubbling, lightly browned masterpiece. 

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

After the cheese has melted, it's time to extract the soup from the oven delicately. Be careful when handling the bowls, as they will be quite hot.

Make sure to serve the French Onion Soup right away when the cheese is gooey, and the soup is steaming hot. 

Zulay Says: Our Expert Tips for the Best French Onion Soup

• Use Sweet Onions Sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, are ideal for this recipe as they caramelize beautifully and add natural sweetness to the soup.
• Don't Rush the Onions The key to a great French Onion Soup is slowly caramelizing the onions. This process takes time—don't rush it, or the onions will burn instead of turning sweet and golden.
• Choose the Right Cheese Gruyère is the traditional choice for French Onion Soup due to its excellent melting properties and nutty flavour. However, you can also use other cheeses like Emmental or Comté if preferred.
• Broil Carefully Keep a close eye on the broiling soup to ensure the cheese melts evenly without burning. The goal is a bubbly, golden crust that adds texture and flavour.

Zulay's Final Thought

French Onion Soup is a timeless dish that blends simple ingredients to create an unforgettable food experience. This soup is absolutely delicious with its flavorful broth, perfectly caramelized onions, and a heavenly cheese topping. It's no wonder it's a beloved classic! 

So, prepare to impress your taste buds with this incredible French Onion Soup recipe that rivals even the finest restaurants. It's important to prepare all your ingredients and take your time when chopping those onions. Enjoy the journey and savour each moment as you create this culinary masterpiece. Hope you have a great meal!

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