A Cleaner Remake of Julia Child’s Classic French Onion Soup
Cozy Up with a Classic: French Onion Soup
Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of French Onion Soup on a chilly evening? This isn’t just soup; it’s an experience. The deeply caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and perfectly toasted, cheesy bread create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. We’ve perfected this classic recipe to be surprisingly approachable, even for beginner cooks. Forget complicated techniques – we’ll guide you through each step to create a truly restaurant-worthy dish in your own kitchen.
What makes this French Onion Soup special?
This recipe focuses on building deep, complex flavor. The key is patience when caramelizing the onions. Don’t rush the process! Low and slow heat allows the natural sugars in the onions to develop, creating that signature sweetness and rich brown color. We also use a splash of dry white wine to deglaze the pot, adding another layer of complexity. And of course, the generous topping of melted cheese and crusty bread is essential!
Tips for the Best French Onion Soup:
- Onion Selection: Yellow onions are the traditional choice, but you can also use a mix of yellow, white, and even red onions for a more nuanced flavor.
- Caramelization is Key: Don’t be afraid to let the onions cook for a good 30-40 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Broth Quality Matters: Use a high-quality beef broth for the best flavor. Homemade is ideal, but a good store-bought broth will work too.
- Bread Choice: A sturdy French bread or baguette is best for soaking up the soup.
- Cheese Please: Gruyère is the classic choice for French Onion Soup, but you can also use Swiss, Provolone, or a combination.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can caramelize the onions and make the broth a day or two in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the soup just before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of wine?
A: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best. Avoid sweet wines.
Q: I don’t have oven-safe bowls. What can I do?
A: You can broil the bread and cheese separately on a baking sheet and then carefully place it on top of the soup in regular bowls.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth. You may also want to add a tablespoon of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the umami flavor.
We hope you enjoy this classic French Onion Soup as much as we do! It’s the perfect dish to share with family and friends on a cozy night in.
Classic French Onion Soup
Ingredients
- 6 slices French bread
- 1 tablespoon Nut-based cream cheese style spread per slice of bread
- 3 tablespoons Grated cheese per bowl
- 6 oven-proof Soup bowls
- 6 large Onions sliced
- 4 cups Beef broth
- 1/4 cup Dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 teaspoon Thyme
- 1 bay leaf Bay leaf
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread each slice of toasted bread with 1 tablespoon of nut-based cream cheese style spread.
- Ladle soup into 6 oven-proof soup bowls.
- Top each bowl with a slice of cream cheese coated bread.
- Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of cheese over the top of each slice of bread.
- Arrange the soup bowls on 2 large baking sheets and transfer to the oven.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, or until cheese melts.
- Remove bowls from oven and let stand to cool for about 5 minutes. Serve at once.
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