The Best French Onion Soup
Cozy Up with Classic French Onion Soup: A Timeless Recipe
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 bubbly Gruyere cheese create a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to a Parisian bistro. We’re sharing our perfected Classic French Onion Soup recipe, guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
The Secret to Amazing Caramelized Onions
The key to truly exceptional French Onion Soup lies in the onions. Don’t rush the caramelization process! Low and slow is the way to go. We recommend at least 30-40 minutes of patient stirring. The goal is to develop a deep, rich, mahogany color and a naturally sweet flavor. Adding a pinch of sugar helps kickstart the process, but the natural sugars in the onions will do most of the work.
Building Layers of Flavor
Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, we deglaze the pot with beef broth and a splash of dry sherry (optional, but highly recommended!). The sherry adds a lovely complexity and depth of flavor. Allowing the soup to simmer for 15-20 minutes allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
The Perfect Finishing Touch
No French Onion Soup is complete without a generous topping of toasted French bread and bubbly Gruyere cheese. Broiling the soup until the cheese is golden brown and melted creates that irresistible, gooey topping that everyone loves.
Tips for Success:
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot: This will help prevent the onions from burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot: If you’re making a large batch, caramelize the onions in batches.
- Use good quality beef broth: This will make a big difference in the flavor of the soup.
- Grate your own Gruyere cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use a different type of onion?
A: While yellow onions are traditional, you can use a combination of yellow and sweet onions for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can caramelize the onions and make the soup base a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and then assemble and broil when you’re ready to serve.
Q: What kind of bread should I use?
A: A crusty French baguette is the classic choice. Make sure it’s sliced about 1 inch thick.
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Gruyere is the traditional choice, but you can also use Swiss or Provolone.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: This recipe is not gluten-free due to the French bread. You can substitute with a gluten-free baguette to make it gluten-free.
Get ready to savor a bowl of pure comfort! This Classic French Onion Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Classic French Onion Soup
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Yellow Onions Sliced
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 8 cups Beef Broth
- 1/2 cup Dry Sherry Optional
- 6 slices French Bread
- 6 oz Gruyere Cheese Grated
Instructions
- Melt butter and olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes, or until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
- Pour in beef broth and sherry (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat broiler. Place French bread slices on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes per side, or until lightly toasted.
- Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of toasted French bread and sprinkle generously with grated Gruyere cheese.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.
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