French Onion Soup

Rich, savory, and topped with melty Gruyère cheese, this classic French Onion Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for cozy evenings or an elegant dinner starter.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 8 cups low-sodium beef broth
• ½ cup water
• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 French baguette, sliced and lightly toasted
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Stir well.
3. Cook the onions for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
   • Tip: Reduce the heat if the onions start to burn.

2. Prepare the Soup

1. Add the thyme, black pepper, and bay leaf to the caramelized onions. Stir and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
2. Pour in the beef broth and water.
3. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Remove and discard the bay leaf.

3. Toast the Baguette

1. Preheat your oven’s broiler.
2. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and broil for 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning.

4. Assemble the Soup

1. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls.
2. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl.
3. Generously sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese over the bread and soup.

5. Broil the Topping

1. Place the bowls under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
2. Carefully remove the bowls from the oven.

6. Serve and Garnish

• Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
• Pair with a crisp green salad or enjoy as a standalone dish.

Time Required

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Servings: 4–6

Tips for Success

• Caramelizing Onions: Patience is key. The slow caramelization process adds depth and sweetness to the soup.
• Gruyère Cheese Substitute: Use Swiss or Emmental cheese if Gruyère isn’t available.
• Make Ahead: The soup base can be made a day ahead and reheated before adding the baguette and cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: The deeply caramelized onions and savory beef broth create an irresistible flavor.
• Easy Elegance: Simple ingredients come together to make a restaurant-quality dish.
• Customizable: Adjust the seasoning or try different cheese options to suit your taste.