Description
A comforting classic, this French Onion Soup features rich caramelized onions in a savory beef broth, topped with toasted French baguette slices and melted Gruyère cheese. It’s perfect for a cozy evening or a dinner party, offering deep, layered flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 large white onions, halved and thinly sliced
- 2 sweet Vidalia onions, halved and thinly sliced
- 2 large shallots, halved and thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 64 ounces beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 24 slices French baguette
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- In an 8-quart pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the butter over medium heat until the butter is melted. Add the onions and shallots, stirring to coat with the oil and butter. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for another 40 minutes, stirring regularly until the onions are deep golden brown.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth, and add the thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- About 15 minutes before the soup is ready, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a large baking sheet and brush with the remaining olive oil. Toast for 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Place two toasted baguette slices in each of the 12 ramekins. Ladle the soup over the bread, then sprinkle with shredded Gruyère cheese.
- Broil under low heat for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Notes
- Use a mix of white and sweet onions for a balanced flavor profile.
- Gruyère cheese can be substituted with Swiss or Emmental in a pinch.
- Prepare the onions ahead of time to reduce day-of cooking time.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with rich vegetable broth and use vegetarian cheese.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop, Broiled
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
