Classic French Onion Soup À La Maison

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever craved that warm, cheesy, utterly comforting bowl of soup on a chilly night? I know I have. Today, we are diving headfirst into french onion soup .

This recipe will bring that classic bistro experience right to your kitchen!

Brief Overview

Classic french onion soup has a long and rich history, originating in France as a humble peasant dish. It's known for its deeply savory flavor.

It might seem intimidating, but it's totally doable at home. This recipe is medium difficulty, requiring about 1 hour 50 minutes total, and yields six servings.

Main Benefits

One of the best things about caramelized onion soup is its hearty nature, offering a good dose of vitamins and minerals from the broth and onions.

Seriously, it's perfect for a cold evening when you need some serious comfort food. What makes this French Bistro Soup special is the depth of flavor from the slow cooked onions and the generous topping of Gruyère.

Time to get started!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

So, you want to make the best French Onion Soup ? Awesome! This Classic French Onion Soup recipe is all about getting the basics right.

Forget fancy, we’re going for flavour! Honestly, it's easier than you think.

Main Ingredients for a Stunning French Onion Soup

Here's what you'll need. No crazy stuff, promise! This French Onion Soup Recipe won't break the bank.

• For the Soup:
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter ( 45 ml )
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30 ml )
  • 3 pounds yellow onions, thinly sliced ( 1.3 kg )
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar ( 5 ml )
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme ( 2.5 ml )
  • 1/4 cup dry sherry ( 60 ml )
  • 8 cups beef broth ( 1.9 L )
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to your taste
• For Croutons & Cheese - The Glory of Gruyere Cheese Soup
  • 1 baguette, sliced into 1 -inch thick rounds ( 2.5 cm )
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30 ml )
  • 6 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded ( 170 g )

For the onions, get yellow ones if you can. Vidalia onions are sweeter. Quality beef broth is key, get a good one, low sodium if possible! For the cheese in the French Onion Soup Cheese , Gruyère is traditional, but Emmental or Comté work too.

Seasoning Notes for the Perfect Caramelized Onion Soup

Thyme and bay leaves are a must. They give that classic je ne sais quoi . A splash of dry sherry is another essential ingredient and it adds depth.

Don't skip it!. Salt and pepper? You know, to taste! It's like adding seasoning to taste in a stew, you know?

If you are feeling spicy you can add a dash of paprika.

Equipment Needed for This French Bistro Soup

You don't need much to make this Onion Soup with Sherry sing!.

• A large pot with a heavy bottom (like a Dutch oven).
• A baking sheet.
• Oven safe bowls (ramekins are perfect).

You know, if you don't have oven safe bowls, no worries. Use normal bowls. Just toast the bread and melt the cheese separately.

Trust me, it'll still be amazing! This Comfort Food Soup is very versatile, adaptable and simple.

Cooking Method

Prep Steps for the Best French Onion Soup

Honestly, the French Onion Soup Recipe prep is all about setting yourself up for success. It's like getting your ducks in a row before a big race.

First, essential mise en place: slice your 1.3 kg of yellow onions. Yes, it will make you cry. I always wear swimming goggles.

It helps a bit! Have your 45 ml of butter, 30 ml of olive oil, 5 ml of sugar, 2.

5 ml of thyme, 60 ml of sherry, 1.9 L of beef broth, bay leaves, 1 baguette and 170 g of Gruyère cheese ready to go.

For time saving, I slice the onions ahead of time. You know, chop them in the morning or even the day before and stash them in the fridge.

It cuts down on the tears later.

step-by-step: Making Classic French Onion Soup

Alright, let's get down to it. This is how you make magic happen with french onion soup :

1. Melt 45 ml butter and 30 ml olive oil in a large pot. Add sliced 1.3 kg onions, 5 ml sugar, and 2.5 ml thyme.
2. Cook over medium low heat for 1 hour , stirring often, until onions are caramelized and golden brown. Patience is key!
3. Add 60 ml dry sherry. Scrape up any browned bits. Cook for 2 minutes .
4. Add 1.9 L beef broth and bay leaves. Simmer for 30 minutes . Season with salt and pepper.
5. Preheat oven to 190° C . Toss baguette slices with 30 ml olive oil. Bake until golden brown, about 8- 10 minutes .
6. Preheat broiler. Ladle soup into bowls. Top with baguette slices and 170 g Gruyère cheese.
7. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2- 3 minutes . Watch closely to avoid burning!

Pro Tips for the French Bistro Soup

Here's where we level up your caramelized onion soup game:

First, don't rush the onions! Caramelizing them properly takes time. Aim for a deep, rich color.

Second, avoid using too much salt early on. Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Using good broth is also important.

For a make-ahead option, caramelize the onions a day in advance. Store them in the fridge. This makes assembly a breeze when you're ready to make the French Soup .

You know, this French Onion Soup Cheese recipe is a real winner. It's the ultimate comfort food soup . Trust me, you'll be making this all winter long.

Plus, a little sherry is also a great addition to your Onion Soup with Sherry . It's a real treat to remember your family and friends.

Recipe Notes for Epic French Onion Soup

So, you're about to tackle this French Onion Soup Recipe . Ace! Honestly, it's not as daunting as it looks. It’s all about the onions, mate! Let's dive into some tips and tricks.

Serving Like a Pro

Want to make your french onion soup look like it came straight from a fancy French Bistro Soup ? When plating, think rustic charm.

Use oven safe bowls, get that cheesy lid golden brown under the broiler, and sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.

Pair your Classic French Onion Soup with a simple green salad. A light vinaigrette will cut through the richness. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc also goes down a treat.

Finish off with crème brûlée magnifique !

Storing That Liquid Gold

Got leftovers? Lucky you! French Soup tastes even better the next day.

• Refrigerate: Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freezing isn’t ideal with the bread and cheese, but the soup base freezes well. Freeze in portions for easy thawing.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop. Add fresh croutons and Gruyere Cheese Soup topping before serving.

Remixing Your Soup

Fancy a twist?

• Veggie Version: Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth. Still delicious!
• Dietary Adaptation: Need it gluten-free? Use gluten-free baguette slices. Lactose free? No problem, use lactose free French Onion Soup Cheese and you're golden.

Nutritional Nitty Gritty

Okay, let's keep this simple. A bowl of this Comfort Food Soup is estimated to be around 350-400 calories. It's got a good whack of protein (25-30g) and some healthy fats (20-25g).

Carbs are in the 20-25g range, and fiber is about 3-4g. Just be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you're using store-bought broth.

The Key health benefits of this recipe is that the broth is warming and comforting.

Remember that Caramelized Onion Soup needs patience. Don't rush those onions! Use a decent broth for the best flavour. And for the love of Pete, watch the soup under the broiler.

No one likes burnt cheese! Get your Best French Onion Soup today. A little Onion Soup with Sherry is always welcome.

Honestly, making French Onion Soup at home is totally achievable. Don't be scared to give it a go! You'll be chowing down on this French Bistro Soup in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my French onion soup taste bitter?

Bitterness in French onion soup often comes from rushing the caramelization of the onions. Cook them low and slow! High heat can burn the sugars in the onions, leading to a bitter flavor. Patience is key think of it as a marathon, not a sprint. The perfect soup takes time!

Can I make French onion soup in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, French onion soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare the soup base (before adding the croutons and cheese) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the soup, add the cheesy croutons, and broil.

What's the best cheese to use for French onion soup?

Gruyère is the classic choice, providing a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and excellent melting properties. However, if you're in a pinch or fancy a change, Emmental or Comté are fantastic substitutes.

They both offer a similar flavor profile and melt beautifully, creating that irresistible, gooey cheese topping we all crave.

My French onion soup is too salty! What can I do?

Oops! A salty soup can be a kitchen disaster, but don't despair. You can try adding a peeled potato to the soup while it simmers; the potato will absorb some of the excess salt. Alternatively, a splash of cream or a squeeze of lemon juice can help balance the flavors.

Next time, be sure to use low-sodium broth and season carefully, tasting as you go.

Can I make vegetarian French onion soup?

Yes, definitely! To make a vegetarian version of French onion soup, simply substitute the beef broth with a good quality vegetable broth. You can also add a splash of dry sherry or white wine to enhance the depth of flavour, just as you would in the traditional recipe.

Consider using a robust vegetable stock to give the soup that umami punch that the beef broth would normally provide.

How do I store leftover French onion soup?

Leftover soup, without the croutons and cheese, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 2 months. When reheating, bring the soup to a simmer on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Add fresh croutons and cheese just before serving for the best texture nobody likes soggy croutons!