Classic French Onion Soup with Gruyère Croutons

Recipe Introduction: French Onion Soup Fit for Royalty

Ever find yourself craving something seriously comforting? French onion soup recipe is the answer. Honestly, few things beat it. It's that warm hug in a bowl you need on a chilly night.

It’s a classic for a reason! Okay, cheerio! Let's rustle up a proper list of that'll have this French Onion Soup recipe ranking higher than Buckingham Palace.

A Soup With History

This classic soup recipe has been around for ages. Its roots are in France, obviously. The secret? Caramelizing onions just right! It might sound fancy, but it's easier than you think.

Expect about almost two hours to make six servings of pure, oniony heaven.

The Good Stuff Inside

This comfort food soup is more than just tasty. Onions are actually good for you. Did you know they are full of antioxidants? This recipe is perfect for a cold winter soup recipe day, or any time you need a little pick-me-up.

What makes this recipe special? That touch of sherry. It adds a depth of flavour that's divine!

Caramelized Onion Magic

So, what makes this French cuisine soup so special? It all boils down to caramelizing the onions. Seriously, that’s the key.

You really want those onions a deep, rich brown colour. This takes patience, but I promise, it’s worth it. I once rushed this part and ended up with a bland, boring soup.

Disaster! Now I always take my time.

Gruyère Croutons, Oh My!

Let's talk about those gruyère croutons . Seriously, they're not optional. They’re essential! The gooey, melted Gruyère against the rich soup.

..chef's kiss. I like to use thick slices of baguette for extra chew. Plus, day-old bread works best. It soaks up the soup without falling apart.

What's not to love?. I once even tried using sourdough. It was amazing, with a bit of tang.

Now, before we get started, let's make sure you have everything you need. Let's rustle up a proper list and get cooking.

Ingredients & Equipment: French Onion Soup Like a Pro

Okay, cheerio! Let's rustle up a proper list for this amazing French onion soup. Trust me , it's worth it.

This comfort food soup will warm you right up on those winter soup recipes days. It is the perfect soup for cold days .

Main Ingredients Breakdown

• Unsalted butter: 3 tablespoons (45 ml) . Go for good quality, it makes a difference.
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Extra virgin is my go-to.
• Yellow onions: 3 large (about 3 lbs or 1.35 kg) , thinly sliced. Sweet onions work too!.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best, innit?
• Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Fresh works too if you're feeling fancy, use 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
• Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) . This helps with the caramelization process.
• Beef broth: 8 cups (1.9 liters) . Low sodium is good, so you can control the salt.
• Dry sherry: 1 cup (240 ml) . Don't skip this! It is a game changer to make a better French cuisine soup .
• Bay leaf: 1 . Adds a subtle depth.
• Salt and pepper: To taste. Season generously, yeah?
• Baguette: 6 thick slices (1 inch/2.5 cm) . Day-old is perfect.
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . For toasting the bread.
• Gruyère cheese: 6 ounces (170 g) , shredded. Nutty and delicious for those Gruyère croutons .

For the onions, quality matters. Look for firm, heavy onions without any soft spots. Honestly, the better the onion, the better the soup. This caramelized onion soup lives or dies with them.

Spice Things Up: Seasoning Notes

Thyme is essential. Don't even think about skipping it. Also, a touch of sugar helps with the caramelization.

If you don't have sherry, dry white wine works too. Sauvignon Blanc is a good shout. A tablespoon of balsamic vinegar could work as well.

Kit Out Your Kitchen: Equipment Needed

• Large pot or Dutch oven. You need something heavy bottomed .
• Sharp knife. For slicing all those onions, duh!.
• Cutting board. Protect your work surface.
• Oven safe soup bowls or ramekins. Get them ready for the Gruyère croutons .

Don't have a Dutch oven? A large, heavy bottomed pot will do the trick. Just make sure it's oven safe if you're planning on broiling the cheese on top.

If not, you can always melt it in the microwave. This easy soup recipe is adaptable, you know.

Let's get cooking!

Classic French Onion Soup with Gruyère Croutons

Okay, cheerio! Let's rustle up a proper bowl of French onion soup recipe . honestly! This soup is like a warm hug on a cold day.

This comfort food soup is the ultimate indulgence. Forget slaving over a hot stove, this recipe is totally doable.

Prep Like a Pro

Before we even think about turning on the hob, let's get our mise en place sorted. This is chef speak for "get everything ready".

Slice 3 large yellow onions thinly. Mince 2 cloves of garlic. Have your 3 tablespoons (45 ml) unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon (2.

5 ml) sugar, 8 cups (1.9 liters) beef broth, 1 cup (240 ml) dry sherry, 1 bay leaf, 6 slices of baguette, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, and 6 ounces (170 g) shredded Gruyère cheese ready.

Trust me, it makes life easier.

step-by-step Simplicity

1. Caramelize those onions: Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot. Add onions, garlic, thyme, and sugar. Cook slowly over medium low heat for 45- 60 minutes , stirring now and then. You want them a deep, rich brown. Patience is a virtue here!
2. Deglaze: Pour in the sherry, scraping up all those yummy bits from the bottom of the pot.
3. Simmer: Add beef broth and bay leaf. Simmer gently for 30 minutes . Season with salt and pepper.
4. Toast: Brush baguette slices with olive oil and bake at 375° F ( 190° C) until lightly toasted.
5. Broil: Ladle soup into bowls, top with bread and Gruyère. Broil until the cheese is bubbly, watching like a hawk to avoid burning.

Pro Tips for French Onion Soup

Want to take your caramelized onion soup to the next level? I always use a good quality beef broth; it makes a massive difference.

Don't skip the sherry it adds a fab depth of flavour. One time I forgot the sherry... never again! Oh my gosh!

Also, don't overcrowd the pot when caramelizing onions. Work in batches if needed, for even browning. And don't be tempted to crank up the heat! Keep it low and slow.

This is such a great winter soup recipes dish.

So there you have it! Easy soup recipe that'll impress your mates. Enjoy this French cuisine soup on soup for cold days !

Recipe Notes: The Secret Sauce to Soup Success

Okay, cheerio! Let's dive into some extra bits that'll make your French onion soup recipe sing. We're talking tips, tricks, and little tweaks that take it from "good" to "Oh my gosh, this is amazing!" Honestly, these are the things that make all the difference.

Plating and Presentation: Soup's On!

Listen, caramelized onion soup is already gorgeous. That golden, cheesy top? Chef's kiss! But a little effort goes a long way.

Serve it in proper oven safe bowls or ramekins. A sprinkle of fresh thyme on top adds a pop of colour.

For a bit of fancy, float a few extra Gruyère croutons on top. Think of it as a little edible raft of cheesy goodness.

Storing Your Liquid Gold

Let's be real, sometimes you have leftovers. Don't let that beef broth soup go to waste! Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze it. But here's the thing: freeze the soup before adding the bread and cheese. Thaw it completely, then reheat on the stovetop.

Add fresh croutons and cheese before serving.

Mix It Up: Soup Remix

Fancy a little twist? For a veggie version, switch the beef broth for a good quality vegetable broth. It will still be a great classic soup recipe .

Or, if you are feeling a bit naughty, you could try adding a dash of cream or crème fraîche just before serving for extra richness.

It's all about making it your own. Another fantastic adaptation, is swapping out Gruyère for Swiss or Provolone cheese. These easy soup recipe alternatives work wonders without compromising the amazing comfort food soup experience.

French Cuisine Soup : Nutrition Nuggets

This isn't health food, let's be honest. It's soup for cold days and indulgence! But it has its perks. Onions are packed with vitamins.

The beef broth soup provides protein and warmth. And that little bit of cheese? Well, cheese is life, innit? Just enjoy it in moderation.

Remember, Estimated per serving is 450 Calories, 25g Protein, 28g Fat, 20g Carbohydrates, 3g Fiber and 800mg Sodium.

Right then, go forth and get soup ing! Don't be afraid to experiment and have a bit of fun in the kitchen. You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does caramelizing onions for French Onion Soup take so long? Is it really necessary?

Think of caramelizing onions like building a good cup of tea you can't rush it! The long, slow cooking process is absolutely essential for developing the sweet, rich flavor that makes French Onion Soup so special. Rushing it will result in bitter onions, and nobody wants that drama.

So, put on some tunes, grab a cuppa, and enjoy the process it's worth it!

Can I make French Onion Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swapping out the beef broth for a good quality vegetable broth is a simple way to make this a vegetarian friendly soup. Look for a broth that's rich and flavorful to maintain that depth of taste.

You might even consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce (check that it's vegetarian friendly, as some contain anchovies) for an extra umami kick consider it a chef's little secret!

What's the best way to store leftover French Onion Soup?

Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. It's best to store the soup separately from the croutons to prevent them from getting soggy. When reheating, you can either microwave it or gently heat it in a saucepan on the stovetop.

I don't have Gruyère cheese. What's a good substitute for this soup?

Gruyère is the classic choice, but don't let that stop you! Swiss or Provolone cheese are both excellent substitutes that melt beautifully and offer a similar nutty flavor. You could even get away with a good quality mozzarella for a milder, stretchier cheesy topping.

At the end of the day, you want a cheese that will get you that satisfying cheese pull, so go with what you like!

Can I make French Onion Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely make the soup base ahead of time! In fact, the flavors often meld together even better overnight. Prepare the soup through the simmering step, then cool and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, reheat the soup, prepare the croutons, and assemble and broil as directed.

This is a great way to break down the cooking process, especially if you're having guests over.

Is French Onion Soup healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

While incredibly comforting, French Onion Soup isn't exactly a health food due to the cheese and butter. However, you can make it healthier by using low-sodium beef broth and being mindful of the amount of cheese you use. It does provide some protein and fiber.

You could also bulk it out with vegetables for a lower carb version, maybe some cauliflower rice, just don't go overboard!