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Southern Dishes

Best French Onion Soup Recipe for Comfort Food

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To make the best French onion soup, gather the following ingredients: - 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon sugar - 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option) - 1 bay leaf - 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 slices of French baguette - 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) Each ingredient plays a role in creating rich flavors. The onions provide sweetness when caramelized. The butter and olive oil give a nice base for cooking. Sugar helps with the caramelization, making the onions golden and sweet. Broth is the heart of the soup, adding depth. Thyme and bay leaf bring in earthy notes, while salt and pepper enhance all flavors. French baguette adds texture, and Swiss cheese offers creaminess. Fresh parsley brightens the dish and makes it look nice. Collect these ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth experience. {{ingredient_image_1}} Cooking the onions Start by melting the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sugar. Stir them often. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes. The onions will turn caramelized and golden brown. This step is key for good flavor. Adding broth and seasoning Once the onions are ready, stir in the bay leaf and thyme. Cook for one more minute. Now pour in the beef broth. Let it simmer for 20 minutes. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. This helps build the soup's rich flavor. Toasting baguette slices While the soup simmers, preheat your oven broiler to high. Place the slices of baguette on a baking sheet. Toast them under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should be golden and crispy. This adds a nice texture to the soup. Broiling the cheese-topped soup Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with the toasted baguette slices. Now, sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese generously over the bread. Place the bowls back under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch for the cheese to become bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with parsley Carefully take the bowls out of the oven. They will be hot! If you like, garnish with fresh parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness. Ideal serving conditions Serve the soup hot. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you need comfort food. Enjoy this savory dish with friends or family. To make great French onion soup, you need perfectly caramelized onions. Start by cooking them low and slow. Use medium heat to avoid burning. Stir them often to ensure even cooking. This takes about 25 to 30 minutes. If your onions start to brown too fast, lower the heat. To enhance sweetness, add a teaspoon of sugar when you start cooking the onions. This helps them caramelize better. If you see dark bits forming, those can burn. Just scrape them off the pot to keep the flavor clean. Swiss cheese is a classic choice, but you can try other types. Gruyère gives a nutty flavor, while Provolone adds a nice kick. For a fun twist, use mozzarella for a stretchier texture. To melt cheese perfectly, add it right before broiling. Make sure to cover the bread well. When you broil, keep an eye on it. Cheese can go from melted to burnt quickly. You want it bubbly and golden, not charred. For extra flavor, add spices and herbs. Fresh thyme works great, or try rosemary for a different taste. A dash of black pepper adds warmth. Balancing sweetness is key. If your soup is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. This adds acidity and brightens the dish. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance. Pro Tips Caramelization is Key: Take your time when caramelizing the onions; this process develops the rich flavor of the soup. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even browning. Choose Your Broth Wisely: The flavor of your broth is crucial. A high-quality beef broth will yield a deeper flavor, while vegetable broth can create a lighter, vegetarian version that still shines. Toasting the Bread: Don't skip toasting the baguette slices! This step adds a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soup and prevents the bread from becoming too soggy. Experiment with Cheeses: While Swiss cheese is traditional, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile and texture. {{image_2}} You can make a delicious vegetarian version of French onion soup. Just swap the beef broth for vegetable broth. This keeps the rich taste while making it meat-free. To add more flavor, toss in some sautéed mushrooms. They bring a nice earthiness that pairs well with the sweet onions. Cheese is key in French onion soup. While Swiss cheese is classic, you can try Gruyère or Provolone. Gruyère adds a nutty flavor and melts beautifully. Provolone gives a sharper taste. Experimenting with different cheeses can change the whole dish and make it your own. You can get creative with your soup by adding bacon or sautéed mushrooms. Crispy bacon brings a smoky taste that complements the sweet onions. Sautéed mushrooms add depth and a nice texture. These choices make your soup heartier and more satisfying. Don’t be afraid to mix things up! To keep your French onion soup fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. Make sure the soup cools down first. It should stay good for about 3-4 days. I recommend not adding the cheese and bread until you are ready to eat. This helps keep everything tasty and fresh. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the soup slowly. You can use a pot on the stove or a microwave. If using the stove, heat on low to avoid burning. Stir often to keep the flavor. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. This helps keep the soup hot without overcooking it. Freezing is a great way to save extra soup. Pour portions into freezer bags or containers. Leave some space at the top, as soup expands when frozen. It’s best to freeze it without the bread and cheese. This way, it stays fresh. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your cozy meal anytime! The best onion for French onion soup is the yellow onion. Yellow onions have a nice balance of sweetness and sharpness. They caramelize well, giving you rich flavor. White onions are sharper and less sweet. They can work, but the taste will differ. Sweet onions, like Vidalia, add a strong sweetness. They might be too sweet for some. Stick with yellow onions for the best results. Yes, you can make French onion soup ahead of time. I recommend making it a day before you plan to serve it. This helps the flavors blend better. Store it in the fridge after it cools. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. This soup tastes even better the next day. To lower the salt in French onion soup, choose low-sodium broth. You can also dilute salty soup with water. Adding more onions can help balance the saltiness too. If you taste it and find it too salty, add a bit more sugar or thyme. These can help mask the salt taste. Yes, you can make French onion soup in a slow cooker. Start by caramelizing the onions in a pan first. This step adds depth to the flavor. Then, place the onions in the slow cooker. Add the broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Cook it on low for 6-8 hours. This method makes the soup very rich and tasty. When it's done, follow the same steps to broil the cheese on top. Enjoy! In this post, we explored how to make a delicious French onion soup. We discussed the key ingredients, like yellow onions, broth, and cheese. You learned step-by-step preparation and baking methods. Tips for caramelizing onions and flavor enhancements were shared. Try making variations to suit your taste, like vegetarian options. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them for the best flavor. French onion soup is a warm delight, perfect for gatherings. Enjoy every bite!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If you’re craving warmth and comfort, look no further than the best French onion soup recipe. This dish is a delightful blend of sweet onions, rich broth, and melted cheese that warms the soul. I’ll guide you step-by-step to create this classic favorite in your kitchen. Get ready to impress your family or enjoy a quiet night in with a bowl of pure comfort. Let’s dive into the details!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Rich Flavor: The caramelized onions combined with savory broth create a depth of flavor that’s truly comforting.
  2. Cheesy Topping: The melted Swiss cheese adds a deliciously gooey texture that takes the soup to the next level.
  3. Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
  4. Perfect for Any Occasion: This soup is a fantastic appetizer for a dinner party or a cozy meal for a rainy day.

Ingredients

To make the best French onion soup, gather the following ingredients:

– 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 teaspoon sugar

– 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)

– 1 bay leaf

– 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 8 slices of French baguette

– 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Each ingredient plays a role in creating rich flavors. The onions provide sweetness when caramelized. The butter and olive oil give a nice base for cooking. Sugar helps with the caramelization, making the onions golden and sweet. Broth is the heart of the soup, adding depth. Thyme and bay leaf bring in earthy notes, while salt and pepper enhance all flavors.

French baguette adds texture, and Swiss cheese offers creaminess. Fresh parsley brightens the dish and makes it look nice. Collect these ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

Cooking the onions

Start by melting the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sugar. Stir them often. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes. The onions will turn caramelized and golden brown. This step is key for good flavor.

Adding broth and seasoning

Once the onions are ready, stir in the bay leaf and thyme. Cook for one more minute. Now pour in the beef broth. Let it simmer for 20 minutes. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. This helps build the soup’s rich flavor.

Baking the Bread and Cheese

Toasting baguette slices

While the soup simmers, preheat your oven broiler to high. Place the slices of baguette on a baking sheet. Toast them under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should be golden and crispy. This adds a nice texture to the soup.

Broiling the cheese-topped soup

Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with the toasted baguette slices. Now, sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese generously over the bread. Place the bowls back under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch for the cheese to become bubbly and golden brown.

Serving the Soup

Garnish with parsley

Carefully take the bowls out of the oven. They will be hot! If you like, garnish with fresh parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness.

Ideal serving conditions

Serve the soup hot. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you need comfort food. Enjoy this savory dish with friends or family.

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Caramelizing Onions

To make great French onion soup, you need perfectly caramelized onions. Start by cooking them low and slow. Use medium heat to avoid burning. Stir them often to ensure even cooking. This takes about 25 to 30 minutes. If your onions start to brown too fast, lower the heat.

To enhance sweetness, add a teaspoon of sugar when you start cooking the onions. This helps them caramelize better. If you see dark bits forming, those can burn. Just scrape them off the pot to keep the flavor clean.

Cheese Options

Swiss cheese is a classic choice, but you can try other types. Gruyère gives a nutty flavor, while Provolone adds a nice kick. For a fun twist, use mozzarella for a stretchier texture.

To melt cheese perfectly, add it right before broiling. Make sure to cover the bread well. When you broil, keep an eye on it. Cheese can go from melted to burnt quickly. You want it bubbly and golden, not charred.

Enhancing Flavor

For extra flavor, add spices and herbs. Fresh thyme works great, or try rosemary for a different taste. A dash of black pepper adds warmth.

Balancing sweetness is key. If your soup is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. This adds acidity and brightens the dish. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance.

Pro Tips

  1. Caramelization is Key: Take your time when caramelizing the onions; this process develops the rich flavor of the soup. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
  2. Choose Your Broth Wisely: The flavor of your broth is crucial. A high-quality beef broth will yield a deeper flavor, while vegetable broth can create a lighter, vegetarian version that still shines.
  3. Toasting the Bread: Don’t skip toasting the baguette slices! This step adds a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soup and prevents the bread from becoming too soggy.
  4. Experiment with Cheeses: While Swiss cheese is traditional, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile and texture.

Variations

Vegetarian French Onion Soup

You can make a delicious vegetarian version of French onion soup. Just swap the beef broth for vegetable broth. This keeps the rich taste while making it meat-free. To add more flavor, toss in some sautéed mushrooms. They bring a nice earthiness that pairs well with the sweet onions.

French Onion Soup with Different Cheeses

Cheese is key in French onion soup. While Swiss cheese is classic, you can try Gruyère or Provolone. Gruyère adds a nutty flavor and melts beautifully. Provolone gives a sharper taste. Experimenting with different cheeses can change the whole dish and make it your own.

Creative Additions

You can get creative with your soup by adding bacon or sautéed mushrooms. Crispy bacon brings a smoky taste that complements the sweet onions. Sautéed mushrooms add depth and a nice texture. These choices make your soup heartier and more satisfying. Don’t be afraid to mix things up!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your French onion soup fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. Make sure the soup cools down first. It should stay good for about 3-4 days. I recommend not adding the cheese and bread until you are ready to eat. This helps keep everything tasty and fresh.

Reheating the Soup

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the soup slowly. You can use a pot on the stove or a microwave. If using the stove, heat on low to avoid burning. Stir often to keep the flavor. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. This helps keep the soup hot without overcooking it.

Freezing Tips

Freezing is a great way to save extra soup. Pour portions into freezer bags or containers. Leave some space at the top, as soup expands when frozen. It’s best to freeze it without the bread and cheese. This way, it stays fresh. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your cozy meal anytime!

FAQs

What is the best type of onion for French onion soup?

The best onion for French onion soup is the yellow onion. Yellow onions have a nice balance of sweetness and sharpness. They caramelize well, giving you rich flavor. White onions are sharper and less sweet. They can work, but the taste will differ. Sweet onions, like Vidalia, add a strong sweetness. They might be too sweet for some. Stick with yellow onions for the best results.

Can I make French onion soup in advance?

Yes, you can make French onion soup ahead of time. I recommend making it a day before you plan to serve it. This helps the flavors blend better. Store it in the fridge after it cools. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. This soup tastes even better the next day.

How do I make French onion soup less salty?

To lower the salt in French onion soup, choose low-sodium broth. You can also dilute salty soup with water. Adding more onions can help balance the saltiness too. If you taste it and find it too salty, add a bit more sugar or thyme. These can help mask the salt taste.

Is it possible to make it in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make French onion soup in a slow cooker. Start by caramelizing the onions in a pan first. This step adds depth to the flavor. Then, place the onions in the slow cooker. Add the broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Cook it on low for 6-8 hours. This method makes the soup very rich and tasty. When it’s done, follow the same steps to broil the cheese on top. Enjoy!

In this post, we explored how to make a delicious French onion soup. We discussed the key ingredients, like yellow onions, broth, and cheese. You learned step-by-step preparation and baking methods. Tips for caramelizing onions and flavor enhancements were shared.

Try making variations to suit your taste, like vegetarian options. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them for the best flavor. French onion soup is a warm delight, perfect for gatherings. Enjoy every bit

To make the best French onion soup, gather the following ingredients: - 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon sugar - 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option) - 1 bay leaf - 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 slices of French baguette - 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) Each ingredient plays a role in creating rich flavors. The onions provide sweetness when caramelized. The butter and olive oil give a nice base for cooking. Sugar helps with the caramelization, making the onions golden and sweet. Broth is the heart of the soup, adding depth. Thyme and bay leaf bring in earthy notes, while salt and pepper enhance all flavors. French baguette adds texture, and Swiss cheese offers creaminess. Fresh parsley brightens the dish and makes it look nice. Collect these ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth experience. {{ingredient_image_1}} Cooking the onions Start by melting the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sugar. Stir them often. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes. The onions will turn caramelized and golden brown. This step is key for good flavor. Adding broth and seasoning Once the onions are ready, stir in the bay leaf and thyme. Cook for one more minute. Now pour in the beef broth. Let it simmer for 20 minutes. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. This helps build the soup's rich flavor. Toasting baguette slices While the soup simmers, preheat your oven broiler to high. Place the slices of baguette on a baking sheet. Toast them under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should be golden and crispy. This adds a nice texture to the soup. Broiling the cheese-topped soup Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with the toasted baguette slices. Now, sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese generously over the bread. Place the bowls back under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch for the cheese to become bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with parsley Carefully take the bowls out of the oven. They will be hot! If you like, garnish with fresh parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness. Ideal serving conditions Serve the soup hot. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you need comfort food. Enjoy this savory dish with friends or family. To make great French onion soup, you need perfectly caramelized onions. Start by cooking them low and slow. Use medium heat to avoid burning. Stir them often to ensure even cooking. This takes about 25 to 30 minutes. If your onions start to brown too fast, lower the heat. To enhance sweetness, add a teaspoon of sugar when you start cooking the onions. This helps them caramelize better. If you see dark bits forming, those can burn. Just scrape them off the pot to keep the flavor clean. Swiss cheese is a classic choice, but you can try other types. Gruyère gives a nutty flavor, while Provolone adds a nice kick. For a fun twist, use mozzarella for a stretchier texture. To melt cheese perfectly, add it right before broiling. Make sure to cover the bread well. When you broil, keep an eye on it. Cheese can go from melted to burnt quickly. You want it bubbly and golden, not charred. For extra flavor, add spices and herbs. Fresh thyme works great, or try rosemary for a different taste. A dash of black pepper adds warmth. Balancing sweetness is key. If your soup is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. This adds acidity and brightens the dish. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance. Pro Tips Caramelization is Key: Take your time when caramelizing the onions; this process develops the rich flavor of the soup. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even browning. Choose Your Broth Wisely: The flavor of your broth is crucial. A high-quality beef broth will yield a deeper flavor, while vegetable broth can create a lighter, vegetarian version that still shines. Toasting the Bread: Don't skip toasting the baguette slices! This step adds a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soup and prevents the bread from becoming too soggy. Experiment with Cheeses: While Swiss cheese is traditional, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile and texture. {{image_2}} You can make a delicious vegetarian version of French onion soup. Just swap the beef broth for vegetable broth. This keeps the rich taste while making it meat-free. To add more flavor, toss in some sautéed mushrooms. They bring a nice earthiness that pairs well with the sweet onions. Cheese is key in French onion soup. While Swiss cheese is classic, you can try Gruyère or Provolone. Gruyère adds a nutty flavor and melts beautifully. Provolone gives a sharper taste. Experimenting with different cheeses can change the whole dish and make it your own. You can get creative with your soup by adding bacon or sautéed mushrooms. Crispy bacon brings a smoky taste that complements the sweet onions. Sautéed mushrooms add depth and a nice texture. These choices make your soup heartier and more satisfying. Don’t be afraid to mix things up! To keep your French onion soup fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. Make sure the soup cools down first. It should stay good for about 3-4 days. I recommend not adding the cheese and bread until you are ready to eat. This helps keep everything tasty and fresh. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the soup slowly. You can use a pot on the stove or a microwave. If using the stove, heat on low to avoid burning. Stir often to keep the flavor. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. This helps keep the soup hot without overcooking it. Freezing is a great way to save extra soup. Pour portions into freezer bags or containers. Leave some space at the top, as soup expands when frozen. It’s best to freeze it without the bread and cheese. This way, it stays fresh. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your cozy meal anytime! The best onion for French onion soup is the yellow onion. Yellow onions have a nice balance of sweetness and sharpness. They caramelize well, giving you rich flavor. White onions are sharper and less sweet. They can work, but the taste will differ. Sweet onions, like Vidalia, add a strong sweetness. They might be too sweet for some. Stick with yellow onions for the best results. Yes, you can make French onion soup ahead of time. I recommend making it a day before you plan to serve it. This helps the flavors blend better. Store it in the fridge after it cools. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. This soup tastes even better the next day. To lower the salt in French onion soup, choose low-sodium broth. You can also dilute salty soup with water. Adding more onions can help balance the saltiness too. If you taste it and find it too salty, add a bit more sugar or thyme. These can help mask the salt taste. Yes, you can make French onion soup in a slow cooker. Start by caramelizing the onions in a pan first. This step adds depth to the flavor. Then, place the onions in the slow cooker. Add the broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Cook it on low for 6-8 hours. This method makes the soup very rich and tasty. When it's done, follow the same steps to broil the cheese on top. Enjoy! In this post, we explored how to make a delicious French onion soup. We discussed the key ingredients, like yellow onions, broth, and cheese. You learned step-by-step preparation and baking methods. Tips for caramelizing onions and flavor enhancements were shared. Try making variations to suit your taste, like vegetarian options. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them for the best flavor. French onion soup is a warm delight, perfect for gatherings. Enjoy every bite!

Savory Melting Swiss French Onion Soup

A rich and flavorful French onion soup topped with melted Swiss cheese and crispy baguette.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Appetizer
Cuisine French
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
  • 1 leaf bay leaf
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 8 slices French baguette
  • 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
  • optional Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the sliced onions and sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, about 25-30 minutes.
  • Once caramelized, add the bay leaf and thyme, stirring for another minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes to enhance the flavors.
  • Meanwhile, preheat your oven broiler to high.
  • Place the slices of baguette on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy.
  • Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls and top each bowl with toasted baguette slices.
  • Generously sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the bread, ensuring it covers well.
  • Place the bowls back under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Carefully remove the bowls (they will be hot!) and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth.
Keyword French cuisine, onion, soup, Swiss cheese

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