Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic flavor: The combination of caramelized onions, broth, and wine creates a deep, savory taste that’s restaurant-quality.
- Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples like onions, garlic, and broth.
- Customizable: Choose your favorite wine and cheese for a personal touch.
- Perfect for special occasions: Ideal for dinner parties or a cozy night in.
- Comforting and satisfying: A warm, cheesy topping makes this dish irresistible.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 large yellow onions, sliced thinly
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup dry white or red wine
- 3 cups low sodium beef broth or beef stock
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Crostinis or large croutons
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Directions
- Cook the Onions:
Heat butter and olive oil in a Dutch oven or stock pot over medium to medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized. - Add Garlic and Thyme:
Stir in minced garlic and dried thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. - Deglaze with Wine:
Pour in the wine and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the pot. Let the wine simmer with the onions for about 5 minutes. - Simmer the Soup:
Add beef broth, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste. - Prepare for Broiling:
Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top with crostinis or croutons and sprinkle with shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese. - Broil:
Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve:
Enjoy the soup immediately while it’s hot and cheesy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace beef and chicken broth with vegetable stock.
- Cheese Choices: Substitute Gruyère with provolone, mozzarella, or a mix of cheeses for a different flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for crostinis or croutons.
- Wine Substitution: Skip the wine and use an equal amount of broth instead.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Let the soup cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Add extra broth if needed to adjust consistency.
- Freezing: The soup (without the cheese and bread topping) can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use red wine instead of white?
Yes, both work well. Red wine gives the soup a deeper, richer flavor, while white wine adds a touch of brightness.
2. What kind of onions should I use?
Yellow onions are ideal for their balance of sweetness and savory flavor when caramelized.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the soup up to the broiling step and store it in the fridge. Reheat, add toppings, and broil when ready to serve.
4. Do I need oven-safe bowls?
Yes, oven-safe bowls are essential for broiling the cheese topping directly on the soup.
5. What’s the best cheese for French Onion Soup?
Gruyère is the classic choice for its meltability and nutty flavor, but Swiss or provolone can also be used.
6. Can I skip the wine?
Yes, you can substitute the wine with additional broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a touch of acidity.
7. Is this soup gluten-free?
The soup itself is gluten-free, but you’ll need to use gluten-free bread for the crostinis.
8. How do I caramelize onions perfectly?
Cook them low and slow, stirring often. This allows the natural sugars to develop without burning.
9. Can I add other vegetables?
While not traditional, you could add mushrooms or leeks for additional flavor.
10. What can I serve with French Onion Soup?
Serve with a simple green salad, crusty bread, or a glass of wine to complete the meal.
Conclusion
Homemade French Onion Soup is a comforting classic that’s easier to make than you might think. With its deeply caramelized onions, savory broth, and golden cheesy topping, it’s the perfect dish to warm up your evenings. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself, this soup is sure to impress. Give it a try—you’ll savor every spoonful!
Homemade French Onion Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich, hearty, and comforting, this Homemade French Onion Soup is a must-try classic. Loaded with perfectly caramelized onions, savory broth, and topped with gooey melted cheese, this cozy dish will transport you to a French bistro. Perfect for dinner parties or a cozy night in, it’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 large yellow onions, sliced thinly
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup dry white or red wine
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth or beef stock
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Crostinis or large croutons
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Onions:
Heat butter and olive oil in a Dutch oven or stock pot over medium to medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized. - Add Garlic and Thyme:
Stir in minced garlic and dried thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. - Deglaze with Wine:
Pour in the wine and scrape up any browned bits from the pot. Let simmer for 5 minutes. - Simmer the Soup:
Add beef broth, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf. Simmer for 20 minutes. Remove bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste. - Prepare for Broiling:
Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls. Top with crostinis or croutons and sprinkle with shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese. - Broil:
Place bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve:
Enjoy the soup immediately while hot and cheesy.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of beef and chicken broth.
- Substitute Gruyère cheese with provolone or mozzarella for a unique twist.
- To caramelize onions perfectly, cook them slowly over low heat while stirring frequently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stove and Broiler
- Cuisine: French
