Classic French Onion Soup is a timeless dish that brings together rich, caramelized onions and a savory broth, topped with melted Gruyère cheese and toasted baguette slices. This comforting and elegant soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive starter. Follow these steps to create an authentic and delicious French Onion Soup that will warm your heart and delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 1/2 French bread baguette, toasted
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 lbs onions, thinly sliced (See Note 1)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 8 cups beef stock
- 1 cup white wine
- 3 sprigs of thyme
- 1/4 cup cognac (optional)
- 8 oz Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp chives, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Toast the baguette slices in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Set aside.
- Caramelize the Onions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 30-40 minutes.
- Add Flour and Deglaze:
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to coat.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Add the beef stock, thyme sprigs, and cognac (if using) to the pot. Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then decrease the heat and let it gently cook for 30 minutes. Sample the soup and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if required.
- Assemble and Broil:
- Preheat your broiler.
- Pour the steaming soup into oven-proof bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of toasted baguette.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Gruyère cheese and a little Parmesan cheese on top of the baguette slices.
- Broil the Cheese:
- Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Carefully remove the bowls from the broiler.
- Garnish with chopped chives.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, savory flavors of this classic French Onion Soup.
Conclusion
Classic French Onion Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that showcases the deep, caramelized flavors of onions and the richness of beef stock, topped with melted cheese and toasted bread. Perfect for a cozy meal or an elegant starter, this soup is sure to impress with its authentic taste and satisfying texture. Enjoy the warmth and heartiness of this timeless recipe!