Classic French Onion Soup

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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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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!