Description
This Classic Soupe À L’Oignon (French Onion Soup) is the ultimate comfort dish that combines rich, caramelized onions, savory broth, and a golden, cheesy topping over crispy baguette slices. It’s a timeless recipe that captures the heart of French cuisine while being simple enough to make at home. Perfect for cozy evenings or as a standout dish for a dinner party, this soup is satisfying, elegant, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
For the Onions:
- 3 large white onions (halved and thinly slice)
- 2 large red onions (cut in half and sliced thinly)
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 5 tablespoons flour
For the Liquid:
- 3 cups 24 oz, 750 ml white wine
- 2 cups 16 oz, 500 ml water
- 5 tablespoons beef bouillon
For Serving:
- 8 – 12 thick slices of baguette
- 1 1/3 cups 5 oz, 150 g shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup 4 oz, 120 g of shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Caramelize the Onions:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and begins to bubble.
- Add the sliced white and red onions to the pot, stirring to coat them in the oil and butter.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes or until they become golden brown and caramelized.
- Take care not to burn the onions, adjusting the heat as necessary.
Thicken with Flour:
- Once the onions are caramelized and soft, sprinkle the flour over them and stir to combine.
- Cook the flour for about 2-3 minutes to remove its raw taste, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Add the Liquid:
- Slowly pour in the white wine, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom.
- Let the wine simmer for about 5 minutes to cook off some of the alcohol.
- Add the water and beef bouillon, stirring to dissolve the bouillon.
- Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Prepare the Baguette:
- While the soup simmers, preheat your oven’s broiler.
- Lay the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Assemble and Broil the Soup:
- Preheat your oven to broil.
- Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls.
- Place one or two slices of toasted baguette on top of each bowl of soup, ensuring it covers most of the surface.
- Generously sprinkle the shredded Gruyère and grated Parmesan cheeses over the baguette slices.
- Place the bowls under the broiler for 3-4 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Serve:
Notes
- Patience is Key: Caramelizing onions takes time, but it’s worth it for the rich, sweet flavor they bring to the soup. Don’t rush this step!
- Cheese Variations: While Gruyère and Parmesan are traditional, you can experiment with Emmental, Fontina, or even a blend of cheeses for a unique twist.
- Alcohol-Free Option: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with an equal amount of additional beef broth or apple cider.
- Oven Safety: Always check that your soup bowls are oven-safe before placing them under the broiler.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French