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Easy Homemade French Onion Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 317 reviews

A classic French Onion Soup recipe featuring slow-cooked caramelized onions, enriched with dry sherry and beef broth, topped with toasted crusty bread and a melty cheese crust of mozzarella and Gruyere. This comforting soup combines deep, savory flavors and a delightful cheesy topping, perfect for cozy meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 6 cups thinly sliced onions (⅛ to ¼ inch max, any kind)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup dry sherry or white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 4 cups beef stock or broth
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Toppings

  • 4 to 8 slices crusty bread (such as ciabatta or French baguette; 1 to 2 slices per bowl depending on bread size)
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Gruyere cheese

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook uncovered, stirring often, for 30 to 45 minutes until onions are soft and golden brown. Maintain low heat to avoid burning; increase slightly if needed to keep onions moving.
  2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry sherry or wine, scraping browned bits off the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Simmer until most of the wine has evaporated.
  4. Add Flour: Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to help thicken the soup.
  5. Add Stock and Simmer: Stir in beef stock and dried thyme. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Preheat Broiler and Toast Bread: Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the broiler. Toast bread slices either in a toaster or under the broiler until lightly crisp.
  7. Prepare Bowls: Place 4 oven-safe bowls on a large baking sheet. Ladle the hot soup evenly into the bowls.
  8. Add Bread and Cheese: Top each bowl with 1 or 2 slices of toasted bread (cut to fit the bowl if needed). Sprinkle each with 2 tablespoons mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Gruyere cheese.
  9. Broil: Place the baking sheet with the bowls under the broiler until the cheese melts and bubbles, forming a golden crust, about 2 to 4 minutes.
  10. Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove from oven and serve immediately, enjoying the rich, cheesy, and caramelized flavors.

Notes

  • For onion variety, yellow onions are traditional, but sweet onions or white onions can also work well.
  • Be patient with caramelizing onions; cooking low and slow develops the best flavor.
  • If you prefer vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for beef stock and omit wine if desired.
  • Use oven-safe bowls that can withstand broiler heat to avoid cracking.
  • Adjust cheese types according to preference but Gruyere is classic for its melting quality and flavor.

Keywords: French Onion Soup, caramelized onion soup, classic French recipe, beef broth soup, melted cheese soup, comfort food

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