Best French Onion Soup Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 09, 2025

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Best French Onion Soup Recipe: A Culinary Masterpiece

French onion soup, a classic French dish, is renowned for its rich, savory broth, caramelized onions, and a perfectly toasted baguette topped with melted Gruyère cheese. This recipe will guide you through creating this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields about 6 servings of this delicious soup. Adjust quantities as needed for your crowd!

• For the Caramelized Onions:
  • 3 pounds yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 6 large onions)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Soup:
  • 12 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup dry sherry (optional, but highly recommended!)
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Topping:
  • 6 slices baguette, about 1 inch thick
  • 6 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Magic Happen

1. Caramelizing the Onions: The Heart of the Soup

This is the most crucial step. Patience is key to achieving perfectly caramelized onions—the deep, sweet flavor is what makes this soup so special.

1. Melt the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for at least 45 minutes, or until the onions are deeply caramelized and a rich brown color. This will take time and low heat is your friend here! Don't rush this part!
3. Tip: Avoid high heat, as this can burn the onions. Low and slow is the name of the game!

2. Building the Broth: Layering the Flavors

1. Add the beef broth and sherry (if using) to the pot with the caramelized onions.
2. Stir in the thyme and bay leaves.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

3. Assembling the Soup: The Final Touches

1. Preheat your broiler.
2. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls.
3. Top each bowl with a slice of baguette.
4. Generously sprinkle grated Gruyère cheese over the bread.
5. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and slightly browned.

4. Serving and Enjoying: The Grand Finale

Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy the warmth, the rich flavors, and the comforting deliciousness of your homemade French onion soup!

Tips for the Best French Onion Soup Ever

• Onion Quality: Use high-quality yellow onions for the best flavor.
• Patience is Key: Don't rush the caramelization process; low and slow is essential for perfectly caramelized onions.
• Broth Selection: Use a good quality beef broth for the richest flavor.
• Cheese Choice: Gruyère cheese is traditional, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Swiss or Fontina.
• Make it Ahead: The soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. However, add the cheese and broil just before serving for the best results.

This recipe provides a delicious and authentic French onion soup experience. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with each attempt, you'll refine your technique and create a truly exceptional bowl of French onion soup! Enjoy!