Classic French Onion Soup Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 01, 2025

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Classic French Onion Soup Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection

French onion soup. Just the name conjures up images of cozy evenings, rich flavors, and a comforting warmth. This classic French dish is surprisingly easy to make at home, and the results are incredibly rewarding. This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring you achieve a perfectly caramelized onion soup that's both delicious and impressive.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields about 6 servings of delicious French onion soup.

• 2 tablespoons butter: Unsalted, for sautéing the onions.
• 3 large yellow onions: Thinly sliced, the star of the show!
• 1 teaspoon sugar: Helps the onions caramelize beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Seasoning is key!
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground, for a bolder flavor.
• 1/2 cup dry sherry (optional): Adds depth and complexity. You can substitute with dry white wine or beef broth.
• 8 cups beef broth: Low sodium is preferred, to control the saltiness.
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme: Adds an aromatic herbaceous note.
• 2 bay leaves: Adds a subtle warmth.
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional): Adds another layer of flavor; can be substituted with beef broth.
• 1 baguette: For the croutons.
• 6 slices Gruyère cheese: The quintessential cheese for this soup!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

This recipe breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps:

Step 1: Caramelizing the Onions - The Key to Success!

This is the most crucial step. Patience is key for perfectly caramelized onions.

1. Melt the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the thinly sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for at least 45 minutes, or until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown. This process takes time; don't rush it! The longer you cook them, the richer the flavor.

Step 2: Building the Broth

1. If using sherry or white wine, add it to the pot and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
2. Add the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat, and cook for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If using red wine, add it now.

Step 3: Assembling and Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick rounds. You can toast them lightly for extra crispness.
3. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls.
4. Top each bowl with a baguette round and a generous amount of Gruyère cheese.
5. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 4: Serving and Enjoying

Carefully remove the bowls from the oven (they'll be hot!). Garnish with extra thyme sprigs, if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy the rich, savory, and intensely flavorful French onion soup!

Tips for the Perfect Soup

• Thinly sliced onions: The thinner the slices, the faster and more evenly they'll caramelize.
• Patience is key: Don't rush the caramelization process.
• Quality ingredients: Using good quality beef broth and cheese will make a significant difference in the final flavor.
• Oven-safe bowls: Ensure your bowls are oven-safe to avoid any accidents.
• Broiler option: If your cheese isn't browning quickly enough, use the broiler for the last minute or two of baking.

This classic French onion soup recipe is a delightful culinary adventure. Follow these steps, and you'll be rewarded with a truly unforgettable dining experience. Bon appétit!