French Onion Soup Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 01, 2025

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French Onion Soup Recipe: A Classic Comfort Food

French onion soup, with its rich, caramelized onions and savory broth, is a culinary classic that's surprisingly easy to make at home. This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a delicious and authentic result. Let's dive into the world of French onion soup!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe makes enough for 4 generous servings.

• For the Soup:

  • 3 pounds yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 6 large onions)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 8 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup dry sherry (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 cup cognac (optional, for a richer flavor)

• For the Topping:

  • 4 slices baguette, toasted
  • 4 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or a blend of Gruyère and Swiss)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Caramelizing the Onions: The Key to Success!

1. Melt the butter: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the onions: Add the sliced onions and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized, about 45-60 minutes. This is the most crucial step! Patience is key. The onions should be a rich brown color, almost burnt in places, for optimal flavor.
3. Season: Once caramelized, stir in the salt and pepper.

Building the Broth:

1. Make a roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will thicken the soup.
2. Add the broth: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps form.
3. Simmer: Add the sherry (if using), thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
4. Stir in cognac (optional): If using cognac, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of simmering.

Assembling and Baking:

1. Preheat your broiler: Preheat your oven's broiler.
2. Prepare the bowls: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls.
3. Top with bread and cheese: Place a slice of toasted baguette on top of each bowl of soup, followed by a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese.
4. Broil: Broil until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, watching carefully to prevent burning. This usually takes just a few minutes.

Serving and Enjoying:

Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, savory, and comforting flavors of your homemade French onion soup!

Tips for the Best French Onion Soup:

• Use good quality beef broth: The broth is the base of your soup, so using a high-quality broth will make a significant difference.
• Don't rush the caramelization: Take your time caramelizing the onions. The longer they cook, the deeper the flavor will be.
• Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to your preference.
• Experiment with different cheeses: While Gruyère is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like Swiss or Fontina.

This recipe delivers a truly authentic French onion soup experience. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us! #FrenchOnionSoup #HomemadeSoup #ComfortFood #Recipe Happy cooking!