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Flavorful French Onion Soup Recipe with Rich Gruyère Cheese Made Easy

French onion soup - featured image

A cozy and comforting French onion soup featuring slow-caramelized onions and a rich, melty Gruyère cheese topping. Perfect for chilly evenings and easy to prepare in about 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 6 cups beef broth (homemade or good quality store-bought)
  • 23 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 810 baguette slices, toasted
  • 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese

Instructions

  1. Peel and thinly slice about 5 large yellow onions into 1/8-inch thick slices.
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, for about 40 minutes until deep golden brown and soft.
  4. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour over the onions and stir well. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
  6. Pour in ½ cup dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release browned bits. Let the wine reduce for 3-5 minutes until mostly evaporated.
  7. Add 6 cups beef broth, 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes.
  8. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  9. Preheat oven broiler. Toast 8-10 baguette slices on a baking sheet until lightly browned and set aside.
  10. Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place toasted baguette slices on top, then pile grated Gruyère cheese generously over the bread.
  11. Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  12. Carefully remove from oven and serve immediately.

Notes

Caramelize onions slowly over medium-low heat to avoid bitterness. Stir frequently and add a splash of water or broth if onions stick. Use dry white wine for acidity or substitute with apple cider vinegar if avoiding alcohol. Broil cheese until golden and bubbly, watching closely to prevent burning. Fresh thyme is preferred over dried for better flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion soup, Gruyère cheese, caramelized onions, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cozy dinner, slow caramelization, broiled cheese