vegetables

stewed

everyday

soup

rich

French

all seasons

Hot

recipe photorecipe photo

Classic French Onion Soup with Gruyère Cheese

Difficulty

medium

Time

1h 45m

Price Category

average

Calories

Very High

French onion soup is a true classic that transforms the simplest ingredients, onions and broth, into an unforgettable culinary experience. The long, slow caramelization gives the soup its deep, sweet flavor, complemented by dry white wine and fresh herbs. Crowned with a golden-brown, crispy baguette slice and melted, bubbly Gruyère cheese, this warming dish is perfect for cold days or as an elegant appetizer. It's a comforting and sophisticated meal that never goes out of style.

ingredients

4 Servings

Steps

1

Caramelize Onions

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until softened. Then, uncover and continue cooking over low to medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 40-50 minutes, until the onions are deep golden brown and caramelized. Be patient, this step is crucial!

2

Deglaze and Simmer

Once the onions are caramelized, pour in the dry white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the wine has slightly reduced. Then, add the beef broth, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

3

Prepare and Gratinate

Preheat your oven's broiler. Toast the baguette slices in a pan or toaster until golden brown and crispy. Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place 2 slices of toasted baguette on top of the soup in each bowl, then generously sprinkle with grated Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Carefully remove and serve immediately.

Extra Tips

Be patient with caramelizing the onions; this step is crucial for the soup's depth and sweetness, so don't rush it.

Use high-quality beef broth as it forms the foundation of the soup's flavor.

You can brush the baguette slices with a little garlic butter before toasting for an extra layer of flavor.

Nutrition

Per 100gPer Serving
350g
Calories450 kcal450 kcal
Protein22g22g
Fat28g28g
Carbohydrate35g35g
Fiber4g4g
Sugar12g12g