Recipes

French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup with Gruyère Cheese

Ingredients:

  • 4 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth if preferred)
  • 1 cup dry white wine (optional, but enhances flavor)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
  • 1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated

Instructions:

  1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and stir to coat. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until softened, then sprinkle in the sugar.
  2. Continue Cooking: Lower the heat slightly and cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes, until deeply golden and caramelized. Be patient—this step is crucial for flavor!
  3. Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour, mixing well to thicken the soup slightly, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Deglaze and Simmer: Add the wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any caramelized bits. Then add the beef broth and bay leaf. Bring the soup to a simmer, reduce the heat, and cook for 20-30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Prepare the Bread and Cheese: While the soup is simmering, toast the baguette slices under the broiler until golden. Top each slice with grated Gruyère and return to the broiler until melted and bubbly.
  6. Serve: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, place the cheesy toast on top, and if desired, sprinkle with a little extra cheese. Broil until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Serve hot!

30 Popular Questions & Answers About French Onion Soup with Gruyère Cheese

1. Can I use yellow or white onions? Yellow onions are traditional and caramelize well, but white onions work too. A mix can add complexity.

2. How long should I caramelize the onions? At least 30-40 minutes for deep, golden caramelization.

3. Can I skip the wine? Yes, but it adds depth. Substitute with additional broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.

4. What can I use instead of Gruyère? Swiss, Comté, or Emmental work well; mozzarella can be used but will be milder.

5. How thick should the baguette slices be? About 1/2 inch thick, for a sturdy base.

6. Do I need oven-safe bowls? It’s ideal for broiling the cheese, but you can also melt cheese on the baguette alone.

7. Can I freeze French onion soup? Yes, but freeze without the bread and cheese for best results.

8. Can I use vegetable broth? Yes, though beef broth gives a more traditional flavor.

9. Is flour necessary? It thickens the soup slightly, but it can be skipped for a thinner broth.

10. Can I add thyme or other herbs? Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs add excellent flavor.

11. How do I avoid burning the onions? Cook them slowly on low heat, stirring frequently.

12. What wine is best? A dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

13. How do I make it dairy-free? Use dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives.

14. What if my soup is too salty? Add a bit more water or a splash of cream to balance it.

15. Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, caramelize the onions first, then transfer to a slow cooker.

16. Is caramelizing onions in the oven possible? Yes, but stovetop caramelization is more traditional.

17. Can I use red wine? Yes, but it may alter the color and flavor.

18. Should I cover the pot while cooking? Keep uncovered to allow moisture to evaporate and concentrate flavors.

19. Can I use sweet onions? Sweet onions can work but will caramelize faster due to higher sugar content.

20. How long does it take to cook? Total time is about 1.5-2 hours.

21. Can I add meat? You can add cooked beef chunks for a heartier soup.

22. What’s the purpose of sugar? It enhances the caramelization process but can be skipped.

23. How do I reheat the soup? On the stovetop over medium heat.

24. What bread is best? French baguette or sourdough hold up well in the soup.

25. How do I store leftovers? Store in the fridge for up to 3 days without bread.

26. Can I use a Dutch oven? Yes, it’s great for even heat distribution.

27. Can I make it vegetarian? Substitute with veggie broth and skip the cheese for vegan.

28. Can I add cream? Yes, a splash of heavy cream adds richness.

29. Does it need to be broiled? Broiling is traditional but optional.

30. Should the onions be sliced thinly? Yes, thin slices cook more evenly and caramelize better.

30 Tips to Make French Onion Soup Even More Delightful

  1. Choose sweet yellow onions for optimal caramelization.
  2. Cook onions slowly on low heat to avoid burning.
  3. Use a mix of butter and olive oil for richer flavor.
  4. Add fresh thyme during simmering for aroma.
  5. Deglaze the pot with wine to intensify flavor.
  6. Use Gruyère or Comté for their melting qualities.
  7. Broil cheese-topped bread separately if oven-safe bowls aren’t available.
  8. Add a splash of sherry for complexity.
  9. Use homemade broth for a richer taste.
  10. Finish with a splash of brandy or cognac for depth.
  11. Add a pinch of nutmeg or clove for warmth.
  12. Experiment with aged Gruyère for sharper flavor.
  13. Top with chives for a fresh, green garnish.
  14. Try toasting bread slices with garlic for extra flavor.
  15. Add mushrooms for umami richness.
  16. Cook onions in a Dutch oven for even heat.
  17. Use a serrated knife to slice baguette cleanly.
  18. For vegan, use cashew cream instead of cheese.
  19. Add black pepper for a hint of heat.
  20. Try adding a slice of Swiss with Gruyère.
  21. Sauté garlic with onions for extra flavor.
  22. Cover while simmering to infuse flavors.
  23. Add a pinch of salt to draw out onion sweetness.
  24. Use a splash of apple cider vinegar in place of wine.
  25. Pre-toast bread to prevent sogginess.
  26. Add a few saffron threads for a unique taste.
  27. Use smoked salt for a rustic twist.
  28. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or thyme.
  29. Add a dash of soy sauce for umami.
  30. Serve in earthenware bowls for rustic presentation.

30 Secrets to Achieving the Perfect French Onion Soup

  1. Select sweet, fresh onions for the best caramelization.
  2. Cook onions low and slow for peak flavor.
  3. Deglaze caramelized bits for a rich base.
  4. Use fresh garlic for a subtle kick.
  5. Beef broth adds depth but veggie broth can work well too.
  6. Add wine after onions for acidity.
  7. Simmer the soup uncovered for a concentrated flavor.
  8. Let the soup rest briefly before serving.
  9. Choose Gruyère for authentic flavor.
  10. Add a pinch of sugar to boost caramelization.
  11. Adjust salt levels based on your broth.
  12. Add flour slowly for a smooth texture.
  13. Toast baguette until crisp.
  14. Grate cheese for easy melting.
  15. Broil until cheese bubbles.
  16. Serve soup piping hot.
  17. Use homemade beef broth if possible.
  18. Add fresh herbs during simmering.
  19. Try a mix of Swiss cheeses.
  20. A few peppercorns add a warm kick.
  21. Balance acidity with a dash of vinegar.
  22. Use a heavy-bottomed pot.
  23. Add thyme early on.
  24. Experiment with wine varieties.
  25. Garnish with fresh parsley.
  26. Use kitchen shears to trim excess cheese.
  27. Use fresh baguette for best texture.