What is the secret to a good French onion soup?

The secret is patience. Slowly caramelize the onions until golden brown and rich in flavor, then deglaze well and simmer with quality broth.

What are the ingredients of French onion soup?

The basics include onions, butter, olive oil, sugar, garlic, sherry, beef stock, thyme, baguette, and Gruyere cheese.

What is special about French onion soup?

Its magic lies in transformation simple onions become sweet, savory, and deep in flavor through caramelization and slow cooking.

Is French onion soup good or bad for you?

It’s comforting and nourishing, though richer from the cheese and butter. Enjoy it as an occasional cozy treat rather than an everyday meal.

French Onion Soup Recipe | Amazing Bistro Comfort

Name: French Onion Soup Recipe | Amazing Bistro Comfort
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp olive oil (plus more for brushing bread); 2 Tbsp unsalted butter; 3 lbs yellow onions (about 6 large), halved, peeled, and thinly sliced; 1/2 tsp granulated sugar; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup dry sherry wine (or dry vermouth or dry white wine); 8 cups beef stock or broth; 1 bay leaf; 3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/4 tsp dried thyme); 1 1/2 tsp salt, divided; 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste; 12 slices baguette; 8 oz Gruyere cheese (1 1/2 cups shredded), divided

Description

A comforting French Onion Soup made with deeply caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and melted Gruyere cheese. Perfect for cozy nights in, this classic French bistro soup is simple, hearty, and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

2 Tbsp olive oil (plus more for brushing bread)

2 Tbsp unsalted butter

3 lbs yellow onions (about 6 large), halved, peeled, and thinly sliced

1/2 tsp granulated sugar

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup dry sherry wine (or dry vermouth or dry white wine)

8 cups beef stock or broth

1 bay leaf

3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/4 tsp dried thyme)

1 1/2 tsp salt, divided

1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste

12 slices baguette

8 oz Gruyere cheese (1 1/2 cups shredded), divided

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Instructions

1. Slice onions thinly with the grain.

2. In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Sprinkle sugar and continue to cook uncovered, stirring occasionally for 30–40 minutes until caramelized and browned.

4. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

5. Pour in sherry and scrape the bottom to deglaze; cook until liquid evaporates.

6. Add beef stock, bay leaf, thyme, 1 tsp salt, and simmer partially covered for 30 minutes.

7. Add remaining salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.

8. For topping, toast baguette slices brushed with olive oil at 400°F for 6–8 minutes.

9. Top with half the cheese and broil 2–3 minutes.

10. Ladle soup into bowls, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and top with hot cheesy toasts.

Notes

Use yellow onions for the best balance of sweetness and savoriness.

Add sugar to speed caramelization.

Deglaze thoroughly with dry sherry for depth.

Gruyere is preferred, but Swiss, provolone, fontina, or mozzarella-parmesan blend works too.

Caramelizing onions slowly is the key to deep, rich flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Category: Soup Recipes
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: French

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 545
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 870mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 45mg