French Onion Soup Recipe: A Cozy Classic

There’s something truly wonderful about French onion soup it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. The rich aroma of caramelized onions wafting through the kitchen has a way of drawing everyone in. I remember the first time I attempted to make it. I was in college, trying to impress friends with my cooking skills, and let’s just say my attempt was a bit uneven. I may have burnt the first batch of onions, but it taught me the immense value of patience. Since then, I’ve refined my technique, transitioning to using a slow cooker for that perfect caramelization without the fuss.

What Makes This So Good

• The deep, sweet flavor of caramelized onions
• A savory blend of beef broth and white wine
• Gruyère cheese that melts to perfection
• The delightful crunch of toasted baguette on top

Ingredients

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cups beef broth (960 ml)
• 1 cup white wine (240 ml)
• 2 tablespoons butter (28 g)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon flour (8 g)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Baguette, sliced
• Grated Gruyère cheese

Smart Swaps:

• Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.
• Substitute dry sherry for white wine if you have it on hand.
• If Gruyère isn’t available, try Swiss or provolone cheese.

Sourcing Tips:

• Look for onions that are firm to the touch with no soft spots; sweet onions like Vidalia work wonderfully for this recipe.
• When selecting your wine, aim for something you’d enjoy drinking this will elevate the flavor of your soup.

Directions

1. Caramelize the Onions:

   • In a slow cooker, melt 2 tablespoons of butter on low. Add the 4 large, thinly sliced onions.
   • Let them cook for about 8 hours, stirring occasionally until they are caramelized. They should be soft and deeply golden brown.

2. Add Sugar and Flour:

   • Stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of flour, mixing well to combine with the onions.

3. Combine Ingredients:

   • Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and 1 cup of white wine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to blend all the ingredients nicely.

4. Cook Further:

   • Cover the slow cooker and continue to cook on low for another 1 to 2 hours. You want the soup to be hot and flavorful don’t rush it!

5. Prepare for Serving:

   • Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with sliced baguette and generous amounts of grated Gruyère cheese.

6. Broil for Perfect Finish:

   • Optionally, broil in your oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it you don’t want to burn the precious cheese!

Pro Tips

• Make-Ahead: This soup can be made a day in advance. Let it cool, then store it in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove or in the slow cooker.
• Transport: If you’re bringing this soup to a gathering, keep it in a thermos or a slow cooker on low to maintain the heat.
• Re-Crisping: If your bread gets a bit soggy, pop it under the broiler briefly again to give it some crunch.

Variations

1. Mushroom French Onion Soup: Add sliced mushrooms when you caramelize the onions for an earthy flavor.
2. Spicy French Onion Soup: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
3. Herbed French Onion Soup: Include thyme and bay leaves during cooking for an aromatic twist.

Serving Ideas

Serve your French onion soup with a side of mixed greens or a classic Caesar salad to round out your meal.

Storage and Reheat Guidance

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat or in a microwave-safe bowl, making sure to stir occasionally.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
   Yes! Use vegetable broth and skip the cheese or replace it with a non-dairy alternative.

2. How can I thicken the soup?
   You can add more flour while caramelizing the onions or mix in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) during the simmering phase.

3. How do I prevent onions from burning while caramelizing?
   Keep the heat low and stir occasionally. If necessary, add a splash of water to deglaze the pan.

Whether it’s a chilly evening or you simply crave comfort food, this French onion soup is sure to hit the spot! Enjoy the warmth and gather your loved ones around—it’s a recipe meant to be shared.

French Onion Soup

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A cozy classic French onion soup with rich caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and melted Gruyère cheese.

• Total Time: 490 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

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• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cups beef broth (960 ml)
• 1 cup white wine (240 ml)
• 2 tablespoons butter (28 g)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon flour (8 g)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Baguette, sliced
• Grated Gruyère cheese

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Instructions

1. In a slow cooker, melt 2 tablespoons of butter on low. Add the onions and cook for about 8 hours, stirring occasionally until caramelized.
2. Stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of flour, mixing well to combine with the onions.
3. Pour in beef broth and white wine. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir to blend.
4. Cover and continue to cook on low for 1 to 2 hours.
5. Ladle the soup into bowls, top with sliced baguette and grated Gruyère cheese.
6. Optionally, broil in your oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

Make-ahead: This soup can be made a day in advance. Store and reheat before serving.

• Author: soukaina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 480 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian