Caramelizing the OnionsHeat the Oil and Butter:In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted.Add the Onions:Add the thinly sliced onions to the pot and stir to coat them in the oil and butter.Caramelize the Onions:Cook the onions, stirring frequently, for about 30-40 minutes, until they are soft, golden brown, and caramelized.After about 15 minutes, add 1 teaspoon of sugar to help the onions caramelize and become sweet. Be patient with this step as it’s essential to the soup’s flavor.Add Garlic:Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.Building the SoupAdd the Flour:Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. This will help thicken the soup slightly.Deglaze with Wine (Optional):Add the white wine to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes until mostly evaporated.Add Broth and Herbs:Pour in the beef broth, add the bay leaf and thyme, and bring the soup to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes to develop the flavors.Season:Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.Preparing the ToppingToast the Baguette:While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, until golden and crisp.Add Cheese:Remove the baguette slices from the oven and top them with a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese (and Parmesan if using).Assembling the SoupBroil the Topping:Set your oven to broil. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, place a toasted baguette slice on top of each, and sprinkle with additional Gruyère cheese.Melt the Cheese:Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.ServingGarnish and Serve:Serve the French Onion Soup hot, garnished with fresh thyme or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Be careful when serving as the bowls will be hot from the broiler.Enjoy: Break through the cheesy, crispy top to enjoy the savory, sweet, and richly flavored soup beneath.Tips for SuccessOnions: Be patient when caramelizing the onions. They need to cook slowly to release their natural sugars, which gives the soup its signature sweetness.Broth: Homemade beef broth or a high-quality low-sodium beef broth works best for deep flavor.Cheese: Gruyère is the traditional choice for this dish, but Swiss or even a sharp white cheddar can work as a substitute.ConclusionFrench Onion Soup is the ultimate comfort dish that combines caramelized onions, rich broth, crispy baguette, and melted cheese. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main course, this dish is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and cozy warmth.This recipe provides all the steps to create a French Onion Soup that’s every bit as delicious as the ones served in French bistros. Enjoy this cozy classic with your loved ones!
French Onion Soup
