Description
This Easy French Onion Soup recipe delivers a rich, flavorful broth topped with caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese over toasted baguette slices. Perfect for a cozy meal, this classic French soup is simple to prepare in under an hour, combining aromatic caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and melted cheese for a comforting, hearty dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 4 slices baguette
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft, golden brown, and caramelized. This process will take about 25 minutes and is essential for developing the soup’s deep flavor.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to combine. Continue cooking for 2 more minutes to form a slight roux which will help thicken the soup.
- Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the beef broth and add the thyme. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 15 minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- Season the Soup: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to your preference for seasoning.
- Prepare the Toppings: While the soup simmers, toast the baguette slices in a preheated oven until they become golden and crispy. Once toasted, top each slice evenly with shredded Gruyère cheese.
- Serve the Soup: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and place one slice of the cheese-covered toasted baguette on top of each serving. The warmth of the soup will melt the cheese slightly, creating a deliciously gooey topping.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can use a mix of beef and chicken broth.
- Caramelizing the onions slowly at medium heat is crucial to avoid burning and to develop the best flavor.
- Gruyère can be substituted with Swiss cheese if necessary, though Gruyère offers the best traditional taste.
- To save time, you can caramelize onions in advance and refrigerate them.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the melted cheese topping at its best.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
