Classic Easy French Onion Soup Recipe
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 5 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch rounds
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated (Swiss cheese or Emmental can be substituted)
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally. After 10 minutes, sprinkle in the sugar and a pinch of salt to help the onions caramelize. Continue cooking for 30-40 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are deep golden brown.
- Add Garlic and Broth: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the beef broth, white wine (if using), bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for another 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Toast the Baguette Slices: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes, until they’re crisp and golden.
- Prepare the Bowls: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, leaving room for the bread. Place one or two toasted baguette slices on top of the soup and generously sprinkle with the grated Gruyère cheese.
- Broil the Cheese: Set the oven to broil. Place the soup bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve: Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and serve the soup immediately while the cheese is still warm and gooey.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g