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Easy French Onion Soup

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Easy French Onion Soup is the epitome of comfort food—a rich, savory broth filled with caramelized onions, topped with golden, melted cheese, and served with crispy bread. This classic French dish is perfect for cozy nights, holiday dinners, or anytime you want a warm, satisfying meal. The depth of flavor comes from slow-cooked onions that are softened and caramelized, releasing their natural sweetness, then simmered with savory broth to create the perfect balance of flavors. Topped with a layer of gooey cheese and baked until bubbly, this dish is sure to please everyone at your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Gather these ingredients to make your Easy French Onion Soup:

  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons sugar (to aid caramelization)
  • 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
  • 1 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with extra broth)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices French bread or baguette
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions:

  1. Cook the Onions: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until they begin to soften.
  2. Add Sugar: Sprinkle in the sugar and continue cooking, stirring frequently, for another 30-40 minutes until the onions turn a deep golden brown and become caramelized. Be patient and stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Prepare the Soup Base:

  1. Add Garlic and Thyme: Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and thyme. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes until the wine has reduced slightly.
  3. Add the Broth: Pour in the beef broth (or vegetable broth) and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Prepare the Topping:

  1. Toast the Bread: While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the slices of French bread on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown on both sides.
  2. Assemble the Soup: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl of soup, and then sprinkle with a generous amount of Gruyère cheese and a bit of Parmesan on top.

Broil the Soup:

  1. Melt the Cheese: Place the bowls of soup under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Serve:

  1. Serve Hot: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while the soup is hot and the cheese is still gooey. Garnish with additional thyme or fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://succulentrecipes.com/easy-french-onion-soup/