Description
French Onion Soup with Croutons and Cheese is a classic comfort dish made with deeply caramelized onions simmered in rich broth, topped with toasted croutons and melted Gruyère cheese. This warm, savory soup is perfect for cozy nights or special dinners, delivering a rich blend of sweet onions, aromatic herbs, and melted cheese in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, helps caramelization)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Croutons and Cheese
- 1 baguette, sliced into rounds
- 1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss)
- Fresh parsley, optional garnish
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 25–30 minutes until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
- Add Sugar and Garlic: Sprinkle in sugar if using to enhance caramelization, stir well, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot to enrich the flavor.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Add beef or vegetable broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes to meld the flavors and reduce slightly.
- Prepare Croutons: While the soup simmers, toast the sliced baguette rounds in the oven until crisp and golden.
- Assemble Bowls: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place toasted baguette slices on top and generously sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese over the croutons.
- Broil the Cheese: Place the bowls under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf from each bowl, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve the soup hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Low and slow caramelization of the onions develops the best flavor; avoid rushing this step.
- Gruyère cheese gives an authentic taste, but mozzarella or Swiss cheese are good alternatives.
- The soup base can be made up to 2 days ahead for convenience.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop and Broiling
- Cuisine: French
