Soups & Stews Free recipe

French Onion Soup

If you have never made French Onion Soup at home, this is the version to start with: deeply caramelized onions in beef broth under melted cheese toast. A gentle simmer -- not a hard boil -- is what keeps everything tender instead of tough.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 55 min Total: 75 min

75Minutes

4Servings

4.8Rating

MediumLevel

Why you'll love this recipe

The components can be made ahead and reheated without losing quality.
Leftovers hold up well for lunch the next day.
A short, straightforward ingredient list with no special equipment needed.

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

4 large onions, thinly sliced
4 tbsp butter
1 tsp sugar
3 cloves garlic minced
1/2 cup white wine
6 cups beef broth
1 tsp thyme
4 slices baguette, toasted
2 cups shredded Gruyere

Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

175Calories

12gFat

14gCarbs

3gProtein

Estimated from the ingredients above; actual values vary by brand and exact measurements.

Method

Step 1
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium. Add the onions and sugar and cook 30 to 40 minutes, stirring often, until deep golden brown - do not rush this step, it is where the flavor comes from.
Step 2
Add the garlic and cook 1 minute, then pour in the wine and simmer 2 minutes.
Step 3
Add the broth and thyme and simmer 20 minutes.
Step 4
Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls and float a toasted baguette slice on each.
Step 5
Pile Gruyere on top and broil 3 to 5 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 6
Serve hot and careful - the bowls are very hot.

Cook's tips

This tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to sit together in the fridge.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Taste and adjust the seasoning right before serving -- salt levels vary a lot between brands of broth, sauce, and canned goods.

Keep cooking