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Classic French Onion Soup

A close-up of a bowl of French onion soup topped with melted, bubbly cheese and toasted bread.
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A rich and deeply flavored French onion soup with caramelized onions, beef broth, and a cheesy crouton topping.

Ingredients

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  • 2 lbs yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup dry sherry or brandy (optional)
  • 8 cups beef broth
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 baguette, sliced 1-inch thick
  • 2 cloves garlic, halved
  • 8 oz Gruyère cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Melt butter and olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply caramelized, about 45-60 minutes.
  2. If using, add sherry or brandy and cook until evaporated, about 2 minutes.
  3. Pour in beef broth, add thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour.
  4. While soup simmers, preheat your broiler. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet. Broil until lightly toasted on both sides. Rub toasted bread with the cut sides of the garlic cloves.
  5. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf from the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with 2-3 slices of toasted baguette.
  7. Generously sprinkle Gruyère cheese over the bread.
  8. Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a deeper flavor, use a mix of yellow and sweet onions.
  • If you don’t have oven-safe bowls, you can toast the bread, top with cheese, and broil on a baking sheet, then float the cheesy croutons on top of the soup just before serving.
  • This soup is excellent for meal planning and can be made ahead. Reheat gently before topping with cheese and broiling.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/french-onion-soup-recipe/