French Onion Soup with Melty Gruyère Cheese

French Onion Soup is a classic comfort dish with a deep, caramelized onion flavor, a rich beef broth, and a golden, bubbly Gruyère cheese topping. Perfect for chilly days or special occasions, it’s a timeless French favorite.

Ingredients

For the Soup

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 6 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter version)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping

• 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
• 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until softened.
3. Sprinkle the sugar over the onions and continue cooking for another 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
4. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Deglaze and Simmer

1. Pour in the white wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
2. Add the beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs before serving.

3. Prepare the Baguette

1. Preheat your oven’s broiler.
2. Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden.

4. Assemble the Soup

1. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls.
2. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl, and generously sprinkle with Gruyère and Parmesan cheese.

5. Broil and Serve

1. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
2. Serve immediately, with an extra baguette on the side if desired.

Tips for the Perfect French Onion Soup

• Slow and Steady: Patience is key when caramelizing onions; it’s where the deep flavor develops.
• Cheese Choice: Gruyère is traditional, but Emmental or Swiss cheese are great substitutes.
• Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the soup base ahead of time and assemble with the bread and cheese just before serving.

French Onion Soup with Melty Gruyère Cheese is a rich, indulgent dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to enjoy. Bon appétit!