French Onion Soup

By FoodfaithfitnessJun 27, 2024Jump to Recipe

This comfort food is not hard to make and is a real crowd-pleaser!

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French Onion Soup is a beloved classic that has roots in French cuisine dating back centuries. But for me? It dates back to my childhood when I had this onion soup at an old supper club called the Fox and Hound. I was smitten. It’s not the type of soup you’d think would be at a nicer restaurant. You see, in Wisconsin, supper clubs are sort of both casual and fancy at the same time. Fish fries and filet mignon hold equal ground here. So, it’s no wonder that French onion soup would be equally popular, even among little snot-nosed kids like myself.

French onion soup is a comforting dish known for its caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and of course, its gooey, melted cheese topping. The long, slow caramelization of the onions brings out their natural sweetness, a delicious contrast to the savory beef broth. And the pièce de résistance is the toasted baguette slice smothered in melted Gruyère cheese. My stomach is grumbling just thinking about it.

I’ve got some other tummy-warming recipes, too, like this Delicious Ham and Potato Soup or this hearty Crock-Pot Beef Stew, perfect for cold and cozy nights at home!

Is French Onion Soup Healthy?

I’m sure all those onions are good for something, right? After all, they are considered an anti-inflammatory. However, we can’t dismiss the cheese and butter in this recipe. For a lighter take on this soup, you can use less butter and cheese or substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Or if you’re okay with meat, using a beef bone broth provides additional protein and other health benefits.

Caramelizing Onions…

There’s an art to caramelizing onions, especially in soup. Slow and steady is the secret here. Resist the urge to rush the process by increasing the heat; this leads to uneven cooking and burnt onions. The goal is to achieve a deep, rich caramelization that will form the flavorful foundation of your soup. So relax with a glass of wine because it’s going to take at least 40 minutes to get them just right. And what is just right? You’ll know they’re ready when the sharp, pungent smell and taste transform to an almost candy-like sweetness and the onions turn to a golden brown hue – they don’t call them caramelized for nothing!

INGREDIENTS

4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 cups low-sodium beef broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 baguette, sliced and toasted
1 cup grated Gruyère cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

Caramelize

Cook onions until golden.

Deglaze

Add wine and reduce.

Simmer

Combine broth and seasonings; cook.

Broil

Top with baguette and cheese; broil.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

This soup is at its absolute best when fresh. The cheese topping just doesn’t taste the same the next day. However, you can prepare the soup base (sans bread and cheese) up to two days ahead. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the soup, add the toasted baguette slices and cheese, and broil until bubbly.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Anything goes, really. I’ve used everything from Swiss to even a sharp cheddar. You just need to choose a cheese that melts well and complements the caramelized onions.

What can I use instead of white wine?

If you prefer not to use white wine, white wine vinegar works as well. Or, if you want to ditch the alcohol completely, a splash of apple cider vinegar can also add the desired acidity.

Serving Suggestions

French onion soup is a lovely addition to your own supper club menu at home. Pair it with a green salad, potatoes, Roasted Asparagus, and a Delicious Steak! Seafood, or even Whole Roasted Chicken, also works well. Or, for something more French, this Ratatouille is a healthy and flavorful addition!

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