Indulge in the comforting flavors of French onion soup with this easy and amazing recipe. This classic soup features tender caramelized onions simmered in a flavorful beef broth, topped with crusty bread and melted cheese. It's the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day or impress guests with its rich taste. With only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll have a delicious homemade soup that will rival any restaurant version. Serve it as an appetizer or a hearty main course and enjoy the wonderful blend of flavors in every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 6 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 slices French bread
- 1 cup Gruyere or Swiss cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onions and garlic to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 30-40 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth, white wine, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- While the soup is simmering, preheat the broiler in your oven.
- Place the French bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until golden brown on both sides.
- Once the soup is ready, ladle it into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of toasted French bread and sprinkle generously with shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese.
- Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the bowls from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve the French onion soup hot and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
French onion soup is believed to have originated in ancient Rome, as onions were commonly consumed by Roman soldiers.
The traditional method of caramelizing onions for French onion soup can take up to an hour, but it's well worth the effort for the deep, rich flavor it creates.
Gruyere cheese is commonly used in French onion soup for its nutty and savory taste, but you can also substitute it with Swiss cheese if desired.