Name: Classic French Onion Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for faster caramelization); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option); ½ teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 baguette, sliced into rounds; 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)

Description

Rich, savory, and topped with golden, bubbly cheese, Classic French Onion Soup is the ultimate comfort dish. Made with caramelized onions, a flavorful broth, and crispy toasted bread, this traditional French favorite is simple yet incredibly satisfying.

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Ingredients

Scale

4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for faster caramelization)
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 baguette, sliced into rounds
1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)

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Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced onions and stir to coat. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Sprinkle with sugar (optional) and continue cooking for another 30-40 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are deep golden brown.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base
5. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf.
6. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 20-30 minutes to develop flavor.
7. Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Prepare the Bread and Cheese
8. While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until golden.

Step 4: Assemble and Broil
10. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls and top each with toasted baguette slices.
11. Sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese.
12. Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
13. Carefully remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Low and slow is key: Caramelizing onions properly takes time but builds deep flavor.
Use quality broth: A rich, homemade or high-quality store-bought broth makes all the difference.

Cheese matters: Gruyère is traditional, but Swiss or mozzarella work well too.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Cuisine: French