Traditional French Onion Soup

Name: Traditional French Onion Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 6 large yellow onions; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 2 cups beef broth; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup dry white wine; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; 1 baguette, sliced; 2 cups Gruyere cheese, grated

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 1 hour

🍽 Serves: 4

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Traditional French Onion Soup is a comforting classic that warms you from the inside out. This recipe brings together caramelized onions and melted Gruyere cheese for a savory dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for a cozy evening or a special gathering with friends and family.

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Ingredients for Traditional French Onion Soup

The heart of this soup is, of course, the onions. We use yellow onions for their balance of sweetness and sharpness, which is perfect for slow caramelization. The combination of butter and olive oil provides a rich base that helps to cook the onions evenly without burning. A touch of salt and pepper enhances the natural flavors. The dual broth approach with beef broth and chicken broth gives depth and complexity, while the dry white wine adds an elegant acidity. Gruyere cheese is the melty, nutty crown on top, and baguette slices provide the perfect crunchy contrast.

Tips & Tricks

Use a mandoline for even onion slices to ensure uniform caramelization.
Choose a wine you enjoy drinking — its flavor will be prominent.
For a thicker soup, let it simmer longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. If you're feeling indulgent, serve alongside a glass of the same white wine used in the soup for a harmonious dining experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?: Absolutely! Prepare the soup up to the point before adding the baguette and cheese, then store it in the fridge. Reheat and finish in the oven when ready to serve.
What if I don't have Gruyere cheese?: Comté or Emmental are great substitutes, offering similar melting qualities and flavor.
Can I use sweet onions?: Yes, but be aware they may result in a slightly sweeter soup.

Traditional French Onion Soup Recipe Walkthrough

First, you'll want to peel and thinly slice those onions. This might take a bit of time, but it's worth it for the end result. Once your onions are ready, take out a large pot and melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let them cook on medium-low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring every now and then. They should be soft at this point.

Now, sprinkle in the sugar to kickstart caramelization. Keep cooking for another 15 minutes until the onions turn a beautiful golden brown. Stir in the flour and let it cook for a couple of minutes to get rid of any raw taste.

Next, pour in the white wine. This is where you deglaze the pot, scraping up all those tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Add both the beef broth and chicken broth, stirring everything together. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them for 10 minutes. They should be crispy but not too hard.

Now comes the fun part — ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with a toasted baguette slice, and sprinkle a generous amount of Gruyere cheese over the top. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Brings a rich, deep flavor with simple ingredients.
Perfect for showcasing your cheese-melting skills.
Great for impressing guests with minimal effort.
Emphasizes slow cooking, rewarding patience with amazing taste.

Ingredients

6 large yellow onions

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

2 cups beef broth

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup dry white wine

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1 baguette, sliced

2 cups Gruyere cheese, grated

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Peel and thinly slice onions.

2. In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.

3. Add onions, salt, and pepper; cook over medium-low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Sprinkle sugar to aid caramelization, continue to cook until onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 15 more minutes.

5. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes.

6. Add white wine, deglazing the pot, then add beef and chicken broth.

7. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.

8. Preheat oven to 350°F.

9. Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast in oven for 10 minutes.

10. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted baguette slices, and sprinkle generously with Gruyere cheese.

11. Place bowls on a baking sheet and bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10 minutes.

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