The Ultimate Guide to Homemade French Onion Soup
The Ultimate Guide to Homemade French Onion Soup
Ingredients
- 6 medium yellow onions thinly sliced
- 50 grams butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups beef broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
- 1 cup dry white wine Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
- 2-3 sprigs thyme fresh or dry
- 2 leaves bay
- 1 tea spoon salt to taste
- ½ tea spoon black pepper freshly ground
- 4 slices French baguette or rustic bread
- 1 ½ cups Gruyère cheese grated or any hard sort of cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese or any hard sort of cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes. Be patient during this step to allow the onions to caramelize and turn a rich golden brown. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
- Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine cook off for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the beef or vegetable broth, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Preheat your oven. Brush the bread slices with olive oil or butter and toast them in the oven until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs from the soup. Ladle the soup into 4 oven-safe bowls or crocks. Place a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl of soup and cover with grated Gruyère cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Place the bowls under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and melted. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and serve the soup immediately. Garnish with fresh or dried thyme if desired.
What is French Onion Soup?
French onion soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that originates from France. The soup consists of slowly caramelized onions, a savory broth, and a crusty piece of bread topped with melted cheese. It’s known for its balance of sweetness from the onions and depth from the broth, making it the perfect starter or main course for any meal. The soup is often served in oven-safe bowls, topped with toasted bread and cheese, and broiled until bubbly and golden brown.
Essential Equipment for Making French Onion Soup: A Guide to High-Quality Tools
To achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures, having the right equipment is just as important as using quality ingredients. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the essential tools you’ll need, along with top-quality recommendations to elevate your cooking experience.
1. Heavy-Bottomed Pot or Dutch Oven
A heavy-bottomed pot is the cornerstone of making French onion soup. It ensures even heat distribution, crucial for caramelizing onions slowly and evenly without burning. The Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven (5.5–7 quarts) is a standout choice. Its enameled cast iron construction retains heat beautifully, making it perfect for slow cooking and achieving deep, rich flavors. Alternatively, the Staub Cocotte offers similar performance with a self-basting lid, while the All-Clad Stainless Steel Pot provides a lighter yet equally effective option.
2. Sharp Chef’s Knife
Slicing onions thinly and uniformly is key to a well-balanced soup, and a sharp, reliable knife makes this task effortless. The Wüsthof Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife is a top-tier choice, known for its precision and durability. For those who prefer Japanese craftsmanship, the Shun Classic 8-inch Chef’s Knife offers a razor-sharp edge, while the Global G-2 Chef’s Knife is lightweight and easy to handle.
3. Cutting Board
A sturdy cutting board protects your knives and provides a stable surface for chopping. The Boos Block Maple Wood Cutting Board is a favorite for its durability and knife-friendly surface. If you prefer a reversible option, the John Boos Reversible Cutting Board is an excellent choice. Plastic cutting boards should be banned from your kitchen anyways as small particles of it go straight into your food, so invest in a good quality wooden or stone cutting board.
4. Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula
Stirring onions as they caramelize requires a tool that won’t scratch your pot. A Le Creuset Wooden Spoon is both durable and ergonomic, making it ideal for this task. Alternatively, the OXO Good Grips Silicone Spatula is heat-resistant and easy to clean, offering a modern twist on a classic tool.
5. Ladle
Serving French onion soup neatly into bowls calls for a reliable ladle. The All-Clad Stainless Steel Ladle is a durable and easy-to-clean option, while the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Ladle features a comfortable handle and balanced design for effortless serving.
6. Oven-Safe Soup Bowls
Traditional French onion soup is served with a toasted baguette and melted cheese on top, which requires broiling in the oven. Le Creuset Stoneware Soup Bowls are both stylish and functional, with excellent heat retention. For a classic French touch, the LE TAUCI French Onion Soup Bowls are a beautiful choice.
7. Cheese Grater
Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly and tastes better than pre-shredded varieties. The Microplane Premium Zester/Grater is a versatile tool that makes grating Gruyère or Swiss cheese a breeze. For a more traditional option, the OXO Good Grips Box Grater is sturdy and easy to use.
What Kind of Bowl to Serve French Onion Soup In?
How to Prepare Classic French Onion Soup: Step-by-Step Process
How to Serve French Onion Soup
Tips and Tricks for Making the Best French Onion Soup
French onion soup is a perfect choice for a cozy, indulgent meal. With its sweet, caramelized onions, savory broth, and cheesy, golden topping, it’s a dish that brings comfort and warmth. By following these tips and using the right ingredients, you can make the best French onion soup every time. It’s not just a soup—it’s an experience, perfect for a French dinner recipe idea that will impress guests and family alike.
Whether you’re serving it as a starter or enjoying it as a main dish with a side of grilled cheese or a fresh salad, French onion soup will always be a crowd-pleaser. Bon appétit!
