Ah, French onion soup—a bowl of pure, golden nostalgia. Imagine the rich aroma of caramelized onions wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the savory warmth of beef broth and a hint of thyme. It’s like a cozy hug on a chilly evening, topped with a crusty slice of baguette and gooey, melty cheese that stretches just right—resistance is futile!
Steps
- Collect all necessary ingredients before starting the cooking process.
- In a large stockpot, combine butter and olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the onions and cook them until they become tender and translucent, ensuring they do not brown.
- Pour in the beef broth, sherry, and thyme into the pot. Add salt and pepper to taste, then let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, set your oven to its broiler setting.
- Once the soup is ready, pour it into oven-safe bowls and place a slice of bread on top of each serving. Cover the bread with a layer of provolone, a portion of diced Swiss, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Position the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven until the cheese melts and turns slightly golden, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Carefully remove from the oven and serve the soup hot for the best experience. Enjoy your homemade French onion soup!
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups sliced onions
- 5 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices French bread
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 2 slices Swiss cheese, diced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2344 | Total Fat: 176g | Saturated Fat: 96g | Cholesterol: 392mg | Sodium: 6368mg | Total Carbohydrate: 112g | Dietary Fiber: 12g | Protein: 84g | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 1808mg | Iron: 8mg | Potassium: 1736mg
FAQ
- What is French Onion Soup?
- French Onion Soup, or soupe à l’oignon gratinée, is a classic French dish made from caramelized onions and beef broth. It is typically topped with bread and cheese, then broiled to achieve a rich, gooey texture. Traditionally, it is served in a ramekin or a ceramic crock with a handle.
- Which Cheese Works Best for French Onion Soup?
- Although Gruyère is the traditional choice for topping French onion soup, a blend of Parmesan, provolone, and Swiss cheese is often used for added decadence. Other popular options include Fontina and mozzarella. The key is not to skimp on cheese for an indulgent result.
- What Types of Onions Are Ideal for French Onion Soup?
- Yellow onions are the classic choice for French onion soup, but red or white onions can also be used based on personal taste preferences and availability.
- How Should French Onion Soup Be Stored?
- To store French onion soup, let it cool and transfer it to an airtight container, leaving out the croutons, which are best when fresh. It can be refrigerated for up to three or four days.
- Can French Onion Soup Be Frozen?
- Yes, French onion soup can be frozen without the croutons. After cooling, place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container and store it for up to three months. For convenience, consider freezing it in individual portions to avoid thawing and refreezing the entire batch. To defrost, transfer to the fridge overnight or quicken the process by submerging the sealed container in cool water.
Tips
- For the best flavor, caramelize the onions to a golden brown. This enhances their sweetness and depth, which are key characteristics of a great French onion soup.
- If you don’t have sherry, try substituting it with a red wine like merlot. It adds a rich, slightly fruity flavor to the soup.
- When storing leftovers, keep the croutons separate as they are best when fresh. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Freeze the soup without the bread for up to three months. It’s convenient to freeze in individual portions, making it easier to thaw just what you need later.
Equipment
- 8-quart stock pot
- Oven-safe serving bowls (ramekins or ceramic crocks with handles)
- Cookie sheet
