Classic French Onion Soup
A timeless dish that embodies rich flavors and comforting warmth, featuring caramelized onions, savory broth, and a cheesy topping.
Servings: 4 servings
Equipment
- Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large Yellow Onions Sliced thinly for caramelization.
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter For sautéing the onions.
- 8 cups Beef Broth High-quality broth for depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme Adds aromatic flavor.
- 4 slices Crusty French Bread For topping the soup.
- 2 cups Shredded Gruyère Cheese For melting on top.
- Salt To taste.
- Black Pepper Freshly cracked, to taste.
Instructions
- Peel and slice the onions thinly for even cooking.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat until bubbling.
- Add the sliced onions and season lightly with salt. Stir to coat.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and cook the onions slowly for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown.
- Sprinkle in the thyme and stir for another minute.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and toast the bread slices until golden.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted bread, and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Carefully remove from the oven, let cool slightly, garnish if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
For variations, consider using different cheeses, adding herbs, or making a vegetarian version with vegetable broth.