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+ servings

Classic French Onion Soup

A comforting classic featuring sweet, caramelized onions in a savory broth topped with gooey cheese and crusty bread.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Soup
Cuisine French
Servings 4 servings
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Soup

  • 6 large Yellow onions Don't skimp, they are the key ingredient.
  • 4 tablespoons Butter The good stuff if you’ve got it.
  • 4 cups Beef broth Chicken broth works in a pinch.
  • 1/2 cup White wine or brandy Optional, but recommended for flavor.
  • 4 slices Crusty bread Stale bread works best.
  • 2 cups Gruyère cheese Or Swiss if unavailable.
  • to taste Salt Adjust to your taste.
  • to taste Pepper Adjust to your taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme Optional; dry thyme can be used.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Optional, for additional flavor.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a heavy pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are super soft and brown, about 45 minutes.
  • Add the white wine or brandy, if using, and let it bubble up.
  • Pour in the beef broth and season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer for about 10 minutes.

Toasting Bread

  • Toast the bread in the oven until golden and crispy.

Assembly & Broiling

  • Fill oven-safe bowls with soup, top each with a slice of toasted bread, and pile on the Gruyère cheese.
  • Broil in the oven until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Notes

For best results, do not rush the onion-cooking time; let them caramelize properly. Store leftovers without cheese and bread to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 8gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 800mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4g
Keyword Cheesy Soup, Comfort Food, French Onion Soup, Onion Soup, Warm Soup
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