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- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional but adds richness)
For the Topping:
- 1 French baguette (or any crusty bread), sliced into thick rounds
- 1 1/2 cups shredded gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese, or a combination)
How to Make Easy French Onion Soup
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by melting butter and olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, and sugar. The sugar will help the onions caramelize beautifully, turning them golden brown and sweet. Stir the onions occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. This step will take about 30-40 minutes, so be patient! You want the onions to be deeply caramelized but not burned. If they start sticking to the bottom of the pan, add a small splash of water to loosen them up.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Deglaze the Pot
Once the onions are a rich, golden brown, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to cook down for 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings
Add the beef broth, water, thyme, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Stir to combine, and bring the soup to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if necessary.
Step 4: Prepare the Bread
While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven’s broiler. Slice the baguette into thick rounds (about 1-inch thick) and arrange them on a baking sheet. Toast the bread under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on the bread to prevent burning.
Step 5: Assemble the Soup
Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a few slices of the toasted baguette on top of each bowl of soup, then generously sprinkle the shredded cheese over the bread. You want enough cheese to create a nice melty layer that covers the bread completely.
Step 6: Broil to Perfection
Carefully place the bowls under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Keep a close watch on the soup as it broils to prevent the cheese from burning.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the bowls from the oven and allow them to cool for a minute or two before serving. Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Easy French Onion Soup
- Use Sweet Onions: While yellow onions are traditional, sweet onions (like Vidalia) will add a nice, mellow sweetness to the soup that balances the rich, savory flavors.
- Don’t Rush the Caramelization: The key to great French onion soup is properly caramelized onions. It takes time (30-40 minutes), but the results are worth it. Be patient, and stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Use Good Broth: The broth is the base of the soup, so opt for a high-quality beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version) for the best flavor.
- Experiment with Cheese: Gruyère is the classic choice for French onion soup because it melts beautifully and has a slightly nutty flavor. However, you can also use Swiss cheese or even a combination of both for a different twist.
- Make it Vegetarian: To make a vegetarian version of French onion soup, simply substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth. The caramelized onions will still provide plenty of savory flavor.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the soup in advance and refrigerate it for up to a day before serving. Just reheat it on the stove before topping with the bread and cheese.
Why You’ll Love Easy French Onion Soup
French onion soup is a perfect combination of savory, sweet, and cheesy. It’s a great balance of rich, deeply caramelized onions, a warm, flavorful broth, and crispy, cheesy bread. Whether you’re enjoying it as a comforting lunch or serving it as a starter at a dinner party, this Easy French Onion Soup is sure to delight.
It’s a recipe that’s approachable for even the most beginner cook, but it also has that “fancy” feel, making it perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a satisfying bowl of soup.
Conclusion
Easy French Onion Soup brings all the flavor of the classic bistro version into your home kitchen without the need for complicated techniques. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can create a bowl of rich, flavorful soup topped with golden, melty cheese that will warm you up from the inside out. Perfect for any occasion, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try it today, and enjoy a little taste of France—without leaving your kitchen!
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