Description
A classic French soup made with deeply caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and topped with toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyère cheese for a timeless, comforting dish perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Soup
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Melt the butter with the olive oil in a large pot over low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until they become deeply caramelized and soft, which should take about 30-40 minutes.
- Add Sugar and Continue Cooking: Sprinkle the sugar over the onions and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes until the onions deepen to a rich golden brown, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Deglaze Pot: Pour in the dry white wine if using, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any flavorful browned bits. Let the wine reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Add the beef broth to the pot, season with salt and pepper to taste, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare Bread and Cheese Topping: While the soup simmers, toast the baguette slices until golden. Once toasted, top each slice with shredded Gruyère cheese.
- Assemble and Broil: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a cheese-topped baguette slice onto the soup in each bowl and place under a broiler until the cheese melts and turns bubbly, about 2-4 minutes. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Patience is key to properly caramelizing the onions; rushing this step will not develop the deep flavor.
- Gruyère cheese is recommended for its authentic nutty flavor and great melting properties.
- This soup can be made ahead of time and gently reheated before serving without losing its rich flavors.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
