Classic French Onion Soup (Printable)

Rich French classic with caramelized onions in savory broth, topped with toasted bread and melted Gruyère cheese.

# What you need:

→ Onions

01 - 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
02 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Soup Base

04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon sugar
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
08 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
09 - 1/2 cup dry white wine
10 - 5 cups beef or vegetable stock
11 - 2 sprigs fresh thyme
12 - 1 bay leaf

→ Topping

13 - 4 slices French baguette, about 1 inch thick
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil for bread
15 - 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated

# How to make it:

01 - In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and stir to coat. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are soft and deeply caramelized, approximately 35-40 minutes. Add sugar and salt halfway through to enhance caramelization.
02 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Sprinkle flour into the pot and stir constantly for 2 minutes to create a light thickening base.
04 - Pour dry white wine into the pot while scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to release browned bits and fond.
05 - Add stock, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Remove thyme and bay leaf. Season with pepper and additional salt to taste.
06 - Preheat oven broiler. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet, brush both sides with olive oil, and toast under broiler until golden, approximately 1-2 minutes per side.
07 - Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with one toasted baguette slice and cover generously with grated Gruyère cheese.
08 - Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Deep, complex flavors developed through patient caramelization.
  • The perfect contrast of crunchy toasted baguette and melty, bubbly Gruyère cheese.
  • A warming, soul-satisfying meal that is both rustic and elegant.
02 -
  • If you don't have Gruyère, Emmental or Comté make excellent substitutes.
  • Always double-check your stock and bread labels for allergen safety.
  • Broil the cheese just until it starts to brown for the most authentic texture and flavor.
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