Appetizer
Classic French Onion Soup
Deeply caramelized onions in rich beef broth, topped with toasted bread and melted Gruyère.
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
1 hr 30 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Medium
Ingredients
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt, to taste
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 6 cups beef stock
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- 1
Melt the butter in a heavy pot, add the onions and sugar, and salt lightly.
- 2
Cook the onions over medium-low heat for 45-60 minutes, stirring often, until deeply caramelized.
- 3
Deglaze with the white wine, scraping up the browned bits.
- 4
Add the beef stock, thyme, and bay leaf.
- 5
Simmer for 30 minutes, then season to taste.
- 6
Toast the baguette slices until crisp.
- 7
Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted bread and a generous layer of Gruyère.
- 8
Broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Tips
- Patience during caramelization is everything — don't rush with high heat or the onions will burn instead of sweeten.
- A splash of sherry vinegar at the end brightens the soup.