Print

Cozy French Onion Soup Recipe with Crispy Gruyère Toast

French onion soup - featured image
Print Recipe

A warm and comforting French onion soup featuring slow caramelized onions in a rich broth, topped with crispy toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyère cheese. Perfect for winter and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 5 cups)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 baguette slices, about 1/2 inch thick
  • 1 1/2 cups (150 g) grated Gruyère cheese

Instructions

  1. Peel and thinly slice 4 large yellow onions (about 5 cups).
  2. Heat 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-low heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt, stirring to coat. Cook slowly, stirring every 5 minutes, for 40-50 minutes until onions are deeply golden brown and sweet. Add a splash of water if onions stick or brown too fast.
  3. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine (if using) and scrape up browned bits. Let wine reduce for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add 6 cups beef broth, 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook gently for 20 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange 8 baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes until slightly crisp. Remove and sprinkle with grated Gruyère cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown, watching closely to prevent burning.
  6. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf from soup. Ladle hot soup into bowls and float cheesy toasts on top. Optionally, broil assembled soup in oven-safe bowls until cheese bubbles further.

Notes

Keep heat low and stir onions regularly to avoid burning during caramelization. Use good-quality beef broth for best flavor. Shred cheese yourself for better melting. Broil cheese-topped toasts just until bubbly to avoid drying out bread. Caramelized onions can be made ahead and frozen. For vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit wine or substitute with apple cider. Gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion soup, cozy soup, caramelized onions, Gruyère toast, winter recipe, comfort food, easy soup

Find it online: https://islatable.com/cozy-french-onion-soup-recipe-with-crispy-gruy-e-re-toast-easy-and-perfect-for-winter/