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- 4 large yellow onions - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cups beef broth - 1 teaspoon sugar - 2 cups water - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 loaf of crusty French baguette - 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish When I make Classic French Onion Soup, I start with the main ingredients. Yellow onions are key. They give the soup its sweet and rich flavor. I use four large onions for the best taste. Butter and olive oil help cook the onions gently. Beef broth adds depth. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist. I also mix in sugar to help caramelize the onions. It makes them golden and sweet. Water balances the broth and helps the flavors blend. Dried thyme adds an earthy touch. The crusty French baguette is essential for topping the soup. It soaks up the broth while keeping its structure. For the final touch, I use Gruyère cheese. It melts wonderfully and creates a creamy layer. Salt and pepper are crucial for seasoning. They bring out all the flavors. Finally, I garnish with fresh parsley. It adds a pop of color and freshness. With all these ingredients, you can make a comforting bowl of Classic French Onion Soup. Check out the Full Recipe for detailed steps to bring this dish to life! - Start by melting 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot. Use medium heat for best results. - Once the butter is bubbly, stir in 4 large, thinly sliced yellow onions. Make sure they are all coated well. - To enhance caramelization, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar over the onions. This helps them turn a nice golden brown. - After the onions are caramelized, season them with salt and pepper to taste. This adds depth to the flavor. - Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and 2 cups of water. Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme for an herbal note. - Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. - While your soup simmers, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This prepares it for toasting. - Arrange sliced baguette pieces on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until they are crispy and golden. - After the soup is ready, ladle it into oven-safe bowls. Place a piece of the toasted baguette on top of each bowl. - Generously sprinkle 2 cups of shredded Gruyère cheese over the bread. This cheese melts beautifully. - Finally, place the bowls under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes. Watch them closely until the cheese is bubbly and golden. - Remove the bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Classic French Onion Soup! To reach that deep, rich color in your soup, slow cooking is key. Use low heat and give your onions time to transform. This can take about 30 to 40 minutes. Stir the onions every few minutes. This prevents them from sticking and burning. Use high-quality broth for the best taste. A good beef broth adds a nice depth. If you want a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works well too. You can also boost flavor with herbs. Try adding thyme, bay leaf, or even a pinch of nutmeg. These will elevate your soup and bring out its natural sweetness. Presentation matters. Serve the soup hot in oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a piece of toasted baguette. Then, sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese generously over the bread. Place the bowls under the broiler. Watch closely until the cheese bubbles and turns golden. For a rustic touch, serve the bowls on a wooden board. Add a small extra bowl of toasted baguette slices on the side. This allows guests to enjoy more bread as they wish. {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of this soup. Simply use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. This swap keeps the rich flavor while making it meat-free. You can also play with cheese. Try mozzarella or a sharp cheddar for a different taste. Want to elevate your soup? Add a splash of wine or sherry. This will deepen the flavor and add a nice touch. You can also include mushrooms or other vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms give a lovely umami flavor that enhances the overall dish. Carrots or leeks can add sweetness too. Gruyère cheese is traditional, but it’s not your only choice. You can use other melting cheeses like Emmental or fontina. If you want a dairy-free option, look for non-dairy cheeses. These can melt well and still offer that creamy texture. For the full recipe, check out the Classic French Onion Soup section. To keep your Classic French Onion Soup fresh, store it in airtight containers. Make sure to let it cool first. Place a lid on tightly to prevent air from getting in. This soup lasts in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. When you are ready to eat your soup, reheat it carefully. I recommend using the stove for the best results. Pour the soup into a pot and heat it over medium heat. Stir it often to keep it from burning. You can also use the microwave. Just heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This will help keep the texture and flavor intact. To freeze your soup, let it cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. It can stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you want to eat it, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, follow the same steps as before. Enjoy your delicious soup anytime with these easy storage tips! Making Classic French Onion Soup takes about 1 hour in total. You will spend 15 minutes preparing the ingredients. The cooking time is around 45 minutes. The longest part is caramelizing the onions. This step gives the soup its deep flavor. Yes, you can make this soup in advance. To do this, cook the soup and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It can stay fresh for about 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove. Add the baguette and cheese right before serving. This keeps the bread crispy and the cheese gooey. The best onions for French Onion Soup are yellow onions. They have the right balance of sweetness and flavor. You can also use sweet onions like Vidalia for a milder taste. Red onions can work too, but they will add a different color and flavor. Each type adds its unique twist to the soup, so feel free to experiment! Classic French onion soup features rich flavors from onions, broth, and cheese. I outlined key ingredients, steps, and tips to make this dish shine. You can adapt it with vegetarian options or gourmet twists. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them for the best taste. Each bowl warms your spirit and impresses your guests. Enjoy making this comforting dish and share it with loved ones. Savor the delightful layers of flavor you create!

23. Classic French Onion Soup

Experience the warmth of Classic French Onion Soup with this delicious recipe! Discover how to caramelize onions to perfection, combine rich beef broth and thyme, and top it all off with crispy baguette and melted Gruyère cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Click through to explore the full recipe and create a comforting masterpiece that warms the heart!
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Ingredients
  

4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon sugar

4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)

2 cups water

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 loaf of crusty French baguette, sliced into thick pieces

2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter and olive oil together over medium heat until fully combined.

    Add the sliced onions to the pot, stirring to ensure they are evenly coated with the buttery mixture.

      Sprinkle the sugar over the onions to aid in their caramelization. Cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes, until they turn a rich, golden brown and become deeply caramelized.

        Season the caramelized onions with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to incorporate the seasonings.

          Carefully pour in the beef broth and water, then add the dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for approximately 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

            While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the sliced baguette on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, until the bread is crispy and lightly golden.

              Once the soup has finished simmering, ladle it into oven-safe bowls. Place a piece of the toasted baguette on top of each bowl to create a cozy layer.

                Generously sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the bread in each bowl, ensuring ample coverage for a glorious melt.

                  Place the bowls under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, creating an irresistible topping.

                    Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour | 4 servings

                        - Präsentationstipps: Serve the soup piping hot, with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top for color. For a rustic touch, place the bowls on a wooden board and offer a small extra bowl of toasted baguette slices on the side, allowing guests to indulge as they wish.