French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for cold days. Its rich flavors come from slow-cooked onions and savory broth. Topped with melted cheese, it's a classic favorite.
Why This Works
The key to great French Onion Soup is caramelizing the onions slowly. This technique enhances their natural sweetness and deepens the flavor.
Using high-quality broth adds depth to the soup. Gruyère cheese creates a savory topping that complements the dish perfectly.
💡 Professional Tip
Use a mix of onions for complexity in flavor. Don't rush the caramelization; patience yields the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance and reheat it. Just add the cheese and bread right before serving.
You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Any melty cheese can replace Gruyère if preferred.
The soup is done when the onions are golden brown and tender. Broil until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Yes, the soup can be frozen without the bread and cheese. Add those fresh when serving after thawing.
Serve with a green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. A glass of white wine pairs beautifully.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Alternatively, use a spicy cheese for the topping.
Reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to maintain texture.
Recipe Troubleshooting Guide
Too Salty
Problem: The soup is overly salty.
Solution: Add more water or unsalted broth to balance the flavors.
Too Thick
Problem: The soup is thicker than desired.
Solution: Stir in additional broth until the desired consistency is achieved.
Not Flavorful
Problem: The soup lacks depth of flavor.
Prevention: Consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.
Burnt Onions
Problem: The onions have burnt.
Recovery: Reduce the heat and add a splash of broth to deglaze the pan.
Too Bland
Problem: The soup is lacking seasoning.
Prevention: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Flavor Issues
Too Sweet: If too sweet, add a splash of vinegar to balance.
Too Salty: If too salty, dilute with more broth.
Bland: Season generously with herbs for enhancement.
Ingredients
This recipe requires simple ingredients, primarily onions and broth. Quality matters; choose fresh vegetables and good stock.
The bread and cheese are essential for texture and flavor. Feel free to get creative with toppings.
Essential Ingredient Notes
- Onions: Use a mix of sweet and yellow onions for balance. Slice them evenly for consistent cooking.
- Broth: Homemade broth is best, but store-bought works too. Opt for low-sodium to control flavor.
- Cheese: Gruyère is traditional, but Swiss or mozzarella can be used. Ensure it's good melting cheese.
Cooking
Begin by slowly caramelizing the onions in olive oil. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Once the onions are golden, add the broth and simmer. Serve hot with toasted bread and melted cheese.
Key Technique
Caramelizing onions is crucial for developing flavor. Take your time; the longer, the better.
French Onion Soup
📋 Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups beef brothLow-sodium
- 2 tbsp olive oilFor sautéing
Dairy
- 4 large onionsSliced
- 1 baguetteFor topping
Instructions
Caramelize Onions
Slowly cook onions in olive oil until golden.
Simmer
Add broth and let simmer for flavor development.
Recipe Notes & Tips
Storage
Cool completely before storing in the fridge. Consume within 4 days for best quality.
Serving
Serve hot with a sprinkle of herbs on top. Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
Variations
Try adding mushrooms for an earthy twist. A splash of white wine can enhance the flavor profile.