Classic Gourmet French Onion Soup
Elevate your dining experience with this Classic Gourmet French Onion Soup, a timeless dish that boasts a depth of flavor that rivals the finest restaurants. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luscious, rich soup that is comfort food at its best. The natural sweetness of the slowly caramelized onions melds beautifully with the savory beef broth, creating a symphony of flavor in every spoonful. As it simmers gently for hours, your home will be filled with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the table. Serve it bubbling hot in ovenproof bowls, crowned with crisp garlic croutons and gooey melted cheese for a truly indulgent treat. Perfect for gatherings, this soup can also be made ahead, frozen, and effortlessly reheated for an easy yet impressive meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter or margarine
1/2 cup (melted)
Spanish onions
3-4 large (sliced thin)
flour
3 tablespoons (for thickening)
beef broth
3 cans (store-bought)
beef bouillon cubes
2 (crushed)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (for sweetness)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (for depth of flavor)
water
4 1/4 cups (to dilute the broth)
salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
garlic
to taste (for seasoning)
dry garlic bread
as needed (for croutons)
croutons
as needed (store-bought or homemade)
mozzarella cheese
to taste (for topping)
Swiss cheese
to taste (for topping)
Instructions
1
Begin by slightly freezing the onions for easier slicing and reduced tears.
2
In a large Dutch oven, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat.
3
Add the sliced onions to the pot and sauté, stirring frequently, until they are deeply golden brown and caramelized. This process may take up to 30-40 minutes for optimal flavor.
4
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to incorporate, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
5
Pour in the beef broth, and add the beef bouillon cubes, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, water, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
6
Cover the pot and lower the heat to a simmer. Allow the soup to cook on low for at least 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. For best results, simmer longer if time allows.
7
After cooking, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
8
When ready to serve, ladle the soup into ovenproof bowls. Top with garlic croutons and generously sprinkle with mozzarella and Swiss cheese.
9
Broil in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, which usually takes 2-5 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
10
Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Gourmet French Onion Soup?
It is a rich and savory soup made from slowly caramelized onions, beef broth, and seasonings, topped with croutons and melted cheese.
What type of onions are best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 3 to 4 large Spanish onions sliced thin for the best flavor and texture.
Why should I slightly freeze the onions before slicing?
Slightly freezing the onions makes them easier to slice and helps reduce the tears often caused by cutting onions.
How long does it take to caramelize the onions?
The caramelization process takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes of constant stirring over medium heat until they are deeply golden brown.
What is the purpose of adding flour to the onions?
Flour is added as a thickening agent to give the soup a richer and more luscious consistency.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/2 cup of butter or margarine to be used for sautéing the onions.
How much beef broth is required?
The recipe calls for 3 cans of beef broth along with additional water.
Why are beef bouillon cubes used in addition to broth?
The bouillon cubes enhance the savory depth and richness of the soup's flavor profile.
What role does brown sugar play in the soup?
Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of caramelized onions and the salty beef broth.
What does Worcestershire sauce contribute to the recipe?
Worcestershire sauce adds a complex depth of flavor and umami to the broth.
How much water should be added to the pot?
You should add 4 and 1/4 cups of water to dilute the broth and bouillon mixture.
How long should the French onion soup simmer?
The soup should be covered and simmered on low heat for at least 3 hours.
Can I simmer the soup for longer than three hours?
Yes, simmering longer than 3 hours is encouraged if time allows to achieve even deeper flavor development.
What type of bread is used for the topping?
You can use dry garlic bread or store-bought croutons as the base for the cheese topping.
Which cheeses are recommended for French onion soup?
A combination of mozzarella and Swiss cheese is used for a gooey and flavorful melted topping.
How do I prepare the final cheese topping?
Ladle the soup into ovenproof bowls, top with croutons and cheese, then broil until the cheese is bubbly.
How long does it take to broil the cheese?
Broiling usually takes between 2 to 5 minutes, though you should watch closely to avoid burning the cheese.
Can this soup be made ahead of time?
Yes, this soup is perfect for making in advance as the flavors meld together over time.
Is French onion soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, the soup base can be frozen and effortlessly reheated for an easy yet impressive meal later.
How do I prevent the soup from sticking to the pot?
Stir the soup occasionally while it simmers on low heat to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the Dutch oven.
What equipment is best for making this soup?
A large Dutch oven is recommended for the long sautéing and simmering process.
Can I add extra garlic to the recipe?
Yes, garlic can be added to taste for extra seasoning and aroma.
How should I serve the soup?
Serve it immediately after broiling while it is bubbling hot in individual ovenproof bowls.
What makes this a gourmet version of the soup?
The slow caramelization and extended 3-hour simmer time elevate simple ingredients to restaurant-quality standards.
How many onions do I need in total?
You will need 3 to 4 large onions to provide the bulk and sweetness of the soup.
Can I use homemade croutons?
Absolutely, homemade croutons or store-bought versions both work well for the topping.
Is the salt and pepper amount fixed?
No, salt and pepper should be added to taste to suit your personal preference.
Does the recipe require a specific heat setting for simmering?
The soup should be simmered on a low heat setting once the pot is covered.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While mozzarella and Swiss are recommended, you can experiment with other meltable cheeses like Gruyere.
Is this recipe suitable for gatherings?
Yes, it is an impressive and comforting dish that is perfect for dinner parties and family gatherings.