Classic Restaurant-Style French Onion Soup
Experience the comforting warmth of Classic Restaurant-Style French Onion Soup, a timeless dish that brings together the rich flavors of caramelized onions, aromatic herbs, and a luscious broth. This beloved recipe hails from St. Louis and is perfect for sharing with friends and family. With its sweet, mellow onions and savory broth topped with crusty bread and bubbling cheese, this soup is not just a meal, but an experience that transports you to a quaint café. Perfect for cool evenings, this recipe yields a large pot ideal for gatherings or leftovers to savor throughout the week.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onions
5 lbs (unpeeled, sliced 1/8 inch thick)
Butter
1/2 cup (1 stick, unsalted)
Black Pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons (freshly ground)
Paprika
2 tablespoons
Bay Leaf
1
Beef Broth
7 (16-ounce) cans (divided (recommended Swanson's))
Dry White Wine
1 cup (optional)
All-Purpose Flour
3/4 cup (or instant flour (such as Wondra))
Caramel Coloring
to taste (optional)
Salt
2 teaspoons
French Baguette
to taste (optional, sliced)
Swiss or Gruyere Cheese
to taste (optional, grated)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of this French Onion Soup recipe?
This classic recipe hails from St. Louis and is designed to replicate a restaurant-style experience.
How many onions are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 lbs of onions.
How should the onions be sliced?
The onions should be sliced 1/8 inch thick.
What type of butter is recommended?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter.
What amount of black pepper is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper.
Is there a specific spice used for color and flavor?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 tablespoons of paprika.
How much beef broth does this recipe use?
The recipe requires seven 16-ounce cans of beef broth.
Is there a specific brand of beef broth recommended?
Swanson's beef broth is the recommended brand for this recipe.
Is wine an ingredient in this soup?
1 cup of dry white wine is listed as an optional ingredient.
What type of flour is used for thickening?
You can use 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour or an instant flour like Wondra.
How much salt should be added?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of salt.
What is the purpose of caramel coloring in this recipe?
Caramel coloring is an optional ingredient used to enhance the visual depth of the broth.
What kind of bread is used for the topping?
A sliced French Baguette is recommended for the topping.
Which cheeses are best for melting on top?
Grated Swiss or Gruyere cheese are the recommended options.
Is this recipe suitable for large groups?
Yes, it yields a large pot that is ideal for gatherings or family sharing.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients listed in this recipe.
Can I save the leftovers?
Yes, the recipe yields enough for leftovers that can be savored throughout the week.
Does the recipe use a bay leaf?
Yes, one bay leaf is included to add aromatic flavor to the broth.
How would you describe the flavor of the onions?
The onions become sweet and mellow through the caramelization process.
What is the overall experience of eating this soup?
It is described as a comforting experience that transports you to a quaint café.
Is this a good dish for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as perfect for cool evenings and as a warming dish.
Is the pepper used pre-ground or fresh?
The recipe specifically calls for freshly ground black pepper.
What makes the broth 'luscious'?
The combination of beef broth, butter, caramelized onions, and flour creates a rich and luscious texture.
What is the recipe ID for this dish?
The recipe ID is classic-restaurant-style-french-onion-soup.
Are the onions peeled before slicing?
The raw data mentions unpeeled onions, though standard preparation usually involves peeling before slicing 1/8 inch thick.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Key tags include soup, french onion, comfort food, and classic recipe.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, 'easy to make' is one of the tags associated with this recipe.
What is the recommended preparation for the cheese?
The Swiss or Gruyere cheese should be grated.
Can this recipe be considered a 'comfort food'?
Yes, it is explicitly categorized and tagged as a comfort food.
Does the recipe mention any specific kitchen equipment?
While specific tools aren't listed, it mentions the need for a large pot to accommodate the volume of ingredients.