French onion soup is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. This savory soup is made with caramelized onions, beef broth, and topped with a layer of melted cheese and a slice of toasted bread. The warm and comforting flavors of French onion soup make it a perfect dish for chilly days or as a starter for a fancy dinner party.
French onion soup has a rich history that dates back to the Roman Empire. It was traditionally served to farmers as a hearty breakfast before they headed out to work in the fields. Over time, the recipe evolved and became a staple in French cuisine. Today, French onion soup is enjoyed all over the world and is a popular dish in many restaurants.
Key Takeaways
- French onion soup has a rich history that dates back to the Roman Empire.
- The soup is made with caramelized onions, beef broth, and topped with a layer of melted cheese and a slice of toasted bread.
- French onion soup is a perfect dish for chilly days or as a starter for a fancy dinner party.
History of French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup, or “Soupe à l’oignon” in French, is a traditional French dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to the Roman times, where onions were a staple ingredient in their cuisine. In the Middle Ages, onions were widely used in France due to their availability and long shelf life.
The modern version of French Onion Soup can be traced back to the 18th century. It was a popular dish among the working-class people of Paris, who would often eat it for breakfast. The dish became more widespread in the 19th century, with the rise of French cuisine and the opening of restaurants.
The recipe for French Onion Soup is simple, yet delicious. It consists of caramelized onions, beef broth, and a slice of bread topped with cheese. The soup is traditionally served in a crock or bowl, with the bread and cheese on top. It is then broiled until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
French Onion Soup has become a staple in French cuisine and is enjoyed all over the world. It is often served as an appetizer or a main course and is a favorite among foodies and home cooks alike. Its rich flavor and comforting warmth make it the perfect dish for a chilly winter evening.
Ingredients for French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup is a classic dish that is rich, savory, and packed with flavor. The soup is made with a few basic ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores. Here are the ingredients that are needed to make a delicious French Onion Soup:
Onions
Onions are the star ingredient of French Onion Soup. They are sliced thin and slowly caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness. The type of onion used can vary, but yellow onions are the most common.
Beef Broth
Beef broth is the base of the soup and provides a rich, savory flavor. It is important to use a high-quality beef broth to ensure the best taste.
Red Wine
Red wine is added to the soup to add depth of flavor and a slight acidity. A dry red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, works well in this recipe.
Thyme
Thyme is a fragrant herb that adds a subtle earthy flavor to the soup. It is typically added to the soup while the onions are caramelizing.
Bread
Bread is used to create the iconic cheesy topping of French Onion Soup. A baguette is traditionally used, but any crusty bread will work.
Cheese
The cheese used in French Onion Soup is typically Gruyere or Swiss cheese. It is melted on top of the bread to create a gooey, cheesy topping.
Overall, French Onion Soup is a simple dish that is made with a few basic ingredients. When these ingredients are combined and cooked properly, they create a rich and flavorful soup that is perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients Measurement :
4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced 
2 cloves of garlic, minced 
4 tablespoons unsalted butter 
2 tablespoons olive oil 
1 teaspoon sugar 
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 
8 cups beef broth 
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
1 bay leaf 
Salt and pepper, to taste 
1 baguette, sliced and toasted 
1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese) 
Directions:
In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring frequently, until caramelized (about 30 minutes). Add garlic in the last few minutes.
Sprinkle sugar and flour over the onions, stir, and cook for a few minutes.
Add beef broth, white wine, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Preheat your broiler. Place toasted baguette slices in oven-safe soup bowls. Ladle the soup into the bowls. 
Top each bowl with grated cheese. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Choosing the Right Onions
French Onion Soup is all about the onions. Choosing the right onions is crucial to making a delicious soup. Here are a few tips on how to choose the best onions for your French Onion Soup:
1. Yellow Onions
Yellow onions are the most commonly used onions in French Onion Soup. They have a strong flavor and are perfect for caramelizing. When choosing yellow onions, look for firm, heavy onions with dry, papery skins. Avoid onions that have soft spots or signs of mold.
2. Sweet Onions
Sweet onions are a milder alternative to yellow onions. They have a higher sugar content and are less pungent. When choosing sweet onions, look for onions that are firm and heavy with tight, dry skins. Avoid onions that have soft spots or signs of mold.
3. Red Onions
Red onions are not commonly used in French Onion Soup, but they can add a nice color and flavor to the soup. When choosing red onions, look for firm, heavy onions with tight, dry skins. Avoid onions that have soft spots or signs of mold.
4. Shallots
Shallots are a milder alternative to onions. They have a delicate flavor and are perfect for adding depth to the soup. When choosing shallots, look for firm, heavy shallots with dry, papery skins. Avoid shallots that have soft spots or signs of mold.
In conclusion, choosing the right onions is crucial to making a delicious French Onion Soup. Whether you choose yellow onions, sweet onions, red onions, or shallots, make sure they are firm, heavy, and have dry, papery skins. Avoid onions that have soft spots or signs of mold to ensure the best flavor for your soup.
Types of Cheese for Topping
French Onion Soup is not complete without a layer of melted cheese on top. While Gruyere is the traditional cheese used for topping, there are other types of cheese that can be used to add a unique flavor to the soup.
Gruyere Cheese
Gruyere cheese is a hard, yellow cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, which makes it perfect for French Onion Soup. The cheese is grated and sprinkled on top of the soup before it is broiled in the oven. Gruyere cheese melts easily and forms a golden-brown crust on top of the soup.
Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is a good alternative to Gruyere cheese. It has a similar nutty and slightly sweet flavor, but it is milder than Gruyere. Swiss cheese is also a good melting cheese and forms a golden-brown crust on top of the soup.
Provolone Cheese
Provolone cheese is a semi-hard cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It has a mild and slightly tangy flavor, which makes it a good option for French Onion Soup. Provolone cheese melts easily and forms a golden-brown crust on top of the soup.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It has a nutty and slightly salty flavor, which makes it a good option for French Onion Soup. Parmesan cheese is grated and sprinkled on top of the soup before it is broiled in the oven. It forms a crispy and savory crust on top of the soup.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is a soft and mild cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It has a creamy and slightly tangy flavor, which makes it a good option for French Onion Soup. Mozzarella cheese melts easily and forms a gooey and stretchy layer on top of the soup.
In conclusion, there are many types of cheese that can be used to top French Onion Soup. Gruyere cheese is the traditional choice, but Swiss, Provolone, Parmesan, and Mozzarella cheese are also good options. The choice of cheese depends on personal preference and the desired flavor profile of the soup.
The Perfect Beef Stock
To make the best French onion soup, the perfect beef stock is essential. The stock is the foundation of the soup and sets the flavor profile for the dish. Here are some tips to make the perfect beef stock:
Use Beef Bones
Beef bones are the key ingredient in making the perfect beef stock. The bones should be roasted before being added to the stockpot to give them a rich, meaty flavor. Roasting the bones also helps to remove any impurities and excess fat.
Add Aromatics
Aromatics such as onions, carrots, and celery add depth and complexity to the beef stock. They also provide a natural sweetness to balance out the savory flavors of the beef. Bay leaves, thyme, and parsley are also excellent additions to the stock.
Simmer Slowly
The beef stock should be simmered slowly over low heat for at least four hours. This allows the flavors to develop and intensify. Skim the surface of the stock regularly to remove any impurities and excess fat.
Strain and Store
Once the stock is finished, strain it through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any solids. Let the stock cool to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. The stock can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or in the freezer for up to three months.
By following these tips, you can make the perfect beef stock for your French onion soup. The result will be a rich, flavorful soup that is sure to impress.
Cooking Techniques
French onion soup is a classic dish that requires a few specific cooking techniques to achieve the perfect flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you make the best French onion soup:
Caramelizing the Onions
The key to a rich and flavorful French onion soup is caramelizing the onions. This process involves cooking the onions slowly over low heat until they turn golden brown and develop a sweet, complex flavor. To achieve this, it’s important to use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven and cook the onions over low heat for at least 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Choosing the Right Broth
The broth is another important component of French onion soup. Traditionally, beef broth is used, but you can also use a combination of beef and chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. It’s important to choose a high-quality broth with a rich, savory flavor to complement the caramelized onions.
Adding Wine and Herbs
To add depth and complexity to the soup, many recipes call for the addition of red wine and herbs such as thyme and bay leaves. The wine adds acidity and a fruity flavor, while the herbs provide a subtle earthiness. It’s important to use a dry red wine and fresh herbs for the best flavor.
Topping with Cheese and Bread
The final step in making French onion soup is topping it with a slice of toasted bread and a generous amount of grated Gruyere cheese. The bread should be toasted until crispy and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. For a twist on the classic, try using a different type of cheese such as Swiss or Parmesan.
Overall, mastering the cooking techniques for French onion soup takes time and practice, but the end result is a rich and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy winter evening.
Caramelizing Onions
Caramelizing onions is a crucial step in making the best French onion soup. It is the process of cooking onions until they turn a rich brown color, which brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor to the dish.
Stove Top Method
To caramelize onions on the stove top, start by slicing them thinly and heating a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter or oil and let it melt. Then, add the sliced onions and stir to coat them evenly with the fat.
Cook the onions for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and turn translucent. Then, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking the onions for another 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden brown color.
Oven Method
To caramelize onions in the oven, preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice the onions thinly and spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the onions with a tablespoon of oil or melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Roast the onions in the oven for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden brown color and are tender.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to keep an eye on the onions as they cook to prevent them from burning. Caramelized onions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them a great ingredient to have on hand for adding flavor to soups, stews, and other dishes.
Assembling the Soup
To assemble the French Onion Soup, start by ladling the soup into oven-safe bowls. Next, place a slice of French bread on top of the soup in each bowl. Be sure to choose a bread that is crusty and slightly stale, as this will hold up better in the soup.
Next, sprinkle a generous amount of grated Gruyere cheese over the bread in each bowl. The cheese should completely cover the bread and extend over the edges of the bowl.
Once the cheese is added, place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with golden brown spots. This should only take a few minutes, so be sure to watch the bowls carefully to avoid burning.
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the bowls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. The soup will be very hot, so be careful when handling the bowls.
To serve, place each bowl on a plate or a small tray and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or parsley. The finished soup should be rich, savory, and full of complex flavors that are sure to impress any dinner guest.
Bread Selection and Preparation
The bread used in French Onion Soup is a crucial component that adds texture and flavor to the dish. The traditional bread used is a baguette or French bread with a crispy crust and a soft interior. However, any crusty bread that can hold up to the broth and the cheese can be used.
To prepare the bread, it is typically sliced into 1-inch thick rounds and then toasted or grilled until crispy. Some recipes call for the bread to be rubbed with garlic or brushed with olive oil before toasting to add extra flavor.
It is important to not over-toast the bread, as it can become too hard and difficult to eat. Additionally, the bread should be added to the soup just before serving to prevent it from becoming too soggy.
Using the right bread and preparing it properly can take French Onion Soup to the next level, providing a satisfying crunch and complementing the rich broth and melted cheese.
Baking and Broiling
To achieve the perfect French Onion Soup, baking and broiling are the final steps that bring the dish together. Once the soup is ladled into oven-safe crocks, a slice of baguette is placed on top of the soup, followed by a generous layer of grated Gruyere cheese.
The crocks are then placed under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This step adds a crispy texture to the soup, making it an irresistible delight to the taste buds.
It is important to keep an eye on the crocks while they are under the broiler, as the cheese can quickly burn if left unattended. Once the cheese is melted and golden brown, the crocks are removed from the oven and served piping hot.
Overall, baking and broiling are crucial steps in the preparation of French Onion Soup, as they add a unique depth of flavor and texture to the dish. With the right technique and attention to detail, anyone can create a delicious and authentic French Onion Soup that will impress even the most discerning of palates.