Print

French Onion Soup with Gruyere and Baguette

French Onion Soup with Gruyere and Baguette
Print Recipe

French Onion Soup with Gruyere and Baguette is a classic French dish that combines deeply caramelized sweet onions, rich beef broth, and aromatic herbs, topped with a toasted baguette slice crowned with melted Gruyere cheese. This comforting soup is perfect for cozy evenings, offering layers of savory flavor and a deliciously crispy, cheesy crust.

Ingredients

Scale

Onions & Aromatics

  • 4 large sweet yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Liquids

  • 6 cups beef broth (homemade or good-quality store-bought)
  • 1 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)

Toppings

  • 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat butter and olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and cook gently, stirring frequently for about 40 minutes until the onions are deeply golden and fragrant. Be careful not to let them burn; this slow caramelization develops a rich sweetness essential to the soup’s flavor.
  2. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer until it is almost completely reduced, concentrating its brightness to balance the onions’ sweetness.
  3. Add Broth and Herbs: Stir in the beef broth along with fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Prepare the Baguette Slices: While the soup simmers, preheat your oven and toast the baguette slices on a baking sheet until they are golden and crisp. This ensures they hold their texture under the soup and cheese topping.
  5. Assemble and Broil: Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves from the soup. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls and place a toasted baguette slice on top of each. Generously pile shredded Gruyere cheese over the bread. Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

  • Patience with caramelizing onions is key to developing deep flavor.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent uneven cooking and burning.
  • Choose high-quality Gruyere cheese for authentic flavor and smooth melting.
  • Toast the baguette slices well to avoid sogginess under the soup.
  • Broil the cheese carefully, as it can quickly go from perfect to burnt.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Onion Soup, Gruyere, Baguette, Caramelized Onions, Comfort Food, French Cuisine, Soup Recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/french-onion-soup-with-gruyere-and-baguette/