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Cozy Classic French Onion Soup Recipe with Gooey Gruyère Cheese

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A comforting classic French onion soup featuring slow-caramelized onions, rich beef broth, toasted baguette slices, and a gooey Gruyère cheese topping. Perfect for cozy nights and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
  • 1 cup dry white wine (optional, e.g., Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 loaf baguette, sliced 1/2 inch thick
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

Instructions

  1. Peel and thinly slice 4 large yellow onions into uniform 1/8 inch slices.
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
  3. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, for 40-50 minutes until onions are golden brown and caramelized. Lower heat and add a splash of water or broth if onions start to stick or burn.
  4. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme and 1 bay leaf, cooking for another minute.
  6. Pour in 1 cup dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits. Let wine reduce for about 5 minutes.
  7. Add 6 cups beef broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf before serving.
  8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  9. Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place 2-3 toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl.
  10. Generously pile about 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese over the bread.
  11. Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil under high heat for 2-4 minutes until cheese is bubbly, golden, and gooey. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  12. Carefully remove from oven and serve immediately.

Notes

Caramelize onions slowly over moderate heat to avoid burning and achieve deep sweetness. Watch the broiler carefully when melting cheese to prevent burning. For vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip or substitute wine. Gluten-free option: use gluten-free bread or roasted potatoes instead of baguette. Dairy-free option: use mild vegan cheese that melts well.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion soup, caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, comfort food, classic soup, cozy recipe

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/cozy-classic-french-onion-soup-recipe-with-gooey-gruy-e-re-cheese/