Embrace the Comfort of Rich and Simple French Onion Soup
This Rich and Simple French Onion Soup delivers that heartwarming comfort you crave, packed with layers of sweet caramelized onions and a rich broth, all topped with bubbling, golden cheese. With just under an hour of your time, you can whisk your family away to a cozy French café, right from your kitchen.
Growing up, I fondly recall evenings spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, the fragrant aroma of simmering onions filling the air. It was a simple dish that brought smiles to our faces and warmth to our hearts. This recipe is all about keeping that love and warmth alive, combining easy-to-find ingredients with straightforward steps. Let’s dive in!
Rich and Simple French Onion Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian option available
Description
A heartwarming French onion soup packed with sweet caramelized onions, rich broth, and bubbling cheese.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups sliced onions
- 5 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices French bread
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 2 slices Swiss cheese, diced
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients and set up for cooking.
- In an 8-quart stock pot over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add sliced onions. Stir continuously until tender and translucent, taking care not to brown.
- Pour in beef broth, dry sherry, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer gently for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven’s broiler.
- Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with a piece of French bread, a slice of provolone, half a slice of diced Swiss, and sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Broil in the preheated oven for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Best enjoyed fresh from the oven. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Why You’ll Fall for This French Delight
This soup is not just about flavor; it’s a nostalgic journey—a taste of home that blends comfort and satisfaction. Not only is it rich and delicious, but it also brings friends and family together around the table, creating cherished moments that warm the soul. Plus, did I mention that it takes less than an hour to prepare? Perfect for cozy weeknights or entertaining guests!
How to Make Rich and Simple French Onion Soup
Ingredients:
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups sliced onions
- 5 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices French bread
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 2 slices Swiss cheese, diced
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Gather all your ingredients and set yourself up for a fun cooking adventure.
In an 8-quart stock pot over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Once melted, add in your sliced onions. Stir continuously until the onions become tender and translucent, taking care not to let them brown.
Pour in the beef broth, dry sherry, and sprinkle in the thyme. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 30 minutes while the kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma.
As the soup simmers, preheat your oven’s broiler.
Once the soup is ready, ladle it into oven-safe serving bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of French bread (you can break it into pieces if you like). Layer each slice of bread with one piece of provolone cheese, half a slice of diced Swiss, and sprinkle with a tablespoon of Parmesan cheese.
Place the bowls on a cookie sheet and broil in the preheated oven for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
Serve hot and enjoy the delightful warmth in each spoonful!
Serving This Delightful Soup
This French Onion Soup is best enjoyed fresh from the oven. Pair it with a simple green salad or a light, crusty baguette for a truly classic experience. Consider it a lovely starter for a dinner party or a cozy main dish for your family.
Storing Your Hearty Creation
If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to resist), you can store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy it again. For the best cheesy topping, consider making fresh cheese toasts just before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect French Onion Soup
- Stir the onions constantly at the beginning to caramelize gently, which enhances the sweetness of the soup.
- If you want to add a splash of something special, a few sprigs of fresh thyme can boost flavor even more.
- Using a mix of cheeses can elevate the flavor; consider adding gruyere or mozzarella for variety.
Variations to Explore
You can experiment with different broths—try vegetable broth for a lighter version or mix in a splash of balsamic vinegar for added depth. If you’d like to gear it towards a lighter option, use less cheese or substitute your favorite bread with whole grain!
FAQs
1. Can I use onion varieties other than yellow onions?
Absolutely! While yellow onions are traditional, you can also use sweet onions or even red onions for a slightly different flavor.
2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Just replace beef broth with vegetable broth and omit the sherry or choose a vegetarian option.
3. How can I enhance the flavor further?
Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or a dash of hot sauce can take your soup to new levels of tastiness.
Now that you have your warm, comforting bowl of French Onion Soup, find a cozy spot and dig in! It’s bound to become a cherished dish in your home, just like it was in mine.