Description
A classic French onion soup with perfectly caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and melted cheese on top. This comforting soup takes time to develop its deep, complex flavors but is worth every minute.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup grape juice
- 6 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
- 8 slices baguette bread
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Melt butter in large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown
- Add Liquid: Pour in grape juice and simmer 5 minutes to reduce and concentrate flavors
- Build Broth: Add beef broth and thyme. Bring to gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes
- Prepare Bread: While soup simmers, toast baguette slices until golden brown and crispy
- Assemble and Broil: Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with bread and cheese. Broil 5 minutes until bubbly
Notes
- Keep heat at medium to prevent burning while allowing proper caramelization of the onions
- Don’t rush the onion cooking process – proper caramelization takes time and creates the soup’s signature flavor
- Use day-old bread for better texture that won’t become soggy in the soup
- Grate cheese fresh for better melting and superior flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385 calories
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 1250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: french onion soup, caramelized onions, beef broth, cheese, comfort food, classic recipe