Why You’ll Love This Recipe
French Onion Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. The combination of caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and melted cheese over crispy bread makes it an irresistible classic. This soup is easy to prepare, has a deep and robust flavor, and is perfect as an appetizer or a main dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Yellow onions
- Unsalted butter
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Beef broth
- Dry white wine
- Bay leaves
- Fresh thyme
- Salt and black pepper
- Baguette or French bread
- Gruyère cheese
Directions
- Slice the onions thinly and cook them in a pot with butter and olive oil over medium heat until they are soft and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the dry white wine and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add the beef broth, bay leaves, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, slice the baguette and toast the slices until golden brown.
- Remove bay leaves and thyme from the soup.
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with a slice of toasted bread, and generously sprinkle with Gruyère cheese.
- Place the bowls under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Cheese Alternatives: Try Swiss, mozzarella, or provolone instead of Gruyère.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for the topping.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of brandy or sherry for a richer taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the soup (without bread and cheese) for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a little broth if needed. Re-toast bread and re-melt the cheese separately before serving.
FAQs
How do I properly caramelize onions?
Cook them slowly over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until they turn a deep golden brown.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the soup in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat and add fresh toasted bread and cheese before serving.
What type of onions work best?
Yellow onions are the best choice due to their balanced sweetness and flavor.
Can I skip the wine?
Yes, you can substitute with additional beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
What is the best bread for French Onion Soup?
A crusty baguette or French bread works best as it holds up well in the soup.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly grated cheese melts better, but pre-shredded can work in a pinch.
What can I serve with French Onion Soup?
Pair it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a light protein dish.
How do I prevent the cheese from sinking?
Make sure the bread is thick and well-toasted before adding the cheese.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Use dairy-free butter and cheese substitutes, or skip the cheese topping altogether.
Why is my soup too sweet?
Caramelized onions have natural sweetness. Balance it with extra salt, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, or a splash of vinegar.
Conclusion
French Onion Soup is a timeless dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With its rich, savory broth, perfectly caramelized onions, and gooey cheese topping, this recipe is sure to impress. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course, it’s a must-try for soup lovers. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Succulent chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and then enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce bursting with garlic and Parmesan flavors. This one-pan dish is both comforting and elegant, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Juice of half a lemon
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create two thinner cutlets. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
-
Sear the Chicken:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for another minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Then, add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
-
Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a side of steamed vegetables.
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