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Irresistible French Onion Soup Recipe with Easy Gruyere Toast Steps

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A comforting French onion soup featuring slow caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and melty Gruyere cheese on toasted baguette slices. Perfect for cozy nights and easy to master at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (120 ml)
  • 6 cups beef broth (1.4 liters)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Baguette or crusty French bread, sliced about 1/2 inch thick
  • 8 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated (225 grams)
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons brandy or sherry

Instructions

  1. Peel and thinly slice 4 large yellow onions to about 1/8 inch thickness (about 10 minutes).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and stir to coat. Cook, stirring every 5 minutes, for 40-50 minutes until onions are deep golden brown and sweet. Lower heat if onions stick or brown too fast.
  3. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Let wine reduce by half, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Add 6 cups beef broth, 2 bay leaves, and 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme). Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Preheat oven broiler. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast until golden, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove and top each slice with about 1 ounce (28 grams) grated Gruyere cheese.
  6. Place baking sheet under broiler for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles with golden brown spots.
  7. Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs from soup. Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls, float one or two Gruyere toasts on top, and optionally broil for another minute to meld flavors.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme or black pepper if desired.

Notes

Use a blend of butter and olive oil to prevent burning onions. Slowly caramelize onions over medium-low heat for best flavor. Use firm, small-curd Gruyere cheese for optimal melting. Toast bread until sturdy to hold cheese without sogginess. For vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and add a splash of soy sauce for umami. Store soup and toast separately to avoid soggy bread. Reheat gently and refresh cheese toast under broiler.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion soup, Gruyere toast, caramelized onions, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cozy meal

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/irresistible-french-onion-soup-recipe-with-easy-gruyere-toast-steps/