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French Onion Soup with Gruyere and Baguette

French Onion Soup with Gruyere and Baguette

French Onion Soup with Gruyere and Baguette is a classic and comforting dish featuring sweet caramelized onions, a rich beef broth, gooey melted Gruyere cheese, and crispy toasted baguette slices. This elegant yet easy-to-make soup brings warmth and rich savory flavors, perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 23 sprigs fresh thyme

Liquids

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian variation)

Cheese and Bread

  • 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice yellow onions and cook them slowly over medium-low heat in a blend of butter and olive oil. Stir occasionally and let them caramelize for 30 to 40 minutes until they turn a rich golden-brown color and develop a jam-like texture without burning.
  2. Deglaze with Wine: Add dry white wine to the pot with the caramelized onions. Scrape the bottom of the pan to lift all the browned bits, letting the wine infuse the mixture with acidity to balance the sweetness of the onions.
  3. Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the beef broth along with fresh thyme sprigs. Season with salt and pepper, then let the soup simmer gently for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Prepare the Baguette Topping: Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch pieces and toast them in the oven until golden and crisp to add a crunchy texture that balances the soup.
  5. Assemble and Broil: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks. Float the toasted baguette slices on top, then generously cover each with shredded Gruyere cheese. Place the bowls under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and forms a golden crust. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Caramelize onions slowly over low heat to develop deep flavor and avoid bitterness.
  • Use high-quality Gruyere cheese for the best melt and nutty taste.
  • Day-old baguette works best as it crisps well and resists sogginess.
  • Use oven-safe dishes to broil cheese topping safely and evenly.
  • Watch broiler closely to prevent cheese from burning quickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Onion Soup, Gruyere, Baguette, Caramelized Onions, Comfort Food, Classic Soup, Cozy Dinner