Best French Onion Soup Recipe: Classic Comfort in a Bowl

Instructions:

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Stir to combine and reduce the heat to medium-low.
3. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized. This process can take 30-40 minutes, so be patient—the rich flavor is worth it!

Step 2: Build the Broth

1. Once the onions are caramelized, deglaze the pot with white wine or sherry, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
2. Add the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

1. While the soup simmers, preheat your oven broiler.
2. Place the toasted baguette slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle each with a generous amount of Gruyère cheese.
3. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

1. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls and place a cheesy baguette slice on top of each bowl.
2. Optionally, sprinkle extra Gruyère on top and broil the assembled bowls until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy with a crisp side salad or additional baguette slices.

Tips for Success:

• Choose the Right Onions: Yellow onions work best for their balance of sweetness and savory flavor.
• Take Your Time: The key to authentic French Onion Soup is slowly caramelizing the onions—don’t rush this step.
• Use Quality Cheese: Gruyère is traditional, but you can also try Comté or Swiss cheese for variation.