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A Bowl of Nostalgia: The Magic of French Onion Soup

Indulge in the rich, deep flavors of this classic French onion soup, where caramelized onions meet a savory broth, topped with a golden, cheesy crust. A perfect blend of simple ingredients, this dish transforms into a warm, comforting bowl of deliciousness.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 -6 servings
Course: Soup
Cuisine: French
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pounds yellow onions peeled and thinly sliced (about 5-6 large onions)
  • 3 tablespoons butter or vegan alternative
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tablespoons flour use gluten-free if needed
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 6 cups beef or vegetable stock
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 whole bay leaf
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 1 baguette sliced for topping
  • Gruyère Asiago, Swiss, Gouda, or Mozzarella cheese, grated or sliced

Method
 

  1. Caramelize the Onions – Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and sauté for 30 minutes, stirring frequently, until deeply caramelized. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.
  2. Build the Flavor – Sprinkle in flour, stir for a minute, then pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits for extra richness.
  3. Simmer to Perfection – Add stock, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and thyme. Stir well, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let cook for at least 10 minutes. Discard the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Prepare the Toasted Topping – Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice the baguette into 1-inch pieces and toast on a baking sheet for 6-8 minutes until golden and crisp.
  5. Assemble and Broil – Switch oven to broil. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted baguette slices, and generously layer with cheese. Broil for 2-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, vegetable broth, and dairy-free cheese.
  • Gluten-Free Alternative: Replace flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free bread.
  • Make Ahead: Caramelized onions can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Enjoy this authentic French onion soup, a timeless dish that brings warmth and depth to every spoonful!

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