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French Onion Soup

French · Side · Medium

French Onion Soup

Total
1 hr 35 min
Prep
20 min
Serves
4
Calories
510
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Deeply browned onions simmer in beef broth and white wine, then disappear under toasted bread and bubbling Gruyere.

Slow browning supplies the depth in French Onion Soup. The onions lose their sharpness and turn sweet before wine lifts the caramelized juices from the pan into the broth.

Use a wide, heavy pot and give the onions time; a crowded thin pan makes them steam or scorch. Toast the bread well so it supports the cheese without immediately dissolving.

SavoryCheesyRichComfort FoodNut-freeEgg-free

Method

  1. Melt butter with olive oil in a heavy pot over medium-low heat. Add onions and salt, cover and cook for until wilted.

  2. Uncover, add sugar and cook for , stirring often, until the onions are deep golden. Add a splash of water if browned juices begin to catch.

  3. Add garlic and cook for , then stir in flour for . Pour in wine, scrape the pan and simmer for .

  4. Add beef stock and black pepper. Simmer partially covered for until the broth tastes rounded and the onions are very soft.

  5. Toast the bread under a medium broiler for per side until dry and golden. Ladle soup into broiler-safe bowls, top with bread and Gruyere cheese, then broil for until bubbling and browned.

Forkue tips

  • If your bowls are not broiler-safe, melt the cheese on the toast on a sheet pan and float it on the soup.

Storing and reheating

Refrigerate the soup without bread for 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat to a simmer and add freshly toasted cheese bread.

Kitchen gear

Heavy potTop picks on AmazonBroiler-safe bowlsTop picks on Amazon
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Nutrition per serving, estimated

510Calories
21gProtein
46gCarbs
25gFat

French Onion Soup: FAQ

Can I make the onions ahead?

Yes. Cook them until deep golden, refrigerate for up to 3 days and continue with garlic, flour and wine when ready.

Can I leave out the wine?

Yes. Replace it with extra broth and finish with a small splash of vinegar to balance the sweet onions.

How do I store and reheat French Onion Soup?

Refrigerate the soup without bread for 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat to a simmer and add freshly toasted cheese bread.

How long does French Onion Soup take?

About 1 hr 35 min in total: 20 min prep and 1 hr 15 min cooking.

What do I need to make French Onion Soup?

The key ingredients are butter, onions, garlic, all-purpose flour, dry white wine and beef stock, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for French Onion Soup?

If your bowls are not broiler-safe, melt the cheese on the toast on a sheet pan and float it on the soup.

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