French Onion Soup is a classic and comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of caramelized onions, savory broth, and melted cheese. This recipe offers a delightful combination of simplicity and indulgence, making it a perfect choice for a cozy meal.
To start, gather the ingredients, which typically include onions, butter, beef broth, white wine, thyme, bay leaves, and a baguette for the topping. The simplicity begins with the preparation of the onions. Thinly slice them and sauté in butter over low heat until they turn a deep golden brown. This slow caramelization process is the key to achieving the soup’s rich and sweet flavor profile.
As the onions caramelize, the kitchen fills with an enticing aroma that sets the stage for the next steps. Pour in a good-quality beef broth and white wine to enhance the savory notes. The combination of these liquids forms the base of the soup, imparting a robust flavor that complements the sweetness of the onions. Season with thyme and add bay leaves to infuse the broth with herbal undertones.
Allow the soup to simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. This uncomplicated yet crucial step contributes to the richness of the final dish. The slow-cooked broth absorbs the essence of the caramelized onions, creating a harmonious blend that is both satisfying and flavorful.
While the soup simmers, prepare the baguette slices for the traditional cheesy topping. Toast the baguette until it’s crisp and golden, ready to be floated on the soup. The final touch involves generously layering grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese on top of the toasted baguette slices. Place the cheese-topped baguette in the oven, allowing it to melt and attain a gooey, golden perfection.
When serving, ladle the hot soup into bowls and gently place the cheesy baguette on top. The contrast between the rich, savory broth and the gooey cheese-covered baguette creates a symphony of flavors and textures. This uncomplicated yet decadent French Onion Soup recipe proves that simplicity can indeed be the ultimate sophistication in the world of culinary delights.
Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe | S2Recipes
Details Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipes
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients For Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipes
½ cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups sliced onions
5 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons dry sherry
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
4 slices French bread
4 slices provolone cheese
2 slices Swiss cheese, diced
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions: Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipes
Step 1: Gather all ingredients.
Step 2: Melt butter with olive oil in an 8-quart stock pot over medium heat. Add onions to butter and continually stir until tender and translucent. Do not brown the onions.
Step 3: Add beef broth, sherry, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Meanwhile, preheat the oven's broiler.
Step 5: Ladle soup into oven-safe serving bowls and place one slice of bread on top of each (bread may be broken into pieces if you prefer). Layer each slice of bread with a slice of provolone, 1/2 slice diced Swiss and 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Place bowls on a cookie sheet and broil in the preheated oven until cheese bubbles and browns slightly, 2 to 3 minutes.
Feedback of Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipes
First timer here!Worked out good! Transferred to a crockpot after immediate boilAfter reading reviews: added 2TB worchestershire and 1 TB minced garlic.Big hit for our small family: 38yoF, 53yoM, 77yoM
I’ve been making this recipe for years and love it. I do brown the onions, contrary to the recipe, and I also do about 1/2 cup of dry sherry. Add a couple cloves of garlic if that’s your thing. Solid base recipe that one can easily adjust to their own liking. Thats my favorite kind of recipe.
Overall this was a very tasty soup. For personal taste preference, next time I'm going to eliminate the olive oil since it was a bit oily at the end with the cheese too
Worst soup ever. I made it according to the recipe. We love onions and cheese but who wants to eat soggy bread?Visalias are too sweet for this soup.Add all the cheese on top and you’ve got a heart attack in a bowl. A sad waste of four large onions.To be fair, this might not be our cup of tea but after two spoons, my husband and I took it straight to the compost bin.
Great recipe for way to make and delicious. I subbed out rice wine for dry sherry
If you follow this recipe to a T, you'll end up with sad onion water... ADD MORE WINE AND CARAMELIZE THE ONIONS.
Great flavor. Takes a while to make but very good.
This is amazingly simple and simply amazingly delicious. Only change I made was to use rustic bread and toasted it before floating it and piling on the cheeses. I'll be making this again!
I’m testing a variety of soups for winter. This one was the favorite of family and friends. The only change I will make next time is I’ll increase the broth by 50%. Make sure you slice the onions thin. This ensures a pleasurable mouthful every time.
All Nutrifacts of Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipes
TOP 5+ FAQ Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipes
✅What makes this French Onion Soup recipe rich and simple?
The Rich and Simple French Onion Soup recipe achieves its richness through slow-cooked caramelized onions and a flavorful broth, creating a luxurious taste. Simplicity is maintained by minimal ingredients and an uncomplicated cooking process, making it accessible to both novice and experienced cooks.
✅How do you achieve the perfect caramelization of onions in this recipe?
Achieving perfect caramelization involves patience and low heat. Slicing onions uniformly and allowing them to slowly cook until golden brown enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor in the Rich and Simple French Onion Soup, contributing to its rich taste.
✅What kind of broth is used in this French Onion Soup?
The recipe calls for a hearty beef broth, which adds robust flavor to the soup. The combination of caramelized onions and beef broth creates a savory and satisfying base, contributing to the richness of the French Onion Soup.
✅Are there any alternatives to beef broth for vegetarians?
Vegetarians can substitute vegetable broth for beef broth to create a delicious vegetarian version of the French Onion Soup. The vegetable broth still imparts a savory depth, ensuring a flavorful and satisfying experience for non-meat eaters.
✅How is the simplicity of the recipe maintained in terms of ingredients?
The simplicity is maintained with a focus on essential ingredients. Onions, broth, butter, and a few seasonings are the key components, allowing the natural flavors to shine. This minimalist approach ensures an uncomplicated cooking process for the Rich and Simple French Onion Soup.
✅What role do seasonings play in enhancing the flavor of the soup?
Seasonings like thyme and bay leaves are added to enhance the soup's flavor profile. The herbs contribute depth and complexity, elevating the overall taste of the French Onion Soup without compromising its simplicity.
✅Can this French Onion Soup be prepared in advance?
Yes, the Rich and Simple French Onion Soup is perfect for meal planning. The flavors deepen when allowed to meld, making it an excellent candidate for preparing in advance. Simply reheat before serving to enjoy the rich and comforting flavors.
✅What are recommended garnishes to enhance the presentation of the French Onion Soup?
Enhance the presentation with classic Gruyère or Swiss cheese melted over crusty baguette slices. The gooey cheese crust adds a visual and textural element, elevating the overall appeal of the Rich and Simple French Onion Soup.
