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Easy french onion soup with melted cheese and fresh thyme leaves in soup bowls.

The BEST Easy French Onion Soup

French onion soup is a timeless classic that brings comfort with every spoonful. This easy version ensures you can enjoy its rich flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for cozy dinners or as a starter for a special meal.
5 from 7 votes
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Deborah Rainford

Ingredients

  • 6 cups thinly sliced onions
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ cup white wine
  • 4 cups high-quality beef broth
  • 4 slices baguette, toasted
  • 1 ½ cups grated Gruyere or similar cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions:

  • In a large skillet with high sides, heat the butter and oil over medium heat.
  • Add the sliced onions, thyme leaves (removed from sprigs), and bay leaf.
  • Cook the onions on low heat until they are deeply caramelized, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent sticking. Add a teaspoon of salt. This process can take up to 45 minutes but is essential for developing the soup's rich flavor.

Deglaze and Simmer:

  • Once the onions are a deep caramel color, deglaze the pan with the white wine. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
  • Add the beef broth and bring the soup back to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer while you preheat your broiler. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Prepare for Broiling:

  • Ladle the soup into four oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a toasted baguette slice.
  • Divide the grated cheese evenly among the bowls, ensuring each has a generous amount on top.

Broil the Soup:

  • Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, typically 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.

Garnish and Serve:

  • Garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Onion Choice: Yellow onions are traditional, but you can use a mix of yellow, white, and red onions for added complexity.
  • Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of beef broth with a splash of vinegar.
  • Cheese Options: Gruyere is classic, but other options include Emmental, Swiss, or a mix of cheeses for a unique flavor.
  • Broiler Tip: Always watch the soup closely under the broiler to prevent the cheese from burning.

Nutrition

Calories: 540kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 863mg | Potassium: 936mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 715IU | Vitamin C: 20.1mg | Calcium: 589mg | Iron: 1.9mg
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