Best 8 Our Favorite French Onion Soup Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary masterpiece that has stood the test of time - French onion soup! This classic French dish, with its rich and flavorful broth, caramelized onions, and a crispy crouton topped with melted cheese, is a true delight for the senses. As the chilly winds blow, there's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of French onion soup to warm your soul and transport you to a cozy Parisian bistro. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this article will guide you through the essential steps to create your very own "favorite French onion soup" that will impress your family and friends.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

CLASSIC FRENCH ONION SOUP



Classic French Onion Soup image

Enjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does: I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl, complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top. -Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Lunch

Time 2h15m

Yield 12 servings (2-1/4 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 11

5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon butter
8 cups thinly sliced onions (about 3 pounds)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup port wine
2 cartons (32 ounces each) beef broth
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
24 slices French bread baguette (1/2 inch thick)
2 large garlic cloves, peeled and halved
3/4 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons oil and butter over medium heat. Add onions; cook and stir until softened, 10-13 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown, 30-40 minutes. Add minced garlic; cook 2 minutes longer., Stir in wine. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half. Add broth, pepper and salt; return to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour. , Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°. Place baguette slices on a baking sheet; brush both sides with remaining 3 tablespoons oil. Bake until toasted, 3-5 minutes on each side. Rub toasts with halved garlic. , To serve, place twelve 8-oz. broiler-safe bowls or ramekins on baking sheets; place 2 toasts in each. Ladle with soup; top with cheese. Broil 4 in. from heat until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 172 calories, Fat 9g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 773mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

THE BEST FRENCH ONION SOUP



The Best French Onion Soup image

This bistro classic is deceptively easy to make. It just takes a little time and a few good ingredients. We found that yellow onions, also known as Spanish onions, work best for this recipe. They have a nice balance of sweetness and bitterness and caramelize perfectly. Just don't take them too dark -- a nice golden brown is perfect. Good beef broth also makes a big difference. If you can't make your own, look for a high-quality prepared variety.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     appetizer

Time 1h55m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced (see Cook's Note)
3 bay leaves
3 to 4 sprigs fresh thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups dry white wine
8 cups low-sodium beef broth
8 slices French-style baguette (about the size of the top of the soup crocks)
4 cups coarsely shredded Gruyere (about 2 pounds)

Steps:

  • Melt the butter in a very large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add the onions, bay leaves, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft and light golden-brown, about 1 hour. (The onions will begin to stick to the bottom of the pan and turn brown after about 30 minutes; just keep scraping them up and stirring them into the rest of the onions. If they are browning to quickly, lower the heat.)
  • Add the wine to the pot, bring to a simmer and cook until it has almost completely evaporated, about 4 minutes. Add the beef broth and 1 cup of water, bring to a simmer and cook until the flavors come together and the soup is rich, about 45 minutes. Remove the bay leaves. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Keep the soup warm on a low burner or cool completely and refrigerate to reheat later. (The soup can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.)
  • Preheat the broiler. Place four soup crocks on a rimmed baking sheet and fill them about 3/4 of the way with hot soup. Float a slice of baguette on top of each and cover with 1/2 cup Gruyere. Broil until the Gruyere is golden brown (don't be alarmed if some soup bubbles out), 2 to 3 minutes.

OUR FAVORITE FRENCH ONION SOUP



Our Favorite French Onion Soup image

Buy the best beef broth you can, or better yet, make your own for a rich, full-flavored soup. And if you don't have ovenproof bowls or ramekins for the soup, don't worry-you can just top your soup with melty cheese toasts.

Provided by Rhoda Boone

Categories     Soup/Stew     Onion     Kid-Friendly     Lunch     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Frankenrecipe     Small Plates

Yield Serves 4 as a main (or 6 as an appetizer)

Number Of Ingredients 16

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 pounds Vidalia onions (about 4 medium), halved lengthwise, peeled, and thinly sliced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups dry white wine
6 cups homemade beef broth or store-bought low-sodium beef broth
10 sprigs thyme
2 bay leaves
1 baguette
1 garlic clove, cut in half lengthwise
2 teaspoons sherry, preferably Fino or Manzanilla
4 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated (about 1 cup)
Special equipment:
kitchen twine, six 8-ounce or four 16-ounce oven-safe ramekins or bowls (optional)

Steps:

  • In a large Dutch oven or other large pot, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the oil and onions; cook onions are until softened, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Add the salt, pepper, and sugar; continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deep golden brown and caramelized, reducing heat slightly if onions seem to be browning too quickly, 35 to 45 minutes more.
  • Add wine and raise heat to high. Cook until almost all liquid has evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Tie thyme and bay leaves into a bundle with twine. Add broth and herb bundle to pot with onions. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook, uncovered, until broth is thickened and flavorful, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Heat the broiler. Cut two 1/2-inch baguette slices for every serving of soup. Place baguette slices on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in oven until crisp and dry but not browned, about 1 minute per side. Rub one side of each toast with the garlic clove and set aside.
  • Place ramekins or ovensafe bowls on a rimmed baking sheet, add 1/2 teaspoon of sherry to the bottom of each, and ladle soup on top. Top each serving of soup with two garlic-rubbed toasts. Divide cheese among the servings, covering the bread and some of the soup. Carefully transfer baking sheet to oven and broil until cheese is melted and bubbling, 4 to 8 minutes. (Alternatively, if using regular soup bowls: Top each garlic-rubbed toast with some cheese and return to broiler to melt, about 2 minutes more. Divide sherry and soup among bowls, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and top each serving with two cheese toasts.)

FAVORITE FRENCH ONION SOUP



Favorite French Onion Soup image

I love French onion soup so I came up with this rich recipe that's easy enough to whip up on a work night or serve as an elegant first course. -Jennifer Miller, Smyrna, Tennessee

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 1h

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 large sweet onion, cut into 1/2-inch rings
1 large Spanish onion, cut into 1/2-inch rings
1 large red onion, cut into 1/2-inch rings
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons herbes de Provence
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup sherry or beef broth
1/4 cup dry red wine or beef broth
1 carton (32 ounces) beef broth
6 slices French bread baguette (1/2 inch thick)
2 cups shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, saute the onions, sugar, thyme, herbes de provence, salt and pepper in oil; cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring frequently., Add sherry and wine, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Gradually stir in broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally., Place bread slices on an ungreased baking sheet. Broil 3-4 in. from the heat for 1-2 minutes on each side or until lightly browned., Ladle soup into ovenproof bowls. Top each with a slice of toast; sprinkle with cheese. Place bowls on a baking sheet. Broil 2-3 minutes longer or until cheese is golden.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 309 calories, Fat 19g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 40mg cholesterol, Sodium 1065mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 14g protein.

FRENCH ONION SOUP



French Onion Soup image

For a taste of the bistro, try Tyler Florence's ultimate French Onion Soup recipe, topped with nutty Gruy�re croutons.

Provided by Tyler Florence

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cup unsalted butter
4 onions, sliced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 bay leaves
2 fresh thyme sprigs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup red wine, about 1/2 bottle
3 heaping tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 quarts beef broth
1 baguette, sliced
1/2 pound grated Gruyere

Steps:

  • Melt the stick of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and salt and pepper and cook until the onions are very soft and caramelized, about 25 minutes. Add the wine, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the wine has evaporated and the onions are dry, about 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Dust the onions with the flour and give them a stir. Turn the heat down to medium low so the flour doesn't burn, and cook for 10 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Now add the beef broth, bring the soup back to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
  • When you're ready to eat, preheat the broiler. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle the slices with the Gruyere and broil until bubbly and golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Ladle the soup in bowls and float several of the Gruyere croutons on top.
  • Alternative method: Ladle the soup into bowls, top each with 2 slices of bread and top with cheese. Put the bowls into the oven to toast the bread and melt the cheese.

SOUTHERN STYLE FRENCH ONION SOUP



Southern Style French Onion Soup image

This is a simple, tasty recipe for a homemade French onion soup. With this recipe, you will receive many compliments.

Provided by Stephanie

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Vegetable Soup Recipes     Onion Soup Recipes     French Onion Soup Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 tablespoons butter
1 onion, sliced
½ teaspoon dried thyme
5 (10.5 ounce) cans beef consomme
6 bay leaves
½ cup white wine
1 French baguette, cut into 1/2 inch slices
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Place the onion in the butter and saute for 5 to 10 minutes, or until tender. Stir in the thyme and remove from heat.
  • In a large pot over high heat, combine the consomme, bay leaves and white wine, if desired. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, stir in the sauteed onions and allow to heat through, about 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Ladle soup into 4 individual oven-safe bowls, filling each about 3/4 of the way. Top each bowl with 2 slices of baguette bread and then cover each with the cheese.
  • Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 661.7 calories, Carbohydrate 69.1 g, Cholesterol 74.8 mg, Fat 27 g, Fiber 3.3 g, Protein 30.5 g, SaturatedFat 15.7 g, Sodium 2388.6 mg, Sugar 5 g

BEST EVER FRENCH ONION SOUP



Best Ever French Onion Soup image

Make and share this Best Ever French Onion Soup recipe from Food.com.

Provided by 2Bleu

Categories     Clear Soup

Time 1h40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 tablespoons butter
4 large Spanish onions, quartered and cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup flour
9 cups beef broth
3/4 cup red wine
3 tablespoons brandy
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
4 slices French bread, 1/2-inch thick
4 -6 ounces gruyere cheese, shredded (or mozzarella)

Steps:

  • SOUP: In dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and salt, cover and cook until softened, stirring occasionally about 15 minutes. Uncover and cook until caramelized, about 30 minutes more.
  • Stir in flour; cook 2 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients. Simmer, partially covered about 30 minutes. Remove bay leaf. Cool and refrigerate till next day.
  • CROUTON BREAD SLICES: Preheat oven to 375°F Mix olive oil with garlic powder and brush both sides of bread slices with the oil mixture. Place on baking sheet and bake 12 minutes, turning once, until bread is slightly toasted. Set aside.
  • TO SERVE: Preheat broiler. On stovetop, heat soup to a simmer. Ladle soup into 4 broiler safe bowls. Top with french bread slices and cheese. Place bowls on baking sheet and broil 4" from heat until cheese is bubbly. about 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
  • PASTRY PUFF VARIATION: Preheat the oven to 400°F Roll out one sheet of puff pastry and sprinkle with half the Gruyere cheese, fold into 3 and roll out again. Cut out 4 lids. Divide the soup among ovenproof soup bowls. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of soup and cover with the pastry lids with a little egg wash seal. Bake the soup in the oven for 15 minutes or until the cheesy puff pastry is golden in colour and well risen.

FRENCH ONION SOUP RECIPE BY TASTY



French Onion Soup Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: olive oil, butter, yellow onion, salt, sugar, flour, beef stock, white wine, ground sage, whole bay leaf, french bread, cognac, swiss cheese, pepper, parmesan cheese

Provided by Tasty

Categories     Lunch

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
6 cups yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon sugar
3 tablespoons flour
6 cups beef stock
1 cup white wine
½ teaspoon ground sage
1 leaf whole bay leaf
1 loaf french bread, or baguette
3 tablespoons cognac, optional
12 oz swiss cheese, grated
pepper, to taste
4 oz parmesan cheese, grated

Steps:

  • In a large pot over medium-low heat, heat olive oil and add butter. Once the butter is melted, stir the onions and coat with oil and butter.
  • Cover and cook for 20 minutes, checking occasionally.
  • Turn up the heat to medium-high. Add ½ tsp salt and sugar. Stir and keep cooking until onions are brown and caramelized. (the bottom of the pan will develop some browning, it's very important!)
  • Stir in flour one tablespoon at a time and cook for about 30 seconds.
  • Preheat Oven To 325˚F (160˚C).
  • Add 1 cup (235 ml) of the beef broth. Use a whisk to scrape up (deglaze) the browned bits stuck on the bottom of the pan.
  • Add the remaining five cups of beef stock, wine, sage and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 40 minutes.
  • In the meantime, cut the french bread or baguette into ½ inch (10 mm) thick pieces. Brush with oil on both sides and bake at 325˚F (160˚C) for 30 minutes, flipping halfway. Once they are done, increase oven temperature to 350˚F (175˚C).
  • Add optional ingredients.
  • In an oven safe bowl, pour the onion soup, filling about ¾ of the way full. Top with a piece of baked french bread, and generously sprinkle swiss and parmesan on top.
  • Bake for two to three minutes or until the cheese has melted completely and become slightly golden.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1549 calories, Carbohydrate 167 grams, Fat 64 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 45 grams, Sugar 38 grams

Tips:

  • To caramelize the onions properly, use low heat and cook them slowly. This will bring out their natural sweetness and prevent them from burning.
  • Use a good quality beef broth for the soup. This will give it a rich, flavorful base.
  • Don't be afraid to add a splash of white wine to the soup. This will add a subtle acidity and depth of flavor.
  • Use a variety of cheeses for the gratinée. This will create a complex and flavorful crust.
  • Serve the soup immediately after it's baked. This will ensure that the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Conclusion:

French onion soup is a classic dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. It's rich, flavorful, and comforting. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious French onion soup that will impress your family and friends.

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