French Onion Soup
This classic French Onion Soup recipe features slow-caramelized onions simmered in a rich broth. The soup is then ladled into individual ovenproof crocks, topped with a slice of baguette and a generous mix of Swiss and Parmesan cheese, and broiled until golden and bubbly. It's a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a starter or light meal.
Equipment
- 1 Heavy-bottomed Dutch Oven or Large Saucepan
- 4 Ovenproof Crocks or individual soup bowls
- 1 Small Bowl for mixing cheese
Ingredients
Main
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 yellow onions about 1 3/4 pounds, thinly sliced with the grain to hold their shape
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon flour
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cups beef stock
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup grated Swiss
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
- 4 1-inch thick baguette slices, cut on the bias
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the onions; sprinkle with salt, cover and cook 10 minutes to get them going. Uncover, add the thyme and bay leaf, and continue cooking until the onions are deeply caramelized, 1 to 11/2 hours.
- Turn the heat up to medium and sprinkle the onions with the flour. Stir and allow the flour to cook, 1 to 2 minutes. Deglaze the pan with the wine and allow to reduce. Add the beef stock, chicken stock and lemon juice, and simmer, about 10 minutes. Taste the soup, and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Meanwhile, preheat the broiler to high. Ladle the soup into 4 ovenproof crocks.
- Mix the Swiss and Parmesan in a small bowl. Top each crock with a baguette slice and evenly distribute the cheese on top of each. Place the crocks under the broiler just until the cheese is bubbly and browning, about 1 minute. Serve hot.
- From Food Network Kitchens: after further testing and to ensure the best results this recipe has been altered from what was in the actual episode.
Notes
Caramelizing the onions is the most crucial step and takes patience; don't rush it. Slicing with the grain helps the onions maintain structure. Deglazing with dry red wine adds depth. Using a combination of beef and chicken stock provides a balanced richness. Ensure the crocks are truly ovenproof for broiling. Monitor the cheese closely under the broiler as it browns quickly; a minute is often sufficient. Use good quality cheese and baguette for the best result.