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French Onion Soup with Gruyere and Baguette

French Onion Soup with Gruyere and Baguette

French Onion Soup with Gruyere and Baguette is a classic, heartwarming dish featuring deeply caramelized onions, savory broth, and melted Gruyere cheese over toasted baguette slices. This rich and comforting soup balances sweet, nutty, and savory flavors with a perfect crunch, ideal for cozy dinners, impressive appetizers, or satisfying lunches.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or sherry
  • 6 cups beef or vegetable broth
  • 23 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Bread and Cheese Topping

  • 1 baguette, sliced into thick rounds
  • 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the yellow onions. Heat butter and olive oil over medium-low heat in a large pot. Slowly cook the onions for 30-40 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn a rich golden brown and develop a deep, sweet flavor. Patience is essential to fully develop the signature caramelized taste.
  2. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the dry white wine or sherry to scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow it to reduce slightly to concentrate the flavors.
  3. Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth along with the fresh thyme sprigs and minced garlic. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
  4. Prepare the Baguette and Gruyere: Slice the baguette into thick rounds. Toast or grill the slices until golden and crispy. Generously top each slice with shredded Gruyere cheese, ready to melt.
  5. Assemble and Broil: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Float the cheesy baguette slices on top and place the bowls under a broiler until the Gruyere cheese bubbles and browns to golden perfection, about 3-5 minutes.

Notes

  • Patience on onions is key; low and slow caramelization develops the richest flavor.
  • Use freshly grated Gruyere cheese for better melt and superior flavor compared to pre-shredded.
  • Serve in broiler-safe bowls to avoid damage when melting the cheese.
  • Toast bread ahead to prevent sogginess when added to the soup.
  • Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end for perfect seasoning balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Onion Soup, Gruyere, Baguette, Caramelized Onions, Comfort Food, French Cooking