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Classic Cozy French Onion Soup Recipe with Best Gruyere Crust Tutorial

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A comforting classic French onion soup featuring slow-caramelized onions and a crispy, gooey Gruyere cheese crust. Perfect for chilly evenings and easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) beef broth
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1–2 cups baguette slices, toasted
  • 2 cups (200g) grated Gruyere cheese

Instructions

  1. Peel and thinly slice 4-5 large yellow onions, about 10 minutes.
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and stir to coat.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook onions for 45-60 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes until golden brown and sweet. Add a splash of water if onions start sticking.
  4. Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine, scraping the bottom to deglaze. Simmer for 5 minutes until wine reduces slightly.
  5. Add 6 cups beef broth, 2 bay leaves, and thyme. Simmer gently for 30 minutes. Season gradually with salt and pepper.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for about 10 minutes until crisp and golden.
  7. Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs from soup. Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls, place toasted bread on top, and sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese over each bowl.
  8. Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil on high for 3-5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  9. Serve immediately, letting sit for a minute before eating.

Notes

Slow caramelization of onions is key for deep flavor; do not rush. Use day-old baguette for best texture under broth and cheese. Watch cheese carefully while broiling to prevent burning. For vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and omit or replace wine with balsamic vinegar. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread and broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion soup, Gruyere crust, caramelized onions, comfort food, cozy soup, classic French recipe

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/classic-cozy-french-onion-soup-recipe-with-best-gruyere-crust-tutorial/