Print

Ultimate Homemade French Onion Soup Recipe with Crispy Gruyère Croutons

homemade french onion soup - featured image
Print Recipe

A cozy and elegant French onion soup featuring slow-caramelized onions and crispy, melty Gruyère croutons. Perfect for chilly evenings and comforting meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 loaf baguette or French bread, sliced
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (about 200 g)

Instructions

  1. Peel and thinly slice 6 large yellow onions to about 1/8-inch thickness.
  2. Heat 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add onions and stir to coat.
  3. Cook onions slowly, stirring every 5 minutes, for 45 minutes to 1 hour until deeply golden and caramelized. Add a splash of water if onions start to stick.
  4. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until mostly evaporated.
  6. Add 6 cups beef broth, 2 cups vegetable broth, 2 sprigs thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. While soup simmers, slice baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices. Toast at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until lightly crisp.
  8. Remove toasted bread, top each slice with about 1/4 cup shredded Gruyère cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  9. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf from soup. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, float a cheesy crouton on top, and broil for 1-2 minutes to melt cheese further if desired.

Notes

Slow caramelization of onions is key for deep flavor; do not rush. Use a combination of beef and vegetable broth for balanced richness. Watch the broiler carefully to avoid burning cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread or roasted potato rounds. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and use vegan cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion soup, caramelized onions, Gruyère croutons, homemade soup, comfort food, slow-cooked soup

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/ultimate-homemade-french-onion-soup-recipe-with-crispy-gruy-e-re-croutons/