Best 5 Favorite French Onion Soup Recipes

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**Aromatic and Savory: Embark on a Culinary Journey with French Onion Soup and Its Delightful Variations**

Indulge in the classic French onion soup, a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes taste buds with its rich, flavorful broth, caramelized onions, and perfectly toasted bread or croutons. This beloved soup has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide, and our curated collection of recipes offers a diverse range of interpretations, each adding a unique twist to the traditional dish. From the classic French onion soup with its beef broth base, to vegetarian and vegan versions featuring vegetable broth, our recipes cater to various dietary preferences. Explore the tantalizing French onion soup with Gruyère cheese, known for its nutty and slightly sharp flavor, or the indulgent French onion soup with melted Swiss cheese, offering a creamy and gooey delight. Discover the secrets behind the perfect caramelized onions, the key to achieving the soup's signature sweetness and depth of flavor. Elevate your soup-making skills with our expert tips on selecting the right onions, controlling the caramelization process, and creating a flavorful broth that forms the foundation of this timeless dish.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

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.

DON'S FAVORITE FRENCH ONION SOUP



Don's Favorite French Onion Soup image

This is my husband's favorite French Onion Soup. It's really quick and simple. Better yet, he doesn't know that the recipe is from a book named Quick and Healthy (wink).

Provided by lazyme

Categories     Onions

Time 30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 1/2 cups onions, thinly sliced
6 cups beef broth
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated
6 slices French bread, toasted

Steps:

  • Mix first 3 ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Divide soup into 6 ovenproof bowls.
  • Top each with a slice of toasted French bread and 1/2 ounce of cheese.
  • Broil until cheese is melted.

FRENCH ONION SOUP (MY FAVORITE)



French Onion Soup (My Favorite) image

A slightly sweeter, stronger flavored French Onion Soup recipe than most I've seen published. It's not diet food, but it sure is delicious! A mix of different onions also adds to the flavor. I've tweaked it over the years, and this is what I have found to be my favorite. I make it at least twice a month. It's an easily modifiable recipe to suit your taste, but seriously, I can't live without the molasses - it gives it a real depth.

Provided by djlynnoleum

Categories     Onions

Time 1h40m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons butter
6 large onions, thick french cut (I use a mix of red, yellow, white and sweet )
32 ounces beef broth
1/2 cup white wine (optional)
4 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons molasses
Worcestershire sauce, to taste
black pepper, to taste
1 French baguette, sliced
monterey jack cheese, sliced

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a stock pan.
  • Add onion, cover and sweat for 10 minutes.
  • Add sugar and molasses and stir well. Cover and continue cooking for 20 minutes.
  • Add flour and stir well to evenly distribute and avoid flour lumps, this will take a minute or two ( I add the flour a bit at a time to stop it from clumping).
  • Add beef broth, wine (if using), Worcestershire and pepper. Cover and simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally.
  • Put a layer of cheese on a baguette slice for each bowl of soup you will be serving. Bake in a 400°F oven until cheese has melted and starts to slightly brown.
  • Place baguette slice in bowls and ladle soup over.
  • Enjoy, I personally add more black pepper when I eat this.

DON'S FAVORITE FRENCH ONION SOUP



Don's Favorite French Onion Soup image

This was my husband's favorite French Onion Soup. It's really quick and simple. Better yet, he didn't know that the recipe was from a book named Quick and Healthy :).

Provided by Vicki Butts (lazyme)

Categories     Vegetable Soup

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 1/2 c onions, thinly sliced
6 c beef broth
1/4 tsp pepper
3 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
6 slice french bread

Steps:

  • 1. Mix first 3 ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • 2. Divide soup into 6 ovenproof bowls.
  • 3. Top each with a slice of toasted French bread and 1/2 ounce of cheese.
  • 4. Broil until cheese is melted.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of onions: Yellow onions provide a sweet base, while white onions add a sharper flavor and red onions add a pop of color and a slightly sweet flavor.
  • Caramelize the onions slowly and patiently: This step is essential for developing the soup's rich flavor. Don't rush the process or the onions will burn.
  • Use a good quality beef broth: This is the backbone of the soup, so don't skimp on it. Look for a broth that is made with real beef bones and has a rich, beefy flavor.
  • Add a splash of white wine: This will help to deglaze the pan and add a touch of acidity to the soup.
  • Use a variety of cheeses: A combination of Gruyère, Swiss, and Parmesan cheeses will give the soup a complex and flavorful cheesy topping.
  • Serve the soup with a crusty baguette: This is the perfect way to soak up all of the delicious soup.

Conclusion:

French onion soup is a classic French dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This recipe is easy to follow and will produce a delicious and flavorful soup that your whole family will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a comforting and delicious meal, give this French onion soup recipe a try.

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