Indulge in the culinary masterpiece that is French Red Onion Soup, a classic dish renowned for its rich, caramelized flavors and comforting, rustic charm. This timeless recipe has captivated taste buds for centuries, and its simplicity belies its profound taste. With just a handful of humble ingredients, you can create a symphony of flavors that will warm your soul and transport you to the heart of a Parisian bistro. Discover the art of caramelizing onions until they achieve a deep mahogany hue, releasing their natural sweetness. Simmer these caramelized onions in a flavorful broth, enriched with red wine, herbs, and a touch of cognac, resulting in a deep and complex soup. The magic of this soup lies in its simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the onions to shine through. Whether served as a hearty appetizer or a main course accompanied by a crusty baguette and a sprinkle of Gruyère cheese, French Red Onion Soup is sure to leave a lasting impression. Embrace the tradition of French cuisine and embark on a culinary journey with this iconic soup.
Here are our top 13 tried and tested recipes!
RESTAURANT-STYLE FRENCH ONION SOUP
Classic French onion soup, similar to one you can get in a restaurant. Made with wine and sherry to bring out the beef flavor of the broth. Two different cheeses top it off to give it that bubbly, browned, and stretchy topping.
Provided by Jenny
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Vegetable Soup Recipes Onion Soup Recipes French Onion Soup Recipes
Time 1h35m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Cook and stir onions, garlic, salt, black pepper, and thyme until onions are soft and brown, about 30 minutes. Pour in red wine and sherry; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until you can no longer smell alcohol cooking off, about 15 more minutes.
- Sprinkle onion mixture with flour and stir until coated; cook for 10 minutes. Pour in broth, stir to blend in flour, and simmer until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) while soup is simmering. Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Toast the baguette slices in the preheated oven until golden brown, 12 to 14 minutes, turning the bread over halfway through cooking. Remove toast and set aside.
- Set an oven rack about 8 inches from the heat source and turn on the oven's broiler.
- Ladle soup into 6 oven-proof crocks, filling them about 3/4 full. Place 1 or 2 bread slices into the bowls and top each with a slice of Swiss cheese and a slice of provolone. Carefully place filled crocks onto a sturdy baking sheet.
- Broil soup until the cheese is browned and bubbling, 3 to 4 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 792.4 calories, Carbohydrate 77.2 g, Cholesterol 86.3 mg, Fat 37.7 g, Fiber 7.2 g, Protein 31.3 g, SaturatedFat 21.1 g, Sodium 2169.7 mg, Sugar 15.6 g
THE BEST FRENCH ONION SOUP
This bistro classic is deceptively easy to make. It just takes a little time and a few good ingredients. We found that yellow onions, also known as Spanish onions, work best for this recipe. They have a nice balance of sweetness and bitterness and caramelize perfectly. Just don't take them too dark -- a nice golden brown is perfect. Good beef broth also makes a big difference. If you can't make your own, look for a high-quality prepared variety.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories appetizer
Time 1h55m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Melt the butter in a very large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add the onions, bay leaves, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft and light golden-brown, about 1 hour. (The onions will begin to stick to the bottom of the pan and turn brown after about 30 minutes; just keep scraping them up and stirring them into the rest of the onions. If they are browning to quickly, lower the heat.)
- Add the wine to the pot, bring to a simmer and cook until it has almost completely evaporated, about 4 minutes. Add the beef broth and 1 cup of water, bring to a simmer and cook until the flavors come together and the soup is rich, about 45 minutes. Remove the bay leaves. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Keep the soup warm on a low burner or cool completely and refrigerate to reheat later. (The soup can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.)
- Preheat the broiler. Place four soup crocks on a rimmed baking sheet and fill them about 3/4 of the way with hot soup. Float a slice of baguette on top of each and cover with 1/2 cup Gruyere. Broil until the Gruyere is golden brown (don't be alarmed if some soup bubbles out), 2 to 3 minutes.
FRENCH RED ONION SOUP
Steps:
- Bring broth, water, spices, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil. Remove from heat and let steep 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook onions in oil with 1/4 teaspoon salt in a heavy medium pot over medium heat, covered, stirring occasionally, until deep golden, about 15 minutes. Add wine and boil, uncovered, until reduced to 2 tablespoons, about 1 minute.
- Strain broth through a sieve into onion mixture and briskly simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes. Season with salt.
- Preheat broiler.
- Ladle soup into 4 ovenproof bowls set in a 4-sided sheet pan. Place baguette slices on top and sprinkle each with 1/2 cup cheese. Broil about 6 inches from heat until cheese is melted and bubbling, about 2 minutes.
FRENCH ONION SOUP
Steps:
- Trim the ends off each onion then halve lengthwise. Remove peel and finely slice into half-moon shapes. Set electric skillet to 300 degrees and add butter. Once butter has melted add a layer of onions and sprinkle with a little salt. Repeat layering onions and salt until all onions are in the skillet. Do not try stirring until onions have sweated down for 15 to 20 minutes. After that, stir occasionally until onions are dark mahogany and reduced to approximately 2 cups. This should take 45 minutes to 1 hour. Do not worry about burning.
- Add enough wine to cover the onions and turn heat to high, reducing the wine to a syrup consistency. Add consomme, chicken broth, apple cider and bouquet garni. Reduce heat and simmer 15 to 20 minutes.
- Place oven rack in top 1/3 of oven and heat broiler.
- Cut country bread in rounds large enough to fit mouth of oven safe soup crocks. Place the slices on a baking sheet and place under broiler for 1 minute.
- Season soup mixture with salt, pepper and cognac. Remove bouquet garni and ladle soup into crocks leaving one inch to the lip. Place bread round, toasted side down, on top of soup and top with grated cheese. Broil until cheese is bubbly and golden, 1 to 2 minutes.
FRENCH ONION SOUP
For a taste of the bistro, try Tyler Florence's ultimate French Onion Soup recipe, topped with nutty Gruy�re croutons.
Provided by Tyler Florence
Categories side-dish
Time 1h10m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Melt the stick of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and salt and pepper and cook until the onions are very soft and caramelized, about 25 minutes. Add the wine, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the wine has evaporated and the onions are dry, about 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Dust the onions with the flour and give them a stir. Turn the heat down to medium low so the flour doesn't burn, and cook for 10 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Now add the beef broth, bring the soup back to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
- When you're ready to eat, preheat the broiler. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle the slices with the Gruyere and broil until bubbly and golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Ladle the soup in bowls and float several of the Gruyere croutons on top.
- Alternative method: Ladle the soup into bowls, top each with 2 slices of bread and top with cheese. Put the bowls into the oven to toast the bread and melt the cheese.
CLASSIC FRENCH ONION SOUP
Enjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does: I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl, complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top. -Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 2h15m
Yield 12 servings (2-1/4 quarts).
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons oil and butter over medium heat. Add onions; cook and stir until softened, 10-13 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown, 30-40 minutes. Add minced garlic; cook 2 minutes longer., Stir in wine. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half. Add broth, pepper and salt; return to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour. , Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°. Place baguette slices on a baking sheet; brush both sides with remaining 3 tablespoons oil. Bake until toasted, 3-5 minutes on each side. Rub toasts with halved garlic. , To serve, place twelve 8-oz. broiler-safe bowls or ramekins on baking sheets; place 2 toasts in each. Ladle with soup; top with cheese. Broil 4 in. from heat until cheese is melted.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 172 calories, Fat 9g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 773mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.
RICH AND SIMPLE FRENCH ONION SOUP
We have been trying French onion soup in restaurants for years and my family and friends agree none can compare to my recipe for taste and simplicity of preparation.
Provided by Lori Levin
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Vegetable Soup Recipes Onion Soup Recipes French Onion Soup Recipes
Time 1h5m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Melt butter with olive oil in an 8 quart stock pot on medium heat. Add onions and continually stir until tender and translucent. Do not brown the onions.
- Add beef broth, sherry and thyme. Season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Heat the oven broiler.
- Ladle soup into oven safe serving bowls and place one slice of bread on top of each (bread may be broken into pieces if you prefer). Layer each slice of bread with a slice of provolone, 1/2 slice diced Swiss and 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese. Place bowls on cookie sheet and broil in the preheated oven until cheese bubbles and browns slightly.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 585.3 calories, Carbohydrate 27.9 g, Cholesterol 98 mg, Fat 43.9 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 20.9 g, SaturatedFat 24.2 g, Sodium 1578.3 mg, Sugar 6 g
SLOW-COOKED FRENCH ONION SOUP
My husband and I love French onion soup, so I wondered if I could turn it into a less labor-intensive dish by altering my recipe to work in a slow cooker. The rich, cheesy result was an instant winner at home. -Ronda Eagle, Goose Creek, South Carolina
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 7h30m
Yield 8 servings (2 quarts).
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Place butter in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Top with sweet and red onions; sprinkle with pepper. Cook, covered, on low until onions are tender, 5-6 hours., Stir in broth, water, wine, herbs and Worcestershire sauce. Cook, covered, on low until flavors are blended, 2-3 hours. Remove herb sprigs and bay leaf., To serve, preheat broiler. Place bread on a baking sheet; broil 4 in. from heat until lightly toasted, 1-2 minutes per side. Top bread with cheese; broil until cheese is melted, 1-2 minutes. Divide soup among eight bowls; top with cheese toasts and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 157 calories, Fat 7g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 19mg cholesterol, Sodium 706mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 7g protein.
FRENCH ONION SOUP I
The best onion soup you will ever have!!!!!
Provided by chefbuzz
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Vegetable Soup Recipes Onion Soup Recipes French Onion Soup Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Melt butter or margarine in a 4 quart saucepan. Stir in sugar. Cook onions over medium heat for 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Stir in flour until well blended with the onions and pan juices. Add water, wine, and beef broth; heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low. Cover soup, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cut four 1 inch thick slices of bread from the loaf. Toast the bread slices at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) just until browned, about 10 minutes. Reserve the remaining bread to serve with the soup.
- Ladle soup into four 12 ounce, oven-safe bowls. Place 1 slice toasted bread on top of the soup in each bowl. Fold Swiss cheese slices, and fit onto toasted bread slices. Place soup bowls on a cookie sheet for easier handling.
- Bake at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for 10 minutes, or just until cheese is melted
Nutrition Facts : Calories 732 calories, Carbohydrate 79.3 g, Cholesterol 88.6 mg, Fat 29.4 g, Fiber 4.2 g, Protein 33.4 g, SaturatedFat 18 g, Sodium 2004.2 mg, Sugar 8.4 g
FRENCH ONION SOUP
Our French onion soup is deliciously rich and easy to make at home. This savoury soup is perfect for using up a garden glut and great for dinner parties
Provided by Sara Buenfeld
Categories Lunch, Main course
Time 1h10m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Melt the butter with the olive oil in a large heavy-based pan. Add the onions and fry with the lid on for 10 mins until soft.
- Sprinkle in the sugar and cook for 20 mins more, stirring frequently, until caramelised. The onions should be really golden, full of flavour and soft when pinched between your fingers. Take care towards the end to ensure that they don't burn.
- Add the garlic cloves for the final few minutes of the onions' cooking time, then sprinkle in the plain flour and stir well.
- Increase the heat and keep stirring as you gradually add the wine, followed by the beef stock. Cover and simmer for 15-20 mins.
- To serve, turn on the grill, and toast the bread. Ladle the soup into heatproof bowls.
- Put a slice or two of toast on top of the bowls of soup, and pile on the gruyère. Grill until melted. Alternatively, you can cook the toasts under the grill, then add them to the soup to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 618 calories, Fat 27 grams fat, SaturatedFat 14 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 59 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 17 grams sugar, Fiber 9 grams fiber, Protein 26 grams protein, Sodium 2.6 milligram of sodium
FRENCH ONION SOUP GRATINEE
About as good as it gets! This is the version of French Onion Soup that people seek when they go to restaurants. I have been making it for 30 years and it never fails to please. It makes an exquisite presentation, too!
Provided by Jersey Tomato
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Vegetable Soup Recipes Onion Soup Recipes French Onion Soup Recipes
Time 1h15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Stir in salt, red onions and sweet onions. Cook 35 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions are caramelized and almost syrupy.
- Mix chicken broth, beef broth, red wine and Worcestershire sauce into pot. Bundle the parsley, thyme, and bay leaf with twine and place in pot. Simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove and discard the herbs. Reduce the heat to low, mix in vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Cover and keep over low heat to stay hot while you prepare the bread.
- Preheat oven broiler. Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet and broil 3 minutes, turning once, until well toasted on both sides. Remove from heat; do not turn off broiler.
- Arrange 4 large oven safe bowls or crocks on a rimmed baking sheet. Fill each bowl 2/3 full with hot soup. Top each bowl with 1 slice toasted bread, 2 slice Gruyere cheese and 1/4 of the Asiago or mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle a little bit of paprika over the top of each one.
- Broil 5 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. As it softens, the cheese will cascade over the sides of the crock and form a beautifully melted crusty seal. Serve immediately!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 617.8 calories, Carbohydrate 39.5 g, Cholesterol 113.9 mg, Fat 35.9 g, Fiber 4.2 g, Protein 29.7 g, SaturatedFat 20.8 g, Sodium 3335.7 mg, Sugar 10.6 g
RED ONION SOUP
SOUP'S ON! Served with a lightly dressed green salad, this savory red onion soup is hearty and filling enough for a light supper. Enjoy!
Provided by Feast Your Eyes
Categories Stocks
Time 1h10m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Slice onions, thinly.
- Melt three (3) tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet; stir in sugar. Add onions and one (1) teaspoon of salt; cook over medium low heat - stirring occasionally until golden and tender (30 to 40 minutes).
- Stir in flour until well blended with the onions and pan juices. Add wine and cook an additional five (5) minutes.
- Add chicken stock and thyme; cook fifteen (15) minutes. Stir occasionally. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F.
- Butter bread on both sides using the remaining one (1) tablespoon of butter. Transfer to baking sheet; sprinkle with cheese. Bake until golden brown (about 10 minutes).
- Add parsley to soup, give a big stir. Ladle into warmed soup bowls, top with cheese toast, and garnish with chives.
- Soup will hold for up to five (5) days.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 523.4, Fat 23.6, SaturatedFat 13.3, Cholesterol 64.4, Sodium 689.8, Carbohydrate 49.1, Fiber 3.9, Sugar 16.3, Protein 19.1
FRENCH RED ONION SOUP WITH MANCHEGO
adapted from an epicurious.com recipe. Be sure to use sodium-reduced beef broth, as the manchego cheese can be quite salty
Provided by Karen in MA
Categories < 4 Hours
Time 1h5m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring broth, water, spices, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil. Remove from heat and let steep 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook onions in oil with 1/4 teaspoon salt in a heavy medium pot over medium heat, covered, stirring occasionally, until deep golden, about 15 minutes. Add wine and boil, uncovered, until reduced to 2 tablespoons, about 1 minute.
- Strain broth through a sieve into onion mixture and briskly simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes. Season with salt.
- Preheat broiler.
- Ladle soup into 4 ovenproof bowls set in a 4-sided sheet pan. Place baguette slices on top and sprinkle each with 1/2 cup cheese. Broil about 6 inches from heat until cheese is melted and bubbling, about 2 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 391.9, Fat 12.6, SaturatedFat 1.9, Cholesterol 0.4, Sodium 686.8, Carbohydrate 56.9, Fiber 5.1, Sugar 10.1, Protein 8.7
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your soup. Look for fresh, organic vegetables, and a good quality beef broth.
- Don't skip the caramelizing step. This is what gives the soup its rich, flavorful base. Be patient and let the onions cook slowly until they are deeply browned.
- Use a variety of onions. Red onions are traditional, but you can also use yellow or white onions. Or, try a mix of different types of onions for a more complex flavor.
- Add a splash of wine. This will help to deglaze the pan and add a bit of acidity to the soup.
- Don't be afraid to experiment. There are many ways to make French onion soup. Feel free to add your own favorite ingredients, such as herbs, spices, or different types of cheese.
Conclusion:
French onion soup is a classic dish that is perfect for a cold winter night. It is rich, flavorful, and comforting. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can easily make this delicious soup at home. So next time you're looking for a warm and satisfying meal, give French onion soup a try. You won't be disappointed.
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