Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe
This rich and simple French Onion Soup recipe delivers classic comfort in every bowl. Caramelized onions simmered in savory beef broth with a touch of dry sherry are topped with crusty French bread and a melty cheese trio, then broiled to bubbly perfection. Easy to prepare yet full of deep flavor, it's a timeless favorite perfect for cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Sauté Base
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups sliced onions
Soup
- 5 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 4 slices French bread
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 2 slices Swiss cheese, diced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients to have them ready for cooking, ensuring the onions are thinly sliced for even cooking.
- Sauté Onions: In an 8-quart stock pot over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add the sliced onions and continuously stir until they become tender and translucent, avoiding any browning to maintain sweetness.
- Simmer Soup: Pour in the beef broth, dry sherry, and sprinkle in the dried thyme. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your taste. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 30 minutes to blend the flavors harmoniously. Preheat your oven's broiler during this time.
- Assemble Bowls: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe serving bowls. Place one slice of French bread atop each bowl, breaking the bread into pieces if preferred. Layer each bread slice with a slice of provolone cheese, half of the diced Swiss cheese, and approximately one tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Broil Cheese Topping: Arrange the bowls on a rimmed sheet pan and place them under the preheated broiler. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned, providing a golden crust.
- Serve: Carefully remove the hot bowls from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy your hearty, cheesy French Onion Soup while it's warm.
Notes
- Do not brown the onions; cooking them translucent preserves a sweeter flavor.
- If preferred, break the French bread into smaller pieces before placing on the soup.
- Use oven-safe bowls specifically designed for broiling to avoid accidents.
- Dry sherry adds depth; if unavailable, a dry white wine or additional broth can be substituted.
- Broil time may vary depending on your oven, watch carefully to avoid burning the cheese.
