There’s something magical about the moment when you crack through the golden, cheesy crust of a perfectly prepared French onion soup. The steam rises, carrying with it the rich aroma of caramelized onions and savory broth.
Today, I’m excited to share with you my favorite recipe for traditional Parisian-style French onion soup. This hearty, comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner, serving 4-6 people. So, let’s dive in and bring a taste of Paris to your dining table!
Ingredients
- 6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 8 cups beef stock (homemade if possible)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch rounds
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
- Create the base: Sprinkle flour over the caramelized onions and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually add the beef stock, white wine, bay leaves, and thyme sprigs, stirring to combine.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes. The soup should thicken slightly and develop a rich, complex flavor.
- Season to perfection: Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Prepare the baguette: While the soup simmers, preheat your oven’s broiler. Toast the baguette slices until golden brown on both sides.
- Assemble and serve: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Float a few toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl and generously sprinkle with grated Gruyère cheese.
- Melt the cheese: Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Pro Tip: For an extra touch of authenticity, rub a clove of garlic on the toasted baguette slices before adding them to the soup!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your French onion soup immediately, while the cheese is still gooey and the broth is piping hot. Warn your family about the hot bowls – the anticipation of that first spoonful breaking through the cheesy crust is part of the experience!
For a complete family dinner, pair this soup with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad beautifully complements the rich, savory flavors of the soup.
A Taste of Paris at Home
As you savor each spoonful of this classic French onion soup, close your eyes and let your senses transport you to the streets of Paris. The sweet aroma of caramelized onions, the savory depth of the beef broth, and the gooey, melted Gruyère – it’s all there, bringing a touch of French culinary magic to your family dinner table.
This recipe may take a bit of time and patience, but I promise you, the result is well worth the effort. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, a journey through flavor that your family will remember long after the last drop is gone.
So, gather your loved ones, uncork a bottle of French wine if you’re so inclined, and enjoy this comforting classic. Bon appétit!
