Description
This Rich and Simple French Onion Soup combines caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and a blend of melty cheeses atop toasted French bread, creating a comforting and classic French dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups sliced onions
- 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
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring frequently, until they caramelize to a deep golden brown, about 30-40 minutes.
- Add liquids and herbs: Pour in the beef broth and dry sherry. Stir in dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook gently for about 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare bread and cheese: While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to broil. Place the French bread slices on a baking sheet, and toast them lightly under the broiler to get a slight crisp.
- Assemble and broil: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place one toasted slice of French bread on top of each bowl. Layer with provolone slices, diced Swiss cheese, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Melt cheese and serve: Place the bowls under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Carefully remove from oven and serve hot.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.
- Dry sherry adds depth but can be omitted or replaced with white wine if preferred.
- Use oven-safe soup bowls for broiling cheese safely.
- Caramelizing onions slowly is key for rich flavor; don’t rush this step.
