Classic French Onion Soup (Restaurant-Style, Detailed)

📝 Serves

4–6 bowls

🛒 Ingredients

🧅 For the Caramelized Onions (The Heart of the Soup)

• 4 large yellow onions (about 2½–3 lbs), thinly sliced

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp sugar (optional, helps browning)

🍲 For the Broth

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• ½ cup dry white wine or dry sherry

• 6 cups high-quality beef broth (or beef stock)

• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)

• 1 bay leaf

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional but adds depth)

🥖 For the Topping

• 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds

• 1½–2 cups freshly grated Gruyère cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional for extra browning)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Properly Caramelize the Onions (35–45 Minutes)

This step determines the flavor — do not rush it.

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

2. Add sliced onions and salt. Stir to coat.

3. Cook uncovered, stirring every few minutes.

At first:

• Onions will soften and release moisture (10–15 minutes).

Midway:

• They’ll turn golden and begin sticking slightly to the pan.

Later:

• Lower heat to medium-low.

• Stir more frequently.

• Scrape browned bits (that’s flavor).

Cook until:

• Deep amber brown

• Sweet-smelling

• Reduced by about 75%

If needed, add 1–2 tbsp water to deglaze during cooking.

✨ Optional: Sprinkle ½ tsp sugar halfway through to boost caramelization.

🍷 Step 2: Build the Base

1. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds.

2. Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes (removes raw taste).

3. Pour in wine and scrape the bottom of the pot thoroughly.

4. Let wine reduce for 2–3 minutes.

🍲 Step 3: Simmer the Soup

1. Add beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, black pepper, and Worcestershire (if using).

2. Bring to a gentle simmer.

3. Simmer uncovered 20–30 minutes to deepen flavor.

4. Remove bay leaf.

5. Taste and adjust salt.

Flavor should be:

• Rich

• Savory

• Slightly sweet from onions

• Deep brown in color

🥖 Step 4: Prepare the Bread

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Arrange baguette slices on baking sheet.

3. Toast 5–7 minutes until lightly crisp.

Tip: Slightly stale bread works best.

🧀 Step 5: Assemble & Broil

1. Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls (leave ½ inch at top).

2. Place 1–2 toasted bread slices on top.

3. Cover generously with Gruyère.

4. Sprinkle Parmesan for extra browning.

5. Place bowls on baking sheet.

6. Broil 2–4 minutes until cheese is:

   • Fully melted

   • Bubbly

   • Deep golden brown

Watch carefully — it browns quickly!

🌟 Pro Tips for That Thick Golden Cheese Cap

• Use freshly grated cheese (pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly).

• Pile cheese high — it will settle as it melts.

• For dramatic browning, broil close to heat source.

🧊 Storage

• Store soup (without bread/cheese) up to 4 days refrigerated.

• Freeze up to 3 months.

• Add fresh bread and cheese when reheating.

🍽 Optional Variations

• Use half beef broth + half chicken broth for lighter flavor.

• Add a splash of cognac for restaurant-style depth.

• Make vegetarian using rich mushroom broth.

• Add a pinch of balsamic for extra richness.