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French Onion Soup with Gruyere and Baguette

French Onion Soup with Gruyere and Baguette
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Savor classic French Onion Soup with deeply caramelized yellow onions, savory beef or vegetable broth, and aromatic herbs, crowned with toasted baguette slices topped with melted Gruyere cheese. This comforting and flavorful dish offers a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors with an irresistible creamy and crunchy texture contrast, ideal for a cozy meal or elegant appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Onions and Aromatics

  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Broth

  • 4 cups beef broth or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or sherry (optional)

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fat for Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Bread & Cheese

  • 1 baguette, sliced into thick rounds
  • 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the yellow onions. In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Slowly cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for 40-50 minutes until they become deeply golden brown and emit a rich, sweet aroma. Patience is key to developing the signature flavor.
  2. Add Garlic and Deglaze the Pan: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in dry white wine or sherry to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom to add complexity and acidity that balance the sweetness.
  3. Simmer with Broth and Herbs: Add the broth, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes to blend flavors and reduce the liquid slightly. Season with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Prepare the Baguette Slices: While the soup simmers, slice the baguette into thick rounds. Toast the slices lightly in a preheated oven or on a skillet until just golden and crisp, so they hold up well atop the soup.
  5. Assemble and Broil: Ladle the hot soup into ovenproof bowls. Place toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl, then generously cover with shredded Gruyere cheese. Place the bowls under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Low and slow cooking of onions unlocks sweetness and depth.
  • Use good-quality broth for richer flavor.
  • Slightly stale baguette slices toast better and hold texture.
  • Grate your own Gruyere cheese for optimal melting.
  • Watch cheese carefully while broiling to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Onion Soup, Gruyere, Baguette, Caramelized Onions, Comfort Food, French Cuisine, Soup Recipe

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/french-onion-soup-with-gruyere-and-baguette/