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French Onion Soup with Caramelized Onions and Cheesy Toast Recipe

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4.2 from 8 reviews

A classic French Onion Soup featuring caramelized brown onions simmered in a rich beef stock, topped with toasted baguette slices smothered in melted Gruyere cheese. This hearty soup is perfect for cozy dinners and showcases traditional French flavors with a comforting cheesy finish.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 50g butter
  • 1kg brown onions, sliced
  • 3 Tbsp flour
  • 1.5 litres beef stock (made from 3 stock cubes)
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

To Serve

  • 1 baguette or rustic white loaf
  • 150g Gruyere cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and 1 teaspoon of salt, sautéing for about 25 minutes until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Towards the end, reduce the heat to low and stir regularly to avoid burning the onions on the bottom of the pot.
  2. Add Flour and Stock: Stir in the flour thoroughly to coat the onions evenly, then slowly pour in the beef stock. Add the crushed garlic, fresh thyme, bay leaves, and season with pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
  3. Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 30 minutes to develop the flavors.
  4. Prepare Cheese Toasts: While the soup simmers, slice the baguette or rustic loaf and lightly toast the slices in a toaster until just browned. Then top each slice generously with grated Gruyere cheese.
  5. Grill Cheese Toasts: Place the cheese-topped bread slices under a grill (broiler) for a few minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown and bubbly.
  6. Serve: Remove bay leaves from the soup. Serve the hot soup in bowls with the cheesy bread on top or on the side to keep it crispy, as preferred.

Notes

  • Caramelizing the onions slowly is crucial for developing the deep, sweet flavor characteristic of French onion soup.
  • Use a good quality beef stock or homemade for best results.
  • Gruyere cheese melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor that complements the soup perfectly.
  • You can substitute the baguette with any rustic white bread if preferred.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute beef stock with a rich vegetable stock and omit bacon or meat-based additions.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/french-onion-soup-with-caramelized-onions-and-cheesy-toast-recipe/