Bistro French Onion Soup

This Bistro French Onion Soup Recipe is completely homemade and perfect for a chilly day! Caramelized onions, melty cheese, and crusty bread make this one of the best soups ever. It's easy enough for a novice and delicious for everyone in the family.

Now that the weather has cooled off, it's definitely soup season! One of my favorite soups is this Bistro French Onion Soup, probably because there is a lot of melty cheese involved.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Key Ingredients Needed for Bistro French Onion Soup
• How to make This Super Easy French Onion Soup
• Recipe FAQs
• Expert Tips for This Recipe
• Bistro French Onion Soup Recipe
• Did You Make This Recipe?

Why You'll Love This Recipe

You will fall in love with this bistro-style French Onion Soup recipe for its rich and savory broth, caramelized onions, and the irresistible combination of melted cheese and toasted bread topping that creates a heavenly experience. Not only will you have a warm and delicious soup to serve, but your house will also smell amazing when the onions are caramelizing!

Key Ingredients Needed for Bistro French Onion Soup

Yellow Onions: Yellow onions are commonly used in French onion soup for their sweet and rich flavor when caramelized. They add depth and complexity to the soup.

Unsalted Butter and Olive Oil: Butter is used for sautéing the onions and adds a creamy richness to the soup. Olive oil is often combined with butter to sauté the onions. It adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps prevent the butter from burning

Sugar: A small amount of sugar is added to aid in the caramelization process, helping the onions develop a deep, sweet flavor.

All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour is used as a thickening agent in traditional French onion soup. However, it can be skipped for a gluten-free option.

Beef Broth: Beef broth is the base of the soup and provides a rich and savory flavor. Chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted if preferred.

White Wine (optional): White wine can be added to add a subtle acidity and complexity to the soup.

Fresh Oregano (or any fresh herb you like): Fresh oregano or other herbs of your choice can be added for additional flavor and aroma.

Baguette: A baguette is typically sliced and toasted to create the iconic bread topping for French onion soup. It adds a crispy texture and absorbs the flavors of the soup.

Gruyere Cheese: Gruyere cheese is traditionally used for French onion soup. It has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that melts beautifully and forms a golden crust on top of the soup.

How to make This Super Easy French Onion Soup

Step 1: Carmelize the Onions

For this recipe, I used a Dutch oven to cook the onions and soup. The heat of the cast iron helps with the onion caramelization.

Add the butter and oil and melt over medium-low heat. After the butter stops bubbling, add the onions and stir to coat the onions. Cover and cook for 15 minutes on low.

Remove the lid and add salt, pepper, and sugar to get the caramelization going. Continue to cook on medium-low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are nice and brown.

Step 2: Make The Soup Broth

Add the flour to the onions and stir for about 60 seconds. Add the broth, wine, and herbs to the onions, and cook partially covered on low heat for about 40-45 minutes.

While the soup is cooking, slice the bread into slices or large cubes and brown under a broiler for a few minutes to get them crispy.

Step 3: Broil the Cheese and Bread

Pour the soup into individual oven-safe serving bowls. Top with the bread slices or cubes and then a generous amount of cheese.

Place the bowls under the broiler in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe FAQs

Expert Tips for This Recipe

• Slow and Low Caramelization: Take your time when caramelizing the onions. Cook them slowly over low heat to allow the natural sugars to develop and create deep, rich flavors. This process can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, but it's worth the patience for the best results.
• Use a Combination of Butter and Olive Oil: Using a combination of unsalted butter and olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning while adding a delicate fruity flavor to the onions.
• Season Gradually: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper in stages throughout the cooking process. This allows you to layer the flavors and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
• Let it Rest: After the soup is cooked, allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and results in a more harmonious taste.

Did You Make This Recipe?

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