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French Onion Soup

Melena
A warm, savory bowl of French onion soup with rich flavors, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese, perfect for comforting any winter day.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Appetizer, Soup
Cuisine Comfort Food, French
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Soup

  • 4 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 8 cups beef broth Use high-quality broth for best flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour This will help thicken the broth.
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.

For Serving

  • 1 baguette sliced Thick slices for topping.
  • 8 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated Traditional cheese for the dish.
  • to taste Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Caramelize the Onions

  • Heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the thinly sliced onions along with a teaspoon of sugar.
  • Stir frequently for about 30–40 minutes until the onions are rich, golden brown.

Build the Flavor

  • Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir for another couple of minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.

Add the Liquids

  • Pour in the beef broth, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Add thyme, salt, and pepper to taste, and let it simmer for roughly 15–20 minutes.

Prepare for Baking

  • While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut your baguette into thick slices and prepare your cheese.

Assemble and Bake

  • Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, topping them with a slice of baguette and a generous amount of Gruyère cheese.
  • Place under the broiler for about 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

  • Once the cheese is beautifully browned, remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

This soup freezes well, so consider doubling the recipe for quick meals later. Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and adjust seasonings to your taste.
Keyword Classic Recipe, comfort food, Cozy Recipe, French Onion Soup, Nordstrom Cafe