French Onion Soup with Gruyere Croutons

Classic French onion soup with deeply caramelized onions, beef broth, and topped with toasted Gruyere cheese croutons, a comforting French delight.

Ingredients

• 3 large (yellow or sweet) Onions
• 6 cups (low sodium) Beef Broth
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/4 cup (or dry white wine) Dry Sherry
• 6 slices (baguette or similar) French Bread
• 150 g (grated) Gruyere Cheese
• 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

1. Slice onions thinly. Melt butter and olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions, salt, and pepper. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply caramelized and a rich brown color, about 40-50 minutes. This step is crucial for the soup's flavor.
3. Add dry sherry (or dry white wine) and cook for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (deglazing).
4. Pour in beef broth, add fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Preheat broiler. Slice French bread into 1-inch thick slices and toast lightly.
6. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, removing thyme sprigs and bay leaf before serving. Top each bowl with two slices of toasted French bread.
7. Grate Gruyere cheese generously over the bread. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
8. Serve immediately.

Cuisine: French

Suitability:

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 40 mins

Serving Size: 3

Meal Type: dinner