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A bowl of rich French onion soup topped with melted Gruyere cheese and toasted croutons

Quick way to grow: 3 French Onion Soup Basics

Master the basics of French Onion Soup with this quick guide, focusing on essential techniques for a rich and flavorful broth, perfectly caramelized onions, and cheesy croutons.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 large onions
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 0.5 cup dry white wine
  • 1 loaf baguette
  • 8 oz Gruyere cheese
Seasoning
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • large pot or Dutch oven
  • oven-safe bowls

Method
 

Caramelize Onions
  1. Slice the onions thinly and melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions to the pot and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes until they are deeply golden brown and caramelized.
Deglaze and Simmer
  1. Pour in the dry white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the beef broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it gently simmer for at least 20-30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Assemble and Bake
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and slice the baguette into 1-inch thick rounds. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with a baguette slice, and sprinkle generously with shredded Gruyere cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the croutons are golden brown.

Notes

For an even richer flavor, use a mix of beef and chicken broth. A touch of balsamic vinegar can enhance the sweetness of the caramelized onions. Adjust salt and pepper to your preference before serving.