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Cozy French Onion Soup Recipe with Easy Gruyere Toast for Perfect Comfort

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A comforting French onion soup featuring slow-caramelized onions in a rich broth, topped with broiled Gruyere cheese on toasted baguette slices. Perfect for cozy nights and easy to make with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thickness)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional but recommended)
  • 2 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 baguette slices, about 1/2-inch thick
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese (about 6 ounces)
  • 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and thinly slice 4 large yellow onions to about 1/8-inch thickness (about 10 minutes).
  2. In a heavy-bottomed large pot or Dutch oven, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt, stirring to coat evenly.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook onions, stirring every 5 minutes, for 45–55 minutes until deep golden brown without burning.
  4. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard powder (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift browned bits. Simmer until mostly evaporated, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Add 6 cups beef broth, 2 thyme sprigs, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes.
  7. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Season soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  8. Preheat broiler. Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast under broiler for 1-2 minutes per side until golden but not burnt.
  9. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls. Place one or two toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl and sprinkle generously with shredded Gruyere cheese (about 1/4 cup per bowl).
  10. Place bowls on baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts, bubbles, and turns light golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  11. Remove bowls carefully from oven. Let cool for a minute or two, then serve immediately.

Notes

Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning. Stir onions frequently and add a splash of water if they stick. Broil cheese toast on the middle rack and watch carefully to avoid burning. For vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and vegetarian-friendly cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread. Slow cooker method: caramelize onions on stove, then simmer soup in slow cooker for 2 hours on low.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion soup, Gruyere toast, caramelized onions, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cozy soup, broiled cheese toast

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