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French Onion Soup Recipe: Easy Homemade Gruyere Crust for Cozy Winter Nights

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This classic French onion soup features deeply caramelized onions simmered in a rich broth, topped with a bubbling Gruyere cheese crust. It’s the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large yellow onions (about 3 lbs), peeled and thinly sliced
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
  • 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 1–1.5 tsp salt, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp sugar (optional)
  • 8–10 slices baguette or rustic bread (about 1 cm thick), toasted
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese (about 8 oz)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 oz, optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and thinly slice the onions (about 1/8 inch thick).
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onions, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp sugar (if using).
  3. Cook onions slowly, stirring every few minutes, until deep golden brown and caramelized (about 30–35 minutes). Add a splash of water if they start sticking.
  4. Stir in minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Add dry white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the pot. Cook for 2–3 minutes until most of the wine evaporates.
  6. Pour in beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Season with remaining salt and pepper. Simmer partially covered for 20–25 minutes. Remove bay leaf and thyme sprigs before serving.
  7. While soup simmers, slice baguette and toast on a baking sheet at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until lightly crisp. Grate Gruyere and Parmesan cheese.
  8. Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Float 1–2 toasted baguette slices on each bowl, then top generously with Gruyere and Parmesan.
  9. Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil under high heat for 2–4 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Rotate baking sheet halfway through for even browning.
  10. Serve immediately while hot, with the cheese crust melting into the rich broth.

Notes

For vegetarian, use vegetable or mushroom broth. For gluten-free, use GF bread. For dairy-free, substitute vegan butter and cheese. Soup base can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight for deeper flavor. If onions look dry during caramelization, add a splash of broth. Mix in mozzarella for extra gooeyness. Broil bread and cheese separately if you don’t have oven-safe bowls.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion soup, Gruyere crust, caramelized onions, winter comfort food, easy soup recipe, classic French soup, cozy dinner, vegetarian option, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/french-onion-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-gruyere-crust-for-cozy-winter-nights/