Weight Watchers Recipes

How to Make Classic Homemade French Onion Soup

Indulge in the warmth and depth of “Classic Comfort: French Onion Soup,” a traditional French dish known for its rich, caramelized onions and savory broth, topped with a toasted baguette slice and melted Gruyère cheese. This soup combines simple ingredients to create a complex array of flavors and textures, making it a favorite in bistros and home kitchens alike. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a sophisticated starter for a dinner party, French Onion Soup is a timeless recipe that soothes the soul and delights the palate.

Why You’ll Love French Onion Soup:

  • Rich Flavor: The slow-cooked onions develop a deep, sweet richness that forms the base of this incredibly flavorful soup.
  • Cheesy Goodness: The melted Gruyère cheese adds a creamy, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the savory broth.
  • Elegant yet Comforting: While it’s elegant enough for special occasions, its comforting warmth makes it ideal for a cozy night in.
  • Satisfying and Heartwarming: A bowl of this soup is both filling and heartwarming, making it a perfect meal on its own or as part of a larger spread.
  • Ingredients Notes For French Onion Soup:
  • Onions: Typically, a mix of yellow onions are used for their perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
  • Beef Stock: Forms the rich and savory base of the soup. For a vegetarian version, a robust vegetable stock can substitute.
  • Butter: Used for cooking the onions, it adds richness and helps in the caramelization process.
  • Wine: A splash of dry white wine adds acidity and depth to the soup, helping to deglaze the pan and pick up all the flavorful bits.
  • Thyme: Fresh thyme complements the sweetness of the onions and adds a layer of herbal complexity.
  • Baguette and Cheese: A slice of toasted baguette topped with melted Gruyère cheese is essential for that classic presentation and taste.
  • Recipe Steps:
  • Caramelize the Onions: Melt butter in a large pot, add sliced onions, and cook slowly until they are deeply caramelized, stirring occasionally.
  • Deglaze: Add white wine to the onions, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  • Simmer: Add beef or vegetable stock and thyme. Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 30 minutes to blend the flavors.
  • Prepare Bread and Cheese: Meanwhile, toast slices of baguette until golden brown. Grate the Gruyère cheese.
  • Broil: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, place a slice of toasted baguette on top of each, and sprinkle generously with grated Gruyère. Broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Serve: Carefully remove from the oven and serve hot, garnished with a sprig of thyme or a little freshly cracked black pepper.
  • Storage Options:
  • Refrigerate: Store the soup (without the bread and cheese topping) in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: The onion and broth mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat, adding fresh bread and cheese before serving.

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