French Onion Soup Du Jour Recipe

November 12, 2023
by Cindy Williams
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- Slider,
- Soups and Stews
Cuisine: Comfort Food, French
Difficulty: Easy

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Prep Time

30 minutes
Cook Time

2 to 3 hours
Serving

4
View

512

About the French Onion Soup Du Jour Recipe

Enjoy this French Onion Soup recipe – the perfect French-style soup to serve this weekend!

The recipe for Vidalia Onion Soup is already on this site. But last night’s soup had a few tweaks. I used three really big yellow onions, sliced thin with the mandolin, and slow-cooked them for at least an hour, almost two hours. I cooked them over medium to low heat in olive oil and a little butter until they were soft, and reduced and golden. When the pot seemed to be getting too dry, I poured in a little white wine.

For the actual soup base, I used some reduced beef stock that was in my freezer and added some prepared beef stock from Fresh Market – the result was a surprising depth of flavor. Be sure to heat the stock before adding it to the caramelized onions.

I made a cheesecloth sachet with fresh thyme and simmered it in the soup for about thirty minutes because I just wanted a hint of herby flavor. I added about 3 tbs. of Brandy to the soup at the end. Don’t forget to salt the soup! And of course, what really makes this French Onion soup amazing is the thick slice of sourdough bread covered with Gruyère cheese that tops it.

Pour the warm soup in an ovenproof crock, then put the bread and cheese over its surface and place in a hot oven (400 degrees) until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted brown around the edges. If you can’t travel to France this weekend, making this soup is the next best thing!

Directions

French Onion Soup Overview:

Step 1

First step is to caramelize the onions. Slice them thinly and then sauté them in a Dutch oven, first over medium heat, and then over low heat while they cook for a few hours. Add olive oil and butter as needed. A splash of white wine is good too.

Step 2

Next step of the French Onion soup recipe is to heat the stock and pour it into the Dutch oven. Let the soup simmer for another hour or so. Adjust the seasonings here. Add the thyme sachet and salt. Remove the sachet after thirty minutes or so. Thicken with the cornstarch slurry if necessary. At the very end, pour in a little brandy.

Step 3

Lastly, heat the oven to 400 degrees. Pour the soup in ovenproof crocks. Cover thick slices of sourdough bread with Gruyère cheese. Put the soup crocks in the oven and let the cheese melt and the bread toast to a golden brown. The last step of the French Onion recipe is to sprinkle some thyme leaves on top and serve with a spoon and fork!

Conclusion

French Onion Recipe FAQs

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about French Onion soup. When in doubt, contact me for more information on how to make this delicious recipe!

How to make French onion soup?

For a French onion soup recipe, you will caramelize sliced onions in butter, then add garlic and deglaze the pan with white wine or brandy. Add beef or vegetable stock and simmer. Pour into oven-safe bowls, top with a slice of baguette and grated Gruyère cheese, and broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

What to serve with French onion soup?

French onion soup recipes pair well with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the soup. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a roast chicken or a grilled cheese sandwich. Crusty bread is also perfect for dipping.

What cheese goes on French onion soup?

Traditionally, Gruyère cheese is used for topping French onion soup due to its excellent melting qualities and nutty, slightly sweet flavor. Swiss or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan can be used as substitutes if Gruyère is not available, aiming to achieve a similar gooey texture and rich taste.

What goes with French onion soup?

French onion soup is often enjoyed with a side of crusty bread for dipping. It can also be served as a starter to a main course like steak, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. For a complete French-inspired meal, pair it with a light Beaujolais wine.