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Cozy French Onion Soup Recipe with Easy Gruyère Crouton Bake

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A comforting French onion soup featuring deeply caramelized onions, savory broth, and a crispy Gruyère cheese crouton bake, perfect for chilly nights and cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Baguette or rustic French bread, sliced 1/2-inch thick
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

Instructions

  1. Peel and thinly slice 4 large yellow onions (about 1/8 inch thick).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add onions with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring frequently, for 40-45 minutes until deep golden brown and caramelized. Add a splash of water if onions start to stick.
  3. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 2 bay leaves and 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme).
  4. Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Add 6 cups beef broth, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 20 minutes. Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice baguette into 1/2-inch rounds. Place slices on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
  7. Remove toasted bread from oven, pile shredded Gruyère cheese on each slice, and return to oven or broil on high for 3-5 minutes until cheese bubbles and turns golden brown.
  8. Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls, place one or two cheese-topped croutons on top, and broil for 1-2 minutes if possible to melt cheese over soup. Otherwise, serve croutons on the side.

Notes

Stir onions often during caramelization to prevent burning and achieve sweet, nutty flavor. Toast bread before adding cheese to keep croutons crispy. Use good quality broth for best flavor. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread or cheese chips. Slow cooker adaptation possible by caramelizing onions first then cooking on low for 4 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion soup, Gruyère, caramelized onions, comfort food, soup recipe, easy French onion soup, cheesy croutons

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