Here’s a classic, traditional onion soup recipe—simple, rich, and flavorful, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to help caramelize)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices of baguette or crusty bread
- 1 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Instructions
1. Caramelize the Onions
- Heat butter + olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and sugar. Cook slowly for 30–40 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions are deep golden brown.
2. Add Garlic and Deglaze
- Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Pour in wine (if using) to deglaze, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
3. Simmer the Soup
- Add broth, bay leaf, and thyme.
- Bring to a gentle simmer for 20–30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf before serving.
4. Prepare the Toppings
- Toast baguette slices lightly.
- Preheat broiler.
5. Assemble & Serve
- Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls.
- Place toasted bread on top, sprinkle generously with cheese.
- Broil 2–4 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot!
💡 Tips for a Perfect Onion Soup
- Caramelizing slowly is key to deep flavor.
- Use good-quality broth—it makes a huge difference.
- Gruyère is traditional, but Swiss or mozzarella works in a pinch.
If you like, I can also give a “healthier twist” version of traditional onion soup that keeps the flavor but reduces calories and sodium. Do you want me to do that?
