Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of pure comfort – Cheesy French Onion Soup: A Cozy Classic with a Golden Crust! 🧀🥣🇫🇷
This soup is the epitome of French cuisine – simple, rustic, and bursting with flavor. The key to a fantastic French onion soup is taking the time to caramelize those onions until they’re melt-in-your-mouth tender and sweet. Trust me, it’s worth every minute!
Now, let’s talk about why this soup is a budget-friendly winner. Onions are one of the most affordable veggies out there, and they form the backbone of this dish. By using chicken broth and a splash of white wine, you’re adding depth and richness without breaking the bank. And who doesn’t love the idea of transforming slightly stale bread into a cheesy, golden topping? It’s like giving leftovers a gourmet makeover!
I remember the first time I made this soup for my family on a chilly evening. We had just gotten back from a long hike, and everyone was craving something warm and comforting. I had a bag of onions and some leftover bread, so I decided to give this classic recipe a whirl. The aroma of caramelized onions filled the kitchen, and when I pulled those bubbling, cheesy bowls out of the oven, my family’s eyes lit up. We gathered around the table, each eagerly diving into our own little crock of heaven. It was a moment of pure bliss, and the best part? I knew I had created a restaurant-quality dish without spending a fortune.
So, if you’re ready to impress your taste buds and your loved ones with a budget-friendly, French-inspired masterpiece, give this Cheesy French Onion Soup a try. It’s a cozy classic that never goes out of style, and it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time! 🥰
Happy cooking, my friends! 👩🍳💜
Cheesy French Onion Soup
The secret behind a truly delicious onion soup is to sauté the onions for a long time. I make my onion soup without thyme in the soup itself but like to sprinkle some fresh thyme on top.
Ingredients
- 2.6 lbs yellow onions
- Margarine or butter for sautéing
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 10 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup white wine
- Bay leaves
- 4 slices of bread, preferably slightly stale
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups grated cheese, preferably aged
- For serving:
- Finely chopped fresh thyme
Instructions
- Peel the onions and cut them into half-moons. Sauté the onions in a pan for 10 minutes, working in batches, until they are soft and glossy. Transfer them to a pot as you go.
- Sauté all the onions in the pot for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring often. The onions are ready when they almost fall apart.
- Add the sugar and stir. Pour in the chicken broth, wine, and bay leaves, and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes, covered.
- Divide the soup into 4 oven-safe bowls. Place bread slices and grated cheese on top. Put the bowls on a baking sheet.
- Gratinate in the middle of the oven at 400-425°F until the cheese is golden brown, which takes about 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle finely chopped thyme on top before serving.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.