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Cozy French Onion Soup Recipe with Easy Gruyere Croutons Perfect for Winter

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A comforting and soulful French onion soup featuring slow caramelized onions and melty Gruyere croutons, perfect for chilly evenings and simple weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups beef broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, substitute with extra broth if preferred)
  • A few sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Baguette or crusty bread, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds and toasted
  • 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyere cheese (Emmental or Swiss cheese as substitutes)

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice 4 large yellow onions.
  2. Heat 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  3. Add the onions and a pinch of salt to help draw out moisture. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes until the onions are deeply golden and soft. If onions start to stick or brown too fast, lower the heat and add a splash of water.
  4. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce slightly for about 3 minutes.
  6. Add 6 cups beef broth, a few sprigs of fresh thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  8. While the soup simmers, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice baguette into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Place on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden and slightly crisp.
  9. Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place 2-3 toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl.
  10. Generously sprinkle 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyere cheese over the bread.
  11. Place bowls under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until cheese bubbles and turns golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  12. Remove from oven carefully and garnish with a small thyme sprig if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Slow caramelization of onions is key for deep sweetness; do not rush. If onions stick, add a splash of water or broth. Use fine shredded Gruyere for even melting. Watch cheese carefully under broiler to prevent burning. For gluten-free, substitute bread and ensure broth is gluten-free. Soup tastes better the next day; keep croutons and cheese separate until serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion soup, Gruyere croutons, caramelized onions, comfort food, winter soup, easy soup recipe, cozy soup

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/cozy-french-onion-soup-recipe-with-easy-gruyere-croutons-perfect-for-winter/