When the weather turns chilly and you yearn for a warm, comforting meal, nothing quite hits the spot like a steaming bowl of French onion soup. This classic dish, with its savory broth, caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese, is a favorite among many. If you’ve been on the hunt for the best French onion soup recipe out there, look no further. This recipe combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions with a savory broth and a generous topping of melted cheese for a truly indulgent experience. Perfect for a cozy night in or to impress guests at a dinner party, this Best French Onion Soup Recipe on Food52 is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
**Best French Onion Soup Recipe On Food52**
**Ingredients:**
– 6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tsp sugar
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 cup dry white wine
– 8 cups beef broth
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Baguette slices
– Gruyere cheese, shredded
– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, about 45 minutes. Make sure not to rush this step, as slow cooking the onions is key to developing their sweet flavor.
2. Add the minced garlic and sugar to the pot and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
4. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine cook down for a few minutes until slightly reduced.
5. Add the beef broth, bay leaves, and dried thyme to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 30-45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. While the soup is simmering, preheat the broiler in your oven. Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them until lightly golden on both sides.
7. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls and top each with a toasted baguette slice. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Gruyere cheese over the top of each bowl.
8. Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish the soup with chopped fresh parsley before serving. The aroma alone will make your mouth water!
Enjoy this Best French Onion Soup hot out of the oven, savoring each spoonful of rich broth, sweet onions, and gooey cheese. Serve it as a comforting meal on a cold evening or as an elegant starter at your next dinner party. This recipe is a surefire way to impress your guests and warm your soul. Bon appétit!
