Fabulous Onion Soup
A rich, caramelized onion soup topped with toasted bread and melted Jarlsberg cheese, perfect for cozy gatherings and comforting meals with deep, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 7 c. halved and thinly sliced onions ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 6 c. vegetable broth ⓘ
- 1/3 c. dry sherry
- 1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground pepper ⓘ
- 1 loaf bread, cut into 1/2 inch slices ⓘ
- 12 oz. Jarlsberg shredded cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large heavy pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with oil over medium heat.
- Stir in onions, sugar, and salt.
- Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove lid and cook for 15 minutes more, stirring occasionally.
- Add remaining butter to the pot.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes or until onions are caramelized and very soft.
- Stir in flour and cook for 3 minutes.
- Stir in broth, sherry, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the broiler.
- Lightly toast bread slices.
- Ladle soup into 6 ovenproof bowls and arrange on a baking sheet.
- Place toasted bread on top of each serving.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the bread.
- Broil until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Fabulous Onion Soup, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth or using a mix of different onions, like red and yellow, for complexity. If you prefer a vegan version, substitute the butter with olive oil and use vegan cheese. For a richer broth, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or miso to the vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the onion soup hot, garnished with fresh thyme for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or a hearty sandwich, such as a classic grilled cheese. For a delightful drink pairing, enjoy it alongside a Frozen Pina Colada for a tropical twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover onion soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over medium heat until hot. If you have leftovers of the cheese-topped bread, reheat them in the oven to restore crispness rather than the microwave, which can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fabulous Onion Soup contains roughly 972 calories, with 17g protein, 156g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (126% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), and iron (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2147mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just hold off on adding the cheese and bread until you are ready to serve to keep them fresh. Reheat the soup gently before broiling the cheese on top.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
A crusty baguette or sourdough bread is ideal for this onion soup, as they hold up well when topped with cheese and broiled. You can also use gluten-free bread if you have dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting dish.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Jarlsberg is a great choice for its melting qualities, you can substitute it with Gruyère, Swiss, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Mixing cheeses can also add an interesting twist to your soup.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).