French Onion Soup For Four
A rich, savory French Onion Soup featuring caramelized onions, melted cheese, and toasted bread, perfect for comforting gatherings and onion lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the butter in a large, heavy saucepan.
- Add the onions; cover and cook over very low heat for 20 minutes.
- Remove cover and stir in brown sugar.
- Stir until onions are browned.
- Stir in paprika and flour.
- Add broth, thyme, salt, and pepper; simmer, uncovered, over gentle heat for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the broiler.
- Ladle soup into four soup crocks.
- Place the crocks on a baking sheet.
- Put a round of French bread in each and sprinkle with cheeses.
- Place the baking sheet 4 inches from the broiler and cook for 4 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For deeper flavor, consider caramelizing the onions for longer than the suggested time. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth and add additional herbs for flavor. You can also use a mixture of cheeses, such as Gruyere and mozzarella, for a unique twist. If you want a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve French Onion Soup with a light salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Beef Stew Provencale for a hearty dining experience. For a more casual setting, consider offering a selection of crusty breads for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If reheating the bread and cheese topping, you might want to place it under the broiler briefly to regain that bubbly texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Onion Soup For Four contains roughly 1079 calories, with 26g protein, 215g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (641% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (216% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1886mg per serving (82% 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 French Onion Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove when ready to serve, adding the cheese and bread just before broiling.
What type of onions are best for French Onion Soup?
Yellow onions are traditionally used for their sweet flavor when caramelized. However, you can also experiment with sweet onions like Vidalia or even a mix of onions for added depth.
Can I freeze French Onion Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup without the bread and cheese. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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).