Heartland Onion Soup
A rich, savory onion soup featuring caramelized onions, beef broth, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting gatherings and onion lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 6 large yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. dried thyme leaves ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 8 c. rich beef broth ⓘ
- 1/2 c. dry sherry
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- freshly ground pepper
- 4 to 6 slices stale French bread ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 c. grated Jack cheese ⓘ
- 4 to 6 tsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- Dijon style mustard ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat butter over medium heat in a soup pot until butter foams. Add the sliced onions; toss to coat completely.
- Reduce heat to low and cover; cook 15 to 20 minutes until translucent.
- Uncover the pot; raise heat to medium.
- Sprinkle onions with sugar, salt, and thyme; sauté very slowly until onions are a rich golden brown, about 45 minutes.
- Sprinkle browned onions with flour; cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring.
- Ladle in the simmering beef broth, whisking to incorporate liquid.
- Add the sherry and simmer the soup for 30 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and cook for 10 minutes longer.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toast stale French bread slices and set aside.
- Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted bread slices, then sprinkle with grated Jack cheese.
- Dot each bowl with a small amount of butter or margarine and broil until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot, optionally with a dab of Dijon mustard.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider using a mix of yellow onions and sweet onions. If you want a richer broth, homemade beef broth is ideal. You can substitute dry sherry with white wine or omit it altogether for a non-alcoholic version. To speed up caramelization, add a pinch of baking soda to the onions while cooking. This dish pairs beautifully with Beef Texas Skillet.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with a simple side salad or some crispy roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A dollop of Dijon mustard on the side adds a nice tang. This soup can be served as an appetizer or main dish, and pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the soup thickens. Avoid microwaving as it may cause the bread to become soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Heartland Onion Soup contains roughly 1292 calories, with 11g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 116g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (102% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and iron (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 851mg per serving (37% 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 this soup in advance?
Yes, Heartland Onion Soup can be made a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator after cooking. Reheat before serving, adding bread and cheese just before broiling for the best texture.
What can I use instead of Jack cheese?
If Jack cheese isn't available, you can substitute it with Gruyère or Swiss cheese for a similar melt and flavor. Both will complement the rich flavors of the soup nicely.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! Substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth and skip the sherry or use a non-alcoholic option. The caramelized onions will still provide a rich flavor, making it a delicious vegetarian choice.
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).