Rich And Simple French Onion Soup
Rich and savory French Onion Soup features caramelized onions, beef broth, and melted cheeses, perfect for cozy gatherings and hearty appetites craving classic comfort food.
Ingredients
- 4 cups sliced onions ⓘ
- 4 (10.5 oz.) cans beef broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) loaf French bread ⓘ
- 6 slices Provolone cheese
- 3/4 cup diced Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in an 8-quart stockpot over medium heat.
- Add olive oil and stir.
- Add sliced onions and cook, stirring continually, until tender and translucent, without browning.
- Add beef broth, dry sherry (if using), and dried thyme.
- Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for 30 minutes.
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe serving bowls.
- Place one slice of French bread on top of each bowl (or break into pieces).
- Layer cheese on top of the bread: a slice of Provolone, half a slice of diced Swiss, and Parmesan cheese.
- Place the bowls on a cookie sheet and broil until the cheese bubbles and is slightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the onions while they cook. If you don't have dry sherry, a splash of white wine or even a bit of apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch. To save time, use pre-sliced onions or a food processor to speed up the slicing process. For a touch of sweetness, sprinkle a bit of sugar over the onions as they cook.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the French onion soup with a fresh salad or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal. Consider pairing it with Collard Greens(Liberian Style) for a delightful contrast. This soup is also perfect as a starter for a dinner party or as a cozy lunch option. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, adding a little water if it has thickened. For the best cheese experience, re-broil the cheese-topped bread separately before serving to regain that bubbly texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rich And Simple French Onion Soup contains roughly 1177 calories, with 19g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2144mg 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 this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this French onion soup vegetarian by substituting the beef broth with vegetable broth. Additionally, consider using a mix of different cheeses like Gruyère for a richer flavor while keeping it meat-free.
How can I make the soup ahead of time?
You can make the soup a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just keep the cheese and bread separate until you're ready to serve. When reheating, follow the same steps for broiling the cheese on top to ensure it stays melted and delicious.
What type of cheese works best for topping?
Provolone is a great choice for its melting qualities, but you can also experiment with Gruyère or mozzarella for different flavors. Mixing these with Swiss and Parmesan creates a delightful cheese blend that enhances the soup's richness.
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).